When's the Right Time for Diablo 5? Blizzard's Rod Fergusson Wants Diablo 4 'To Be Around for Years... I Don't Know if It's Eternal'

Rod Fergusson, Diablo general manager, began his DICE Summit 2025 presentation not with a victory lap, but by addressing one of Diablo's most infamous setbacks: Error 37. This launch-day error in Diablo 3, caused by an overwhelming influx of players, resulted in widespread frustration and became a memorable meme. While Diablo 3 eventually triumphed, the experience underscored the importance of preventing similar catastrophes, especially with Diablo's evolution into a complex live-service model featuring frequent updates, seasons, and expansions.

The potential for another Error 37-like incident is catastrophic, particularly given Blizzard's ambition for Diablo 4 to endure beyond its major content releases—a true live-service juggernaut. This long-term vision is a significant departure from previous numbered Diablo titles.

Diablo, Immortal

At DICE Summit 2025, I spoke with Fergusson following his presentation, "Evolving Sanctuary: Building a Resilient Live-Service Game in Diablo IV." He highlighted four crucial elements for Diablo 4's resilience: scalable infrastructure, consistent content delivery, adaptability in design, and proactive player communication. His emphasis on long-term player engagement contrasts sharply with past Diablo games. While expansions and updates were common, Diablo 4 represents a deeper commitment to the live-service model, prioritizing sustained engagement over the traditional numbered release cycle.

I asked Fergusson about Diablo 4's longevity—is it aiming for immortality? Will it persist indefinitely like World of Warcraft, or is there a planned transition to Diablo 5? While not promising eternity, Fergusson emphasized a long-term vision.

“We want it to be around for years,” he stated. “I don't know if it's eternal… We want people to see the road ahead, respecting their investment of hundreds of hours. We're committed to the long haul.”

He noted the decade-long gaps between Diablo 2 and 3, and 3 and 4, acknowledging that those games lacked Diablo 4's aggressive update schedule. His arrival in 2020, following years leading the Gears franchise, brought a new perspective. Fergusson emphasizes forward planning, but with a cautious approach.

His DICE Summit announcement of Diablo 4's second expansion arriving in 2026, rather than the initially planned year, exemplifies this. The timeline for Vessel of Hatred was extended due to diverting resources to critical live game updates and the first season. The 18-month gap between Diablo 4's launch and Vessel of Hatred, instead of the planned 12, led to a revised approach.

“I learned my lesson about calling the shot too early,” he admitted. “Giving an 11-month heads-up is about as far as I’m comfortable going right now… We're not ready to set a firm date publicly. We're still learning and refining our process.”

Ruining the Surprise…on Purpose

Fergusson's caution is understandable, especially with the team's increased transparency. This includes an upcoming content roadmap (April release) and the Public Test Realm (PTR), allowing players to experience upcoming patches before official release. Initially hesitant about spoiling surprises, Fergusson shifted his perspective.

“It's better to ruin the surprise for 10,000 people so that millions of people have a great season,” he explained. “A bad week on the PTR is preferable to three months of recovery from a poorly received surprise update.”

He aims to expand PTR access to consoles, currently limited to PC due to certification complexities. Xbox's support is crucial here. Diablo 4's presence on Game Pass is also a significant advantage, removing barriers to entry and attracting a broader player base.

“Game Pass eliminates the barrier of purchasing the game. We see a constant influx of new Game Pass players discovering Diablo 4,” he observed. This contrasts with the easier growth of free-to-play titles like Diablo Immortal.

All Hours Diablo

Concluding our conversation, I asked Fergusson about his gaming habits, seeking inspiration behind his approach. While he acknowledged comparisons to Path of Exile 2, he emphasized their differences. He aims to balance player preferences, noting requests to avoid overlapping seasons in different games.

His top three games of 2024, based on playtime, revealed his priorities: NHL 24 (third), Destiny 2 (second), and Diablo 4 (first, with 650 hours on his personal account alone). His current characters are a Companion Druid and a Dance of Knives Rogue, highlighting his deep engagement with the game.

“It's the habit of the game,” he explained. “I get distracted by other games, but Diablo 4 has a hold on me. It’s my favorite game, and that doesn't change just because I work on it.”