At the DICE Summit 2025, Rod Fergusson, the general manager of the Diablo series, began his keynote not with tales of triumph, but by addressing one of the franchise's most notorious setbacks: Error 37. This infamous error plagued the launch of Diablo 3, preventing countless players from logging in due to server overload. The incident not only sparked widespread criticism of Blizzard’s launch strategy but also turned into a meme. Despite this rocky start, Blizzard managed to resolve the issue, and Diablo 3 eventually became a success story after significant effort and time. However, the memory of Error 37 has driven Blizzard and Fergusson to ensure such a debacle never repeats, particularly as Diablo evolves into a more intricate live service model with regular updates, seasons, and expansions. The stakes are especially high for Diablo 4, which is designed to be a robust live service game, and another major error could jeopardize its longevity and ambition to be a perpetual gaming juggernaut.
Diablo, Immortal
During my conversation with Rod Fergusson at the DICE Summit 2025 in Las Vegas, following his talk titled "Evolving Sanctuary: Building a Resilient Live-Service Game in Diablo IV," he outlined four critical elements essential for the resilience of Diablo 4: scaling the game effectively, ensuring a steady flow of content, maintaining flexibility in design, and keeping players informed about future updates. Fergusson emphasized the team's commitment to keeping players engaged over the long term, contrasting the live service approach of Diablo 4 with the more traditional release cycles of previous Diablo games.
When asked about the future of Diablo 4—whether it would be a perpetual game or eventually give way to Diablo 5—Fergusson was cautious but optimistic. He expressed a desire for Diablo 4 to last for years, though he hesitated to label it as "eternal." He drew parallels with other games like Destiny, which had ambitious long-term plans but faced challenges. Fergusson stressed the importance of respecting players' time and commitment, ensuring that Diablo 4's roadmap remains clear and appealing to those investing hundreds of hours into the game.
Fergusson also shared insights into the development of Diablo 4's expansions. He announced that the second expansion, Vessel of Hatred, would not arrive until 2026, a delay from the original one-year plan. This adjustment was necessary to address immediate updates and the first season's launch, reflecting the complexities of managing a live service game. Fergusson admitted to learning from past mistakes, particularly about setting unrealistic timelines, and prefers to provide players with a relaxed schedule rather than overcommitting.
Ruining the Surprise…on Purpose
Transparency is a key focus for Fergusson and his team. They plan to release a content roadmap in April and utilize the Public Test Realm (PTR) to allow players to test upcoming patches before they go live. Initially, there was reluctance to spoil surprises for players, but Fergusson now believes that it's better to "ruin the surprise for 10,000 people so that millions of people have a great season." He acknowledges that even if the PTR feedback is negative, it's preferable to a prolonged recovery from a poorly received surprise update.
Fergusson also discussed expanding the PTR to consoles, a move currently limited by certification challenges. However, with the support of parent company Xbox, Blizzard is working on this expansion. Additionally, Diablo 4's inclusion on Game Pass is seen as a strategic move to attract more players, similar to its release on Steam alongside Battle.net. This approach removes entry barriers, allowing a continuous influx of new players, which is crucial for a premium live service game like Diablo 4.
All Hours Diablo
In our final discussion, I inquired about Fergusson's recent gaming experiences and his thoughts on comparisons between Diablo 4 and Path of Exile 2. He firmly believes the two games are distinct but aims to accommodate fans of both by ensuring that Diablo 4's seasons do not directly compete with those of other games. Fergusson's personal gaming habits reveal his deep connection to Diablo 4, with 650 hours of playtime on his home account alone. His current characters include a Companion Druid and a Dance of Knives Rogue, showcasing his ongoing passion for the game.
Fergusson's dedication to Diablo is evident in his gaming routine, where he balances playing other titles like NHL 24 and Destiny 2 with his commitment to Diablo 4. He attributes his continued engagement to the habitual nature of live service games, which draw him back despite distractions from other games. His journey with Diablo, from player to leader, underscores his belief in the game's enduring appeal and potential for long-term success.
