Diablo general manager Rod Fergusson opened his talk at the DICE Summit 2025 by reflecting not on the franchise's successes, but on one of its most notable failures: Error 37. This infamous error plagued the launch of Diablo 3, preventing countless players from accessing the game due to overwhelming server demand. The resulting backlash and meme culture surrounding Error 37 highlighted the challenges Blizzard faced in managing game launches. Despite these initial setbacks, Diablo 3 eventually found success after Blizzard's diligent efforts to resolve the issues.
Understanding the impact of such failures, Fergusson and his team are determined to prevent similar occurrences as they steer Diablo towards a more robust live service model. Diablo 4, in particular, is designed to be a continuously evolving game with regular updates, seasons, and expansions, making any repeat of Error 37 potentially disastrous for its long-term viability.
Diablo, Immortal
During the DICE Summit 2025 in Las Vegas, I had the opportunity to speak with Rod Fergusson following his presentation titled “Evolving Sanctuary: Building a Resilient Live-Service Game in Diablo IV.” In his talk, Fergusson outlined four critical components for ensuring the resilience of Diablo 4: scaling the game effectively, maintaining a steady flow of content, being flexible with design purity, and keeping players informed about future updates without sacrificing the element of surprise.
Fergusson emphasized the importance of keeping players engaged over the long term, contrasting this approach with the traditional release cycle of numbered Diablo games. He detailed the team's commitment to a detailed content roadmap and forward-thinking season planning, signaling a shift towards a sustained live service model akin to other major AAA titles.
When I asked Fergusson about the future of Diablo 4—whether it's meant to be an eternal game or if there's a point at which they would transition to Diablo 5—he expressed a desire for longevity rather than permanence. "We want it to be around for years," he said. He drew parallels with Destiny's ambitious ten-year plan, acknowledging the challenges and unpredictability of such commitments. Fergusson stressed the importance of respecting players' time and investment, ensuring that Diablo 4 remains a rewarding experience over time.
Fergusson also shared insights into the development timeline for Diablo 4's expansions. Initially planning for yearly releases, the team adjusted their schedule to prioritize necessary updates and improvements, pushing back the second expansion, Vessel of Hatred, to 2026. This flexibility reflects a lesson learned about not committing to timelines prematurely. "I learned my lesson about calling the shot too early," Fergusson admitted, emphasizing a cautious approach to future announcements.
Ruining the Surprise…on Purpose
Fergusson's strategy for transparency includes the use of content roadmaps and the Public Test Realm (PTR), where a select group of players can test upcoming patches before they go live. Initially, the team was hesitant about spoiling surprises, but Fergusson has since embraced the benefits of this approach. "You just realize that it's better to ruin the surprise for 10,000 people so that millions of people have a great season," he stated during his talk. This philosophy prioritizes player satisfaction over secrecy, even if it means a small group experiences a less-than-ideal test phase.
Expanding the PTR to console players is a current challenge, primarily due to certification issues and the complexities of releasing new builds on consoles. However, with support from parent company Xbox, Blizzard is working to overcome these hurdles. Fergusson also highlighted the advantage of having Diablo 4 on Game Pass, which lowers the barrier to entry and helps attract a broader player base, similar to the decision to release the game on Steam alongside Battle.net.
All Hours Diablo
In our final discussion, I inquired about Fergusson's recent gaming experiences, particularly his thoughts on Path of Exile 2 and its comparisons to Diablo 4. He dismissed direct comparisons, noting the distinct nature of each game. Yet, he acknowledged the need to consider fans of both titles when planning future updates, especially regarding season scheduling to avoid conflicts.
Fergusson shared his top three played games of 2024: NHL 24, Destiny 2, and, unsurprisingly, Diablo 4, with a staggering 650 hours of playtime on his personal account. He described his current characters—a Companion Druid and a Dance of Knives Rogue—reflecting his deep passion for the game. Fergusson's commitment to Diablo is evident not just in his professional role but in his personal gaming habits, underscoring the game's enduring appeal and his dedication to its future.
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