Rod Fergusson, Diablo general manager, kicked off 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 debacle for *Diablo 3*, caused by an overwhelming influx of players, resulted in widespread criticism and became a lasting meme. While *Diablo 3* eventually triumphed, the experience underscored the critical need to prevent similar catastrophes, particularly with *Diablo 4*'s ambitious live-service model featuring frequent updates, seasons, and expansions.
The stakes are undeniably higher now. Another Error 37-level failure would be devastating, especially if Blizzard aims for *Diablo 4* to become a long-term live-service juggernaut, persisting far beyond its major content releases.
Diablo, Immortal?
At DICE Summit 2025 in Las Vegas, 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, design flexibility, and proactive player communication. Fergusson emphasized the commitment to long-term player engagement, a significant shift from previous numbered Diablo titles. The planned content roadmaps and extensive season planning represent a dedicated embrace of the live-service model, promising significant, ongoing changes and updates rather than relying on infrequent numbered sequels.
I asked Fergusson about *Diablo 4*'s longevity—is it aiming for "eternal" status, like *World of Warcraft*? While not explicitly aiming for eternity, he envisions a very long lifespan.
"We want it to be around for years," he stated. "I don't know if it's eternal. We want players to see a clear path ahead, recognizing their significant time investment. We want to show respect for their time and demonstrate our commitment to the long haul."
Fergusson noted the decade-long gaps between *Diablo 2* and *3*, and *3* and *4*, highlighting the contrast with *Diablo 4*'s planned aggressive update schedule. He joined Blizzard in 2020, bringing his experience from the *Gears* franchise. His approach emphasizes forward planning, but with a crucial caveat.
He learned from announcing *Diablo 4*'s second expansion, delayed until 2026, initially slated for a year after launch. The timeline shifted due to diverting resources to address critical live-game updates and the first season. The 18-month gap between *Diablo 4*'s launch and *Vessel of Hatred* contrasts with the initial 12-month plan. When asked if this longer timeframe is the new norm, Fergusson remains cautious.
"I learned my lesson about calling the shot too early. Giving an 11-month heads-up is about as far as I'm comfortable going right now…We're not at a point where we're ready to make a definitive public statement. We're still building and learning."
Transparency Trumps Surprise
Fergusson's caution is understandable, especially given the team's increased transparency. This includes the upcoming April content roadmap and the Public Test Realm (PTR), allowing players to experience upcoming patches before the official release. Initially, the team hesitated about the PTR and roadmaps, fearing spoilers. But this apprehension has been overcome.
"It's better to ruin the surprise for 10,000 people so that millions of people have a great season," he explained. "Even if the PTR reveals issues, a bad week on the PTR is preferable to three months of recovery from a poorly received surprise update."
"You can get really spun up on it," he added. "Early on, we worried about data mining and leaks. But we're aiming for millions of players, so a few thousand seeing something early is a small price to pay."
Fergusson aims to expand PTR access to consoles, currently limited to PC due to certification and release complexities. However, Blizzard is actively working on this with support from Xbox.
The presence of *Diablo 4* on Game Pass is another significant advantage, maximizing player reach. He draws a parallel to releasing *Diablo 4* on Steam in addition to Battle.net, emphasizing the importance of accessibility.
"A premium live service like *Diablo* faces different growth challenges compared to a free-to-play title like *Diablo Immortal*. Game Pass removes a key barrier to entry. We see consistent new players joining through Game Pass, discovering the game and jumping in."
A Diablo Dev's Devotion
Finally, I asked Fergusson about his gaming habits, seeking inspiration for his work. He dismissed direct comparisons between *Diablo 4* and *Path of Exile 2*, highlighting their distinct differences. However, he's mindful of player preferences and the need to avoid overlapping seasons across different games.
His top three games of 2024 by playtime reveal his priorities: *NHL 24* (third), *Destiny 2* (second), and *Diablo 4* (first, with 650 hours on his personal account, excluding work). He currently enjoys playing a Companion Druid and a Dance of Knives Rogue, demonstrating his enduring passion for the game.
"It's the habit," he explained. "I start other games, like *Cyberpunk*, *Witcher 3*, or *Space Marines 2000*, but I always return to *Diablo*. The daily rituals, playing with my brother in *Destiny 2*, and the core gameplay loop of *Diablo* keep me coming back."
