At the DICE Summit 2025, Rod Fergusson, the general manager of the Diablo series, opened his keynote not with tales of triumph, but with a candid discussion about one of the franchise's most notorious setbacks: Error 37. This error, which plagued the launch of Diablo 3, barred countless players from accessing the game due to overwhelming server demand. The issue sparked widespread criticism and even became a meme within the gaming community. Blizzard eventually resolved the problem, and Diablo 3 went on to become a success, but the experience left a lasting impact on the team's approach to game launches and live service management.
With Diablo 4, Blizzard has embraced the live service model more than ever before, aiming to avoid any repeat of the Error 37 debacle. The game features frequent updates, ongoing seasons, and planned expansions, all designed to keep players engaged over the long term. Fergusson emphasized the importance of scaling the game effectively, maintaining a steady flow of content, being flexible with design purity, and keeping the community informed about future updates, even if it means sacrificing some element of surprise.
Diablo, Immortal
In a follow-up interview at the DICE Summit 2025 in Las Vegas, Fergusson elaborated on his vision for Diablo 4's longevity. He expressed a desire for the game to remain relevant for years, drawing a contrast with past Diablo titles that relied on less frequent updates and expansions. Fergusson highlighted the shift towards a live service model, which he believes will allow Diablo 4 to evolve continuously and keep players engaged for the long haul.
When asked about the future of Diablo 4 and whether it could be considered "immortal," Fergusson was cautious but optimistic. He noted that while the game might not last forever, the team aims to support it for many years. He referenced the long gaps between previous Diablo releases and stressed the importance of respecting players' time by providing a clear roadmap for the game's future.
Fergusson also discussed the challenges of maintaining a live service game, particularly the decision to delay the second expansion, Vessel of Hatred, to 2026. This delay was necessary to focus on immediate updates and the first season's launch. He admitted to learning from past mistakes about setting firm timelines too early, preferring to give players a general idea of what to expect without committing to specific dates.
Ruining the Surprise...on Purpose
Transparency is a key component of Fergusson's strategy for Diablo 4. He discussed the use of a content roadmap and the Public Test Realm (PTR), where players can test upcoming patches before they go live. Initially, the team was hesitant about spoiling surprises, but Fergusson believes that it's better to "ruin the surprise for 10,000 people so that millions of people have a great season." He emphasized the importance of learning from PTR feedback to avoid larger issues down the line.
Fergusson also mentioned the challenge of expanding the PTR to consoles, currently limited to PC due to certification issues. However, with the support of parent company Xbox, Blizzard is working to overcome these challenges. He highlighted the benefits of having Diablo 4 on Game Pass, which removes barriers to entry and allows the game to reach a broader audience, similar to its release on Steam.
All Hours Diablo
In a personal note, Fergusson shared his current gaming habits, revealing his top three games of 2024 by playtime: NHL 24, Destiny 2, and, unsurprisingly, Diablo 4. With over 650 hours logged on his home account, Fergusson's dedication to the game is evident. He discussed the habit-forming nature of live service games and how they fit into his gaming routine alongside other titles like Cyberpunk and The Witcher 3.
Fergusson also addressed comparisons between Diablo 4 and Path of Exile 2, noting that they are "very different games." He acknowledged the feedback from players who enjoy both titles and the importance of not scheduling seasons to overlap, allowing players to enjoy each game without having to choose between them.
