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 memorable internet meme. While *Diablo 3* eventually triumphed, the experience underscored the importance of preventing similar catastrophes, especially given *Diablo*'s evolution into a complex live-service game with frequent updates, seasons, and expansions.
The stakes are undeniably higher for *Diablo 4*, which has fully embraced the live-service model more than any previous installment. Another Error 37 would be disastrous, especially if Blizzard aims for *Diablo 4* to become a long-lasting live-service juggernaut.
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. His emphasis on long-term player engagement marks a significant departure from previous numbered *Diablo* titles. While expansions and updates were common, *Diablo 4*'s commitment to live service signals a shift towards sustained evolution rather than relying on periodic new releases.
This led me to ask: Is *Diablo 4* destined for eternity, or is it more akin to *immortal*? Is there a predetermined point where the focus shifts to *Diablo 5*, or will *Diablo 4* remain the definitive *Diablo* experience, mirroring the longevity of *World of Warcraft*?
Fergusson's response hinted at a long, but not infinite, 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 forward, recognizing the significant time investment they make. We want to show respect for their time and commitment." He pointed out the decade-long gaps between *Diablo 2* and *3*, and *3* and *4*, acknowledging that the aggressive update schedule planned for *Diablo 4* is unprecedented.
He also learned a valuable lesson about premature pronouncements. His DICE Summit announcement of *Diablo 4*'s second expansion arriving in 2026, instead of the initially planned year-earlier release, highlighted the challenges of maintaining a precise timeline. The shift of resources to address immediate live-game needs after launch and during the first season resulted in an 18-month gap, not the planned 12. When asked if 18 months is the new norm, Fergusson remained cautious, stating, "I learned my lesson about calling the shot too early. Giving an 11-month window is about as far as I want to go right now… We're not at a place where we want to firmly commit publicly. We're still building and learning."
Ruining the Surprise…Intentionally
Fergusson's cautious approach is understandable, particularly given the team's commitment to unprecedented transparency. This includes a content roadmap (due in April) and the Public Test Realm (PTR), allowing players to test upcoming patches before public release. Initially, the team hesitated to use the PTR or roadmaps, fearing spoilers. However, Fergusson shifted his perspective, stating, "It's better to ruin the surprise for 10,000 people so that millions of people have a great season. A bad week on the PTR is preferable to three months recovering from a poorly received surprise update."
He further elaborated, "You can get really spun up about data mining and leaks. But we're reaching millions of players. It's okay if a small portion sees something early."
Currently, the PTR is PC-only due to console certification challenges. However, Blizzard is investing in expanding PTR access to consoles with support from Xbox. Fergusson also highlighted the positive impact of *Diablo 4*'s presence on Game Pass, removing barriers to entry and attracting a wider player base, similar to the decision to release on Steam.
All Hours Diablo
Our conversation concluded with a discussion of Fergusson's personal gaming habits. His top three games of 2024, by playtime, were *NHL 24*, *Destiny 2*, and, unsurprisingly, *Diablo 4*, with over 650 hours logged on his personal account alone. He currently enjoys playing a Companion Druid and a Dance of Knives Rogue, emphasizing his enduring love for the game. "It's a habit," he explained. "I get distracted by other games, but I always come back to *Diablo*. It was my favorite game, and that hasn't changed."
