Diablo 5 Release Date: Blizzard's Fergusson on Diablo 4's Longevity

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 frustration and became a lasting meme. While *Diablo 3* eventually triumphed, the experience underscored the importance of avoiding similar catastrophes, especially with *Diablo 4*'s ambitious live-service model featuring frequent updates, seasons, and expansions.

The potential for another Error 37-like incident is catastrophic, particularly if Blizzard aims for *Diablo 4* to become a long-term live-service juggernaut extending far beyond its major content releases.

Diablo, Immortal

At DICE Summit 2025, 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 departure from previous numbered Diablo titles. The planned content roadmaps and extensive season planning represent a full embrace of the live-service model, aiming for sustained player interaction and significant, rapid changes over many years rather than relying on periodic numbered releases.

I asked Fergusson about *Diablo 4*'s longevity—is it destined to be "eternal," or "immortal"? Will there be a clear trigger for moving on to *Diablo 5*, or will *Diablo 4* become the definitive Diablo experience, akin to *World of Warcraft*?

While not promising eternity, Fergusson expressed a vision for a significantly extended lifespan. "We want it to be around for years," he stated. "I don't know if it's eternal. We want players to see the road ahead, knowing their hundreds of hours invested are respected, and that we're committed for the long haul." He pointed out the decade-long gaps between *Diablo 2* and *3*, and *3* and *4*, acknowledging the stark difference in update frequency. However, he also emphasized the importance of measured forecasting, having learned from past experiences.

Fergusson revealed at DICE Summit that *Diablo 4*'s second expansion, Vessel of Hatred, was delayed until 2026, extending beyond the initially planned yearly release cycle. This shift was attributed to reallocating resources to address urgent live-game updates post-launch and during the first season. The 18-month gap between *Diablo 4*'s launch and Vessel of Hatred, instead of the planned 12, highlights the challenges of maintaining a live-service title. When asked if 18 months represents the new norm, Fergusson avoided committing to a specific timeframe, stating, "I learned my lesson about calling the shot too early. We're still building and learning."

Ruining the Surprise…on Purpose

Fergusson's cautious approach is understandable, given the team's commitment to unprecedented transparency. This includes the upcoming April content roadmap and the Public Test Realm (PTR), allowing players to experience upcoming patches before official release. He explained that initial concerns about spoiling surprises through features like the PTR and roadmaps have been overcome.

"It's better to ruin the surprise for 10,000 people so that millions of people have a great season," he stated. He added that even potential PTR setbacks are preferable to releasing problematic content that surprises players negatively. He's currently working to expand PTR access to consoles, hindered by certification processes and the complexities of console builds, but with Xbox's support, progress is being made.

The availability of *Diablo 4* on Game Pass is also a significant factor, enabling Blizzard to reach a broader audience. This strategy mirrors their decision to release on Steam alongside Battle.net—maximizing player reach. Fergusson contrasted *Diablo 4*'s premium live-service model with the accessibility of *Diablo Immortal*, noting that the lack of entry barriers in free-to-play titles facilitates easier growth.

All Hours Diablo

Our conversation concluded with a discussion of Fergusson's personal gaming habits. He shared his top three games of 2024 by playtime: *NHL 24*, *Destiny 2*, and, unsurprisingly, *Diablo 4*, boasting 650 hours on his personal account alone (excluding work). He currently plays a Companion Druid and recently started a Dance of Knives Rogue, highlighting his enduring passion for the game.

He attributes his dedication to the game's addictive nature, contrasting it with his experiences with other titles like *Cyberpunk 2077* and *The Witcher 3*. He acknowledged the challenges of balancing multiple games but emphasized the ingrained habit of daily engagement with *Diablo 4*, stemming from his long-standing love for the franchise.