At the DICE Summit 2025, Diablo general manager Rod Fergusson kicked off his keynote by discussing one of the franchise's most notorious blunders—Error 37—rather than celebrating its successes.

Error 37 plagued players during Diablo 3's launch, locking them out due to overwhelming server demand. This widespread connectivity issue drew heavy criticism toward Blizzard and even spawned internet memes. Though eventually resolved, the rocky start overshadowed Diablo 3's later achievements through extensive updates.

Understandably, Blizzard and Fergusson are determined to prevent similar mishaps as Diablo evolves into a sophisticated live-service model. With seasonal updates, regular expansions, and continuous content drops, Diablo 4 represents the franchise's deepest commitment to live-service gaming yet. Another Error 37-scale failure could be devastating, especially if Blizzard aims to sustain Diablo 4 as a long-term platform rather than a temporary release.

Following his DICE Summit talk titled "Evolving Sanctuary: Building a Resilient Live-Service Game in Diablo IV," Fergusson outlined four pillars for maintaining Diablo 4's longevity: scalable infrastructure, steady content flow, adaptive design philosophy, and transparent player communication. This forward-thinking approach marks a stark departure from the series' traditional model of sporadic numbered sequels.

Diablo, Immortal

When asked whether Diablo 4 might follow World of Warcraft's indefinite service model or eventually give way to Diablo 5, Fergusson suggested a middle ground. While not labeling it "eternal," he emphasized plans for multi-year support, contrasting with Destiny's abandoned 10-year vision.

However, Fergusson avoids concrete timelines now, having learned from previous miscalculations. Diablo 4's second expansion, originally slated for annual release, was pushed to 2026 due to live-service priorities. Yet when questioned whether 18-month expansion cycles might become standard, Fergusson remained noncommittal: "We're still learning what works," he explained.

Ruining the Surprise…on Purpose

Blizzard is embracing unprecedented transparency through upcoming content roadmaps and Public Test Realms (PTRs), despite initial concerns about spoiling surprises. Fergusson rationalizes this shift: "Better to disappoint 10,000 testers than frustrate millions at launch."

Currently PC-exclusive due to console certification hurdles, PTR access may expand through Xbox's support. Game Pass inclusion similarly serves to lower entry barriers, mirroring Diablo 4's Steam release strategy for broader reach.

All Hours Diablo

When discussing gaming habits, Fergusson reveals his 2024 playtime champions: NHL 24 and Destiny 2 trail behind his 650+ hour Diablo 4 obsession. Even as GM, he maintains a Companion Druid and Dance of Knives Rogue, exemplifying the series' enduring appeal.

"Diablo's gameplay loop just sticks with you," he reflects, noting how live-service titles consistently draw him back despite incomplete playthroughs of story-driven games like Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3. This personal passion fuels his vision for Diablo 4's future—one where temporary setbacks won't derail long-term ambitions.