Rod Fergusson Departs Blizzard, Diablo Franchise

Diablo basic supervisor and Gears of Battle veteran Rod Fergusson has left Blizzard.

Fergusson confirmed the information on his private Twitter/X account:

After 5 years of driving the Diablo franchise ahead with 4 massive launches, it is time for me to step away from Blizzard/Microsoft, sword in hand, and see what’s subsequent. The groups are arrange for achievement, with an thrilling slate of releases forward. I am extremely pleased with what… pic.twitter.com/Fsh4gjmgVl

— Rod Fergusson (@RodFergusson) August 8, 2025

“After 5 years of driving the Diablo franchise ahead with 4 massive launches, it is time for me to step away from Blizzard/Microsoft, sword in hand, and see what’s subsequent,” Fergusson wrote. “The groups are arrange for achievement, with an thrilling slate of releases forward. I am extremely pleased with what we have constructed collectively and searching ahead to what comes subsequent for Diablo, and for me.”

Blizzard confirmed this information to IGN right this moment as nicely, however declined to supply additional remark as to why Fergusson has left the corporate, or who will run the Diablo franchise going ahead.

Blizzard president Johanna Faries responded on Twitter/X, with the next:

Guiding a franchise like Diablo takes uncommon expertise, imaginative and prescient, and collaboration. Thanks, Rod, for bringing all of these in spades. Sanctuary’s future is brighter due to the affect you’ve had! 🙏🏽✨ https://t.co/r479RGDkm3

— Johanna Faries (@Joh_Burg) August 8, 2025

Xbox head Phil Spencer additionally responded on BlueSky: “You introduced power, hellfire, and imaginative and prescient to certainly one of gaming’s most iconic franchises. Enjoying Diablo IV with you was a blast—thanks for all the things you gave to the sport and the neighborhood.”

Rod Fergusson joined Blizzard in 2020 after leaving Microsoft’s The Coalition. Fergusson beforehand labored on each Gears of Battle sport throughout his time at each Microsoft and Epic Video games. At Blizzard, Fergusson headed up the Diablo franchise, becoming a member of shortly after Diablo 4 was first introduced. Fergusson has completed quite a few candid interviews about his imaginative and prescient for the path and way forward for the Diablo franchise. In April, Blizzard unveiled a roadmap for Diablo 4 for 2025 that didn’t go down nicely with followers. Most just lately, Diablo 4 acquired the Sins of the Horadrim replace with new Nightmare Dungeon updates and customizable spells.

Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. You could find her posting on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social. Bought a narrative tip? Ship it to rvalentine@ign.com.