Rod Fergusson Steps Away from Diablo Leadership at Blizzard

Rod Fergusson, the veteran game producer who has led the Diablo franchise since 2020, has announced he is leaving Blizzard. His departure comes after five years overseeing four major Diablo launches, and arrives during a turbulent period for the company marked by community backlash and mass layoffs. Fergusson did not reveal who will take over leadership of the franchise, and Blizzard has not yet named a successor.

In a brief statement posted on social media, Fergusson said the Diablo teams are “set up for success, with an exciting slate of releases ahead.” He expressed pride in the work accomplished during his tenure and hinted that he is ready for new challenges, both personally and for the series. While he didn’t provide a reason for stepping away, he described the decision as the right time to move on from Blizzard and Microsoft.

“After five years of driving the Diablo franchise forward with four big launches, it’s time for me to step away from Blizzard/Microsoft, sword in hand, and see what’s next,” he wrote. “The teams are set up for success, with an exciting slate of releases ahead. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together and looking forward to what comes next for Diablo and me.”

Blizzard president Johanna Faries praised Fergusson’s vision and leadership, saying his contributions have made Sanctuary’s future brighter. Xbox boss Phil Spencer credited him with bringing “strength, hellfire, and vision” to the series, recalling how much fun he had playing Diablo IV with Fergusson during development.

Fergusson’s move closes a notable chapter in his career. Before joining Blizzard in early 2020, he was best known for his work on the Gears of War series, spending 15 years shaping the franchise across multiple studios. He led projects such as Gears 5, mobile spin-off Gears Pop!, and the strategy title Gears Tactics, while also briefly working at Irrational Games to help complete BioShock Infinite. When Blizzard recruited him, the company was in the midst of controversy over Diablo Immortal’s announcement, struggling to recover from a poorly received Warcraft III: Reforged launch, and gearing up to reveal Diablo IV.

His exit lands at a complicated moment for Blizzard. Just weeks ago, the studio came under fire for allegedly using AI-generated art in promotional materials for the upcoming Diablo Immortal x Hearthstone crossover event. Fans pointed out suspicious visual elements in the marketing image — including a hand fading into a wall, mirrored card art, and an oddly shaped ear — that suggested the use of generative AI. The accusations quickly spread across Reddit and gaming news outlets, with some players calling for a boycott of in-game purchases. Activision Blizzard has yet to address the claims, and the artwork remains live.

This AI controversy is also unfolding against the backdrop of significant corporate restructuring. Earlier this month, Microsoft confirmed it would lay off around 9,000 employees across its gaming divisions, with roughly 200 coming from mobile giant King. Reports indicate that some of King’s laid-off positions are being replaced by AI-powered tools developed internally, further fueling criticism over the company’s reliance on automation.

For Diablo, the leadership change could mark a turning point. Under Fergusson, the franchise expanded beyond its core audience, pushing major releases across platforms and experimenting with crossovers like the upcoming Hearthstone event. His focus on broadening the series’ appeal without abandoning its action RPG roots helped Diablo IV become one of Blizzard’s biggest launches in recent years. With no confirmed successor, the question now is how the next phase of development will be handled, especially with multiple projects reportedly in the pipeline.

Fergusson’s track record suggests he will continue to work on high-profile games, whether at another major publisher or in a new role entirely. For Blizzard, the challenge will be maintaining momentum in a franchise that has thrived on consistent leadership. The Diablo team’s future direction will depend on who steps into the role, and how they navigate both the creative demands of fans and the growing industry-wide debates around AI in game development.

While Fergusson leaves with praise from industry peers, the timing of his departure — in the middle of both corporate upheaval and a community controversy — makes this a critical juncture for Diablo. The franchise now faces the dual task of delivering on its “exciting slate of releases” and reassuring a fan base that’s watching every move. For now, Sanctuary will carry on without its most recent champion at the helm.