Rod Fergusson exits Blizzard and Microsoft after five years leading Diablo

Rod Fergusson exits Blizzard and Microsoft after five years leading Diablo

Rod Fergusson Departs Blizzard After Five Years

In a significant shift within the gaming industry, Rod Fergusson has announced his departure from Blizzard Entertainment, concluding a five-year tenure devoted to the iconic Diablo franchise. While the reasons behind his exit remain undisclosed, Fergusson’s influence is evident through his contributions to notable titles, including the remaster of Diablo II: Resurrected, the mobile game Diablo Immortal, and the critically acclaimed Diablo IV.

Fergusson, who initially gained fame for his role in the Gears of War series at Epic Games and later at Microsoft, expressed his sentiments via social media earlier today. He stated, “It’s time for me to step away from Blizzard/Microsoft, sword in hand, and see what’s next.” This farewell hints at exciting future endeavors, sparking curiosity among fans and industry insiders alike.

Expressing gratitude for Fergusson’s contributions, Johanna Faries, President of Blizzard, acknowledged his impact on the franchise, stating, “Guiding a franchise like Diablo takes rare talent, vision, and collaboration.” Meanwhile, Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, lauded Fergusson’s role, remarking, “You brought strength, hellfire, and vision to one of gaming’s most iconic franchises. Playing Diablo IV with you was a blast—thanks for everything you gave to the game and the community.”

This exit marks an interesting chapter for Fergusson, being his third departure from a Microsoft-affiliated studio. His initial tenure at Microsoft lasted nearly a decade, after which he transitioned to Epic Games in 2005 to spearhead the Gears of War franchise. He returned to Microsoft in 2014 to manage Gears of War with The Coalition. In 2020, he pivoted to Blizzard to guide the Diablo franchise, and with Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023, Fergusson became part of the Microsoft studio once more.

Gears of War

As Rod Fergusson steps away from his influential role, the future of his career remains uncertain. Speculation abounds about where this veteran of both the Gears of War and Diablo franchises will next apply his formidable skills in video game management. Concurrently, questions linger about who will fill his pivotal role at Blizzard.

For further details, visit the original source: Neowin.

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