"Diablo Series Creator Steps Away from Blizzard/Microsoft Again, Following Previous Departure from Gears of War - "Taking a Leave from Blizzard/Microsoft.""
In a surprising turn of events, Rod Fergusson, the general manager of Diablo at Blizzard Entertainment, has announced his departure from the company. Fergusson, known for his work as a fixer, oversaw four major Diablo launches during his five-year tenure at Blizzard, including the recent launch of Diablo 4 in June 2023.
Diablo 4 has grown and evolved through numerous seasons and content updates since its launch. One of the most significant expansions, the Vessel of Hatred, was launched in 2024, introducing a new jungle-themed region and the Spiritborn character class.
Now, Diablo fans are eagerly anticipating the second expansion for Diablo 4, scheduled for release in 2026. This expansion is expected to feature another IP crossover, something dark fitting the game's world and atmosphere.
The Paladin Class: A Returning Classic Archetype
The second expansion is widely anticipated to introduce a new class, most likely the Paladin. This class is expected to bring the classic aura-infused, holy warrior playstyle familiar from Diablo 2 and Diablo 3's Crusader class, focusing on divine powers and defensive abilities.
Though not officially confirmed by Blizzard, the Paladin is strongly rumored due to data mining and Blizzard internal references. The Paladin would be the seventh playable class, following the addition of the Spiritborn in the Vessel of Hatred expansion.
Release Timing and Pricing
It is anticipated that the Paladin class could launch alongside patch 2.5 or season 11, coinciding with the expansion's debut. Pricing for the expansion might be around $40, with bundles that include the Paladin and Spiritborn classes potentially costing more.
The Future of Diablo at Blizzard Entertainment
It is unclear who will take over as the general manager of Diablo at Blizzard Entertainment following Fergusson's departure. Fergusson, before joining Blizzard, had previously worked at Epic Games on the original Gears of War trilogy and at Microsoft, where he led Xbox Game Studios' The Coalition for five years.
Fergusson announced his departure on Bluesky on Friday, but did not reveal his next destination. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has wished Fergusson well, praising his work on Diablo.
The community is hopeful that the Paladin class will be introduced in the upcoming expansion. Diablo 4 is currently available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC (via Steam and Battle.net), PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4. The game is also included in Xbox Game Pass.
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