Diablo boss Rod Fergusson leaves Blizzard after five years

Rod Fergusson, a veteran industry figure who has worked at Microsoft, Irrational Games, and more, has announced that he is stepping away from his role of senior vice president and Diablo franchise manager after five years at Blizzard.

The details:

• In a statement posted to social media, Fergusson confirmed his departure, marking the end of his third stint under 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," the executive 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 for me."
• Fergusson has not disclosed if there is any exact reasoning behind his departure or where he is heading next and has declined to comment further. It’s also unknown who Blizzard plans to bring in as a replacement for both roles.
• The executive previously worked as a program manager for Microsoft before joining Epic Games to oversee Gears of War. He would then leave for BioShock Infinite developer Irrational Games and publisher 2K before arriving at Black Tusk Studios, which later became Microsoft's The Coalition, and returning to the Gears of War franchise. After five years, he would move to Blizzard to join the Diablo team, which would also be brought under Microsoft after its $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023.