Diablo IV general manager Rod Fergusson departs Microsoft, Blizzard, and the Diablo franchise

Rod Fergusson, the franchise lead that helped ship the highest-earning Diablo game of all time, has announced that he's leaving Microsoft and Blizzard.

Diablo IV earned $666 million in 5 days, becoming Blizzard's all-time fastest-selling game at launch. Diablo IV went on to break $1 billion in revenue more than a year later, with $150 million made from microtransactions. None of this would have happened without Rod Fergusson, an industry figure known as a "closer" who can step in to lead--in this case, lead Diablo IV's haphazard development.

Now Fergusson has revealed that he's leaving Blizzard and the Diablo franchise.

"After five years driving the Diablo franchise with four big launches, it's time to step away from Blizzard/Microsoft, sword in hand, and see what's next. I'm proud of what we've built and excited for what's ahead for Diablo, and for me," Fergusson wrote on BlueSky.

Xbox gaming CEO Phil Spencer responded to Fergusson's post, saying:

"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."

Fergusson also helped lead the successful Diablo IV expansion, Vessel of Hatred.

Blizzard has not announced who will take Fergusson's place as general manager of Diablo IV, and the franchise faces steeper competition with games like Path of Exile and its sequel, POE2.

Meanwhile, Diablo 2 is set to launch in China with its own national server that's separated from the rest of the world. Chinese players can currently pre-order the game and unlock a multitude of pay-to-win advantages, including overpowered items and gear.