Rod Fergusson Went to Blizzard to Oversee Diablo IV
The former studio head of The Coalition, Rod Fergusson, has apparently moved to Blizzard to oversee the team working on Diablo IV. The industry veteran has spent the last six years leading the Gears of War franchise and The Coalition. Previously Fergusson joined the Bioshock Infinite maker Irrational Games in 2012 and left shortly after the game shipped, earning his reputation of being a “closer”: someone who’s hired on to a team to get the project done. The last title Fergusson is credited for with The Coalition is Gears 5 which is exclusive to Xbox One and PC and is available through Game Pass.
“Starting in March, I will join Blizzard to oversee the Diablo franchise. Leaving is bittersweet as I love our Gears family, the fans, and everyone at The Coalition and Xbox,” said Rod Fergusson in a recent Tweet addressing the big move. “Thank you, it has been an honor and a privilege to work with you all.” It’s currently unclear if Fergusson intends to leave once Diablo IV ships or if he’s staying with Blizzard Entertainment for the long haul, but either way, he’s apparently being relied upon to be a “closer” once again.
Gears of War shares very little in common with the Diablo franchise but this hasn’t affected Rod Fergusson’s ability to ship a different IP with his work on Bioshock Infinite. Since The Coalition has been his home for six years, it’s a big move for the development teams and the industry as a whole. Since announcing his departure, former designer Cliff Bleszinski has offered to return after his short retirement.
Are you surprised that Rod Fergusson made the jump to Blizzard to work on Diablo? Do you expect him to continue the reputation of being a closer? Let us know in the comments below!
Source: VG24/7