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Rod Fergusson, head of The Coalition, has left the developer to join Activision Blizzard (via Gematsu).
I began working on Gears of War over 15 years ago and since then, it has been the joy of my life. But now it’s time for a new adventure. I leave Gears in the great hands of The Coalition and can’t wait for everyone to play Gears Tactics on April 28. pic.twitter.com/Az5w0B631i
— Rod Fergusson (@GearsViking) February 5, 2020
“I began working on Gears of War over 15 years ago and since then, it has been the joy of my life. But now it’s time for a new adventure,” announced the producer in a tweet. He said that the future of Gears of War is bright “in the great hands of The Coalition,” and encouraged players to get stuck into the upcoming turn-based strategy spinoff, Gears Tactics.
His “new adventure” takes him to Activision Blizzard, where he will be calling the shots for its Diablo series in March. “Leaving is bittersweet as I love our Gears family, the fans, and everyone at The Coalition and Xbox. Thank you, it has been an honor and a privilege to work with you all,” continued Fergusson. Diablo IV is the newest entry to the series, and is currently in development to offer a return to the “darker roots” of its legacy. With Fergusson’s reputation as a “closer”—or someone who helps projects over the finish line—it’s rational to expect that the company is ramping up the speed and scope of Diablo IV’s development.
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. Thank you, it has been an honor and a privilege to work with you all. pic.twitter.com/0FuO3RFYSQ
— Rod Fergusson (@GearsViking) February 5, 2020
Fergusson is not the only Microsoft employee to take an opportunity to work with Activision Blizzard. Mike Ybarra, the Xbox corporate vice president, jumped over to Blizzard’s Californian campus in the latter months of 2019. As its executive vice president and general manager, he congratulated Fergusson on the move, and stated that the team will “build amazing things together” with their new boss.
Welcome to the @Blizzard_Ent family @GearsViking – let’s build amazing things together. Diablo is in good hands. #gamers https://t.co/QvvUNLaond
— Mike Ybarra (@Qwik) February 5, 2020
Diablo IV will be coming to PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
