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The Firing Line: A look at World of Tanks
I'm not the biggest tank fan in the world. Don't get me wrong; I'm a red-blooded American male who loves engines, horsepower, and most types of heavy machinery, but for whatever reason, I've never looked at a tank and come away particularly aroused. Imagine the surprise, then, when I loaded up World of Tanks a couple of weeks ago and found myself having a jolly old time. Wargaming.net's free-to-play action title is a deceptively simple shooter with a lot of depth under the hood, and despite what some players refer to as pay-to-win shenanigans, I highly recommend it.
World of Tanks retail box coming to Europe in November
World of Tanks boxed editions landed in American brick-and-mortar stores last month, and a new press release indicates that European retailers are about to join the party. Deep Silver has secured the publishing rights to Wargaming.net's World War II-based action MMO, and the company will be bringing the game to the UK, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Portugal, Greece, Benelux, and Nordic countries in short order. The package features the game itself plus bonus content in the form of in-game currency, premium account access, and a premium German tank. The World of Tanks box will cost £7.99 and is scheduled for a November 15th release. [Source: Wargaming.net press release]
Wargaming.net releases new World of Warplanes screens
The latest salvo in the battle between forthcoming free-to-play aviation MMOs has been fired by Wargaming.net. The company has released a fresh batch of screenshots detailing its new World of Warplanes title, which is the second in a trilogy of World War II-based action games that includes World of Tanks and World of Battleships. The screenshots show a small cross section of classic aircraft slipping the surly bonds of earth and engaging in various maneuvers designed to fill enemies full of hot lead. Wargaming.net's press release says that "every plane will feature multiple variations of ammo types, engines, and other crucial modules," and players will be able to guide their pilot avatars through a virtual career that begins in 1930s biplanes and culminates in the cockpit of Korean War-era jets. See the sights in the gallery below, and check out our exclusive interview with project manager Alexander Zezulin for more details on World of Warplanes' features and mechanics. [Source: Wargaming.net press release] %Gallery-130862%
Wargaming.net publishes World of Tanks development plan
Wargaming.net has gifted World of Tanks fans with a development roadmap for the World War II-based action MMO, and a visit to the game's official website will give you a preview of what's coming down the pike over the next year. The post lays out quite a bit of information, most of it marked with vague release windows like Q3 2012 and so on. There's the standard "dates are subject to change" disclaimer, but it's nonetheless interesting to see what looks to be a fairly complete development schedule. What are the highlights? Well, more tank models, of course, followed by new game types including historical battle, escort, garage battle, assault, and company battle modes. There's also an expansion of the clan wars map in the works, as well as new customization options, vehicle physics, and more. [Thanks to Greg for the tip!]
Wargaming.net dangling World of Warplanes alpha tester carrots
Think you've got the right stuff to be a World of Warplanes alpha tester? Well, you may have it, but you'll also need to have a strong stomach when it comes to installing third-party apps on your computer. Wargaming.net has thrown open the application process for its upcoming World War II aviation MMO, and would-be testers will need to install both Overwolf and Xfire on their gaming rigs. A news blurb on the official World of Tanks website spills the beans, and Wargaming.net says that the aim of the test is to "discover how functional and comfortable these programs are for you." In addition to the alpha tester position, the devs are also dangling some sort of "special award" carrot. We're not sure whether it's an in-game title, ability, or other perk, but we do know that simply signing up doesn't guarantee you access to the testing phase. There's also a questionnaire that needs filling out, and "those of you who [...] provide [the] most detailed and descriptive answers will be awarded with the chance to become alpha testers [for] World of Warplanes!"
New World of Planes video shows off air combat, ground strafing, and more
Gaijin Entertainment has released another heart-pounding video from its upcoming World of Planes MMO, and the scene has shifted from the Pacific theater showcased last month to what looks to be the Kuban region of southern Russia. A gaggle of great-looking World War II fighters are on display, as are a few stomach-churning cockpit perspectives and some spiffy smoke, fire, and damage effects. There's a lot of air combat, of course, but there's also a brief glimpse of some target strafing and quite a lot of detail when it comes to terrain textures, buildings, and other ground objects. Flight sim fans will be happy to know that Gaijin was responsible for 2009's IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey, a console-based air combat title that followed in the footsteps of the venerable Sturmovik series on the PC. Gaijin also developed a PC version called Wings of Prey and looks to be using that expertise for its new free-to-play World of Planes MMO. Kick the tires and light the fires by checking out the new trailer after the cut.
World of Tanks rumbles into retail stores
It's official: You can now purchase World of Tanks in a retail store near you. Wargaming.net has shipped boxes of its free-to-play World War II heavy armor MMO to stores, including GameStop, Wal-Mart, Fry's, and others, and the retail package comes loaded with $30 worth of in-game items. Players will receive a T2 light tank, one week's worth of premium account access, 1,050,000 credits, and 1,800 gold -- all for $19.99. If you can't make it out to your local games dealer, you'll find the World of Tanks retail box for sale at many online stores as well, including Best Buy.com, New Egg, and Amazon.
Gaijin releases World of Planes screenshots and trailer
World of Warplanes isn't the only free-to-play World War II aviation title spooling up on the flight line, as Gaijin has just released a new trailer and a bevy of screenshots for World of Planes (yes, that's the actual name). If the new assets are anything to go by, World of Planes will be pretty stiff competition. Despite an intertitle that says the in-game footage is from an alpha build and not representative of the final product, the clip is pretty impressive. We're treated to a bird's eye view of a squadron of Dauntless divebombers making their way towards a Japanese ship convoy, and there are a couple of obscure aircraft on display (including the Brewster Buffalo and a Rufe, which is basically an amphibious version of the more famous Mitsubishi Zero). Gaijin seems to have an eye for detail as well (note the operating dive brakes on the Dauntless and the exposed wing rib on an Me 109 above, and in the screenshot gallery below). You can learn more at the game's official website, and don't forget to check out the four-minute trailer after the cut. %Gallery-126603%
World of Tanks coming to retail in late August
Collectors rejoice! World of Tanks is coming to a retail establishment near you on August 31st. The free-to-play action MMO, which launched in April as a digital download title, will now be available as a boxed version priced at $19.99. So what's in it for consumers apart from the decidedly retro notion of owning a physical copy of a game? Quite a bit, actually, as the package includes the full game client and approximately $30 worth of in-game items including a premium account, game credits, gold, and an upgraded tank. World of Tanks has been played by over 5 million people and features historically accurate renditions of more than 150 armored vehicles from America, Germany, and the Soviet Union. The game is the first entry in Wargaming.net's action MMO trilogy, which includes World of Warplanes and World of Battleships.
Massively Exclusive: Wargaming.net answers our World of Warplanes questions
Flight sim fans are abuzz over Wargaming.net's recent World of Warplanes announcement, and many are casting an expectant eye toward this year's Gamescom in Cologne, Germany. The reason? Wargaming.net is set to officially reveal the action MMO that features a large selection of aircraft from pre-World War II to the jet age. Today we're pleased to bring you an exclusive interview with Wargaming.net project manager Alexander Zezulin, so join us after the cut for loads of details on the game, including the debut trailer from Gamescom. Much like its World of Tanks predecessor, World of Warplanes looks to make squad-based vehicular combat more accessible to a wide audience while maintaining a sense of historical accuracy when it comes to said vehicles. %Gallery-130862%
World of Tanks surpasses five million registered players in time for first birthday
World of Tanks' first birthday is right around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than via a milestone announcement. Wargaming.net's latest press releases touts the fact that the free-to-play World War II action MMO has surpassed 5,000,000 registered players. That's a lot of tank commanders, and apparently more than the company anticipated. "We didn't expect World of Tanks would become this popular. The game's success has given us [the] confidence we needed to continue our expansion into the world of online wargames," said CEO Victor Kislyi. World of Tanks also set numerous peak concurrent user records during its first year, and owns the Guiness World Record for simultaneous player connections at 91,311.
World of Tanks update brings free two-player platoons, new map, and more
Wargaming.net is gobbling up headlines like a tank drinks diesel fuel, and whether it's a World of Warplanes announcement or preparations for Gamescom, the company is making the most of its increased visibility. The latest press salvo concerns World of Tanks' newest update, and version 6.6 brings a new map, new tanks, and a few minor playability fixes to the table. The new map is called Siegfried Line, and the new armor takes the form of several German tank models including two premium Skodas (the T-15 and T-25). Wargaming.net has also added the option for free-to-play gamers to form 2-player platoons at no cost. Head to the official World of Tanks website for the full update notes.
World of Warplanes classes and website announced, first screenshots glimpsed
Wargaming.net has taken the wraps off its World of Warplanes web presence, and the accompanying press release reveals a bit more about the upcoming World War II-based MMORPG. The blurb refers to the game as a "flight combat action" MMO, conspicuously avoiding the flight sim phrase and indicating that the aviation title will follow in the footsteps of its ground-based World of Tanks counterpart. The press info also says that World of Warplanes will feature three warplane classes: single-engine light fighters, heavy fighters with "deadly straight attacks," and strafing aircraft for ground assaults. The new site also features the first in-game screenshots, and you can look forward to Massively's exclusive in-depth interview with Wargaming.net later this month as the title is revealed at Gamescom.
World of Warplanes debuting at Gamescom
If you're curious about Wargaming.net's upcoming World of Warplanes MMO, Gamescom 2011 is the place to be. The World War II-based flight simulator's gameplay will be shown for the first time at the convention in Cologne, Germany from August 17th to August 21st. World of Warplanes was initially announced during this year's E3, but no media, gameplay footage, or web presence has been forthcoming as of yet. Wargaming.net will also be holding an open World of Tanks tournament at Gamescom, and the company has plans to announce its newest development project, according to a press release issued this morning.
World of Tanks 6.5 patch debuts June 30th
A new retail box isn't the only thing in store for fans of World of Tanks in the near future. Wargaming.net has just issued a press blurb confirming the action MMO's latest patch release for June 30th. Update 6.5 brings two new maps to the battlefront. Redshire takes it inspiration from traditional British settlements, while Arctic Region is the game's first pure winter locale. In addition to the maps, 6.5 also features a new lineup of American destroyer tanks including the famous T95 "super-heavy monster." The patch also introduces two premium light tanks (the American M22 Locust and the Russian T-127) as well as the M46 Patton, which is slated to replace the M26 Pershing. Wargaming.net CEO Victor Kislyi says this tweak is the first step toward a global tech tree revision. "We constantly keep polishing the game balance, and updating World of Tanks to 6.5 is yet another important step in this direction."
World of Tanks rolling toward retail
The retail box hasn't quite succumbed to the digital download onslaught, at least if World of Tanks and Wargaming.net have anything to say in the matter. Yes, fans of clutter and old-school box collecting rejoice, as WoT is on its way to a game store near you thanks to a new partnership with Interactive Gaming Software. The World War II-based tank MMO will be available at retail for $19.99, and Wargaming.net CEO Victor Kislyi hopes that the new deal will result in increased exposure around the globe. "We're extremely proud to say that our headliner will finally appear in stores," Kislyi said via press release. "[We] hope that [IGS'] tremendous expertise in distributing retail production will help in bringing the popularity of World of Tanks to a completely new level." World of Tanks is a free-to-play action MMO that launched last April. The game features squad-based tank combat, traditional MMO progression, and a strategic territorial meta-game based on a large-scale map of World War II-era Europe.
Gaijin announces World of Planes MMO
Is the World War II aviation-based MMO market big enough to support multiple titles? We'll soon find out, as Gaijin Entertainment has just announced its upcoming World of Planes MMO (not to be confused with Wargaming.net's World of Warplanes title, which took a bow earlier this month). Gaijin's press release calls World of Planes a "flying simulation game," and the company will be drawing on its previous genre experience thanks to titles like Wings of Prey and Wings of Luftwaffe. According to the new World of Planes website, the game will feature "hundreds of historically accurate planes" and "flying skills that can be honed and improved with each mission." The site also hints at ground- and sea-based combat along with co-op missions, solo play, and a realistic damage model. The game will operate under a free-to-play business model, and you'll want to check out our screenshot gallery below before heading to the official World of Planes website to sign up for beta. %Gallery-126603%
E3 2011: World of Tanks teases clan wars trailer, new screens
World of Tanks may not be the biggest name in the E3 house this week, but the free-to-play action MMO's clan wars trailer nonetheless brought some big guns to bear on the annual gaming convention. The 40-second spot features a handful of tanks careening across what appears to be a scorched landscape highlighted by fiery fault lines. As the camera pulls back, we get a good look at a stylized campaign map of the European theater over which World of Tanks' clan wars metagame is fought. Wargaming.net has also released a bunch of nifty new screens to celebrate convention week, and you can get an up close and personal look at World of Tanks' highly detailed hardware in our gallery below. After you're done, head past the cut for the teaser. %Gallery-125725%
Wargaming.net announces new World of Warplanes MMO
Since 1998, Belarus-based Wargaming.net has developed and shipped 13 games including the Massive Assault series, Order of War, and most recently, World of Tanks. According to a new press release, the dev team is aiming to replicate WoT's success with a new free-to-play title called World of Warplanes. Aviation is the big draw, of course, and Wargaming.net indicates that the title will feature aircraft and scenarios dating from the 1930s through the 1950s (a watershed period in aviation history that saw rapid technological advances spurred on by World War II and the Korean conflict). Details on the game are a bit light at this point, but we're expecting (and hoping for) something similar to World of Tanks in terms of a balance between simulation and traditional MMO gameplay. We'll be bringing you more on World of Warplanes throughout its development process.
World of Tanks coming to real-world Tankfest event
It's not often that an MMO intersects with history, and it's even rarer when it does so with enough authenticity to merit inclusion in real-world historical celebrations. World of Tanks has done just that, and thanks to a new press release from Wargaming.net, we've got word that the dev team will be participating in Tankfest 2011, an annual military history event. Tankfest takes place at the Bovington Tank Museum in Britain on June 25th and 26th, and Wargaming.net will be on hand to demonstrate "one of the largest virtual examples of WWII-era steel armor." World of Tanks officially launched on April 12th after an extensive beta period, and the game recently released new maps and the meta Ultimate Conquest mode.
