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GDC Online 2012: Flying high with World of Warplanes
Wargaming.net CEO Viktor Kislyi is a busy man in charge of one of the fastest-growing online studios in the world. Since the launch of World of Tanks and its rise to superstar status, Wargaming.net has grown to encompass 1,200 people in 11 offices around the world. Half of these are developers on the studio's three main projects, while the other half run support for the highly lucrative World of Tanks. With World of Tanks under their belts, Kislyi and his team are preparing to press the starter switch for World of Warplanes. If you haven't paid much attention to it yet, perhaps you should, particularly if you're a fan of flight simulators. World of Warplanes covers the early days of air combat from 1930s-era biplanes to Korean War jet fighters. We grabbed a few minutes of Kislyi's time at GDC Online this week to see how World of Warplanes was shaping up and whether there were any new surprises that the team was prepared to reveal at the event. Read on, flyboys and flygirls!
New World of Warplanes cinematic features the most beautiful machines ever built
Wargaming.net has dipped into its deep pockets for another CG video designed to show off one of its World War II action titles. The star of this particular show is World of Warplanes, which is now in beta testing. Well, actually, the star of this particular show is the F4U Corsair, which everyone knows is the most beautiful machine ever built. There are some other airplanes in the video, of course, and a bunch of explosions, a ship or two, and even a train, but really you can just start at 1:08 and get your Corsair fix. WoWP is coming to Igromir 2012, a gaming and pop culture exhibition held in Moscow's Krokus Center. The trailer marks the occasion, and you can view it after the cut.
How Wargaming.net launched itself to the top
Wargaming.net got its real start the day IBM's Deep Blue supercomputer beat Garry Kasparov at chess. Viktor Kislyi, Wargaming.net's CEO, came to the conclusion that civilization had moved on and that computers were the future. His first game, made over the course of two years with his brother and played by only two other people on the planet, was Iron Age, a turn-based strategy game in the traditions of Risk and Civilization. After that, Kislyi worked on translating the miniature wargame De Bellis Antiquitatis to the virtual (but still historically accurate) world. After the success of DBA, Kislyi and those around him created the Massive Assault games, Galactic Assault, and Order of War. After that, development for World of Tanks began, although in the early days, it was a drastically different game. The game began as a "fantasy arena style battle game," but circumstances intervened, and eventually World of Tanks as we know and love it was born. Want to brush up on your history? PC Gamer has the full details of the rise of Wargaming.net. There'll be a quiz.
World of Warplanes fifth dev diary discusses design goals and historical facts
Interested in specific aerial stunts and combat tactics? The fifth World of Warplanes developer diary delves into some of these, offering bits of history along with explanations of certain moves. It also discusses design goals and specifics of flight modeling. Although the game offers faster and more nimble aircraft than would participate in dogfights in real life, Wargaming.net is taking pains to make the experience as authentic as possible by considering different logistics including weight and resistance strength of bomb loads and underwing weapons. Although the types of aircraft are set and authentic, players will have the opportunity to customize their planes through modifications and even pin-up art. For full details, watch the dev diary after the break. [Source: Wargaming.net press release]
PAX Prime 2012: World of Warplanes
Tanks are old news. This is the time for warplanes -- World of Warplanes, in fact. Happily, we can talk about just that because we took some time at PAX and sat down with some Wargaming.net folks to take a look at the upcoming game.
Gamescom 2012: Wargaming.net teases World of Warplanes CG trailer
Wargaming.net has released a new CG trailer for its forthcoming World of Warplanes title. If you're an aviation buff or you simply like sleek machines and big explosions, the clip is pure porn that runs for just over a minute. While there's no gameplay footage, we do get to see a good representation of all the different aircraft up for grabs in the game. Everything from World War II stalwarts like the P-51 Mustang and Messerschmitt Bf-109 to Korean War birds like the F-86 are on display. There's even a glimpse of some World War I-era hardware. See for yourself after the break.
Exclusive: World of Warplanes reveals Japanese carrier fighter aircraft
If dogfights and World War II-era aircraft make you twitch with excitement, for the sake of your keyboard, you might want to put down your drink before reading any further. Wargaming.net has just announced the addition of Japanese warplanes to World of Warplanes. The upcoming lobby-based shooter will allow pilots to jump in the cockpit of six different planes from the Japanese Imperial Air Service: the Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero, the Nakajima Type 91, the twin-boom Mitsubishi J4M1 Senden interceptor fighter, and the three prototypes Kyushu J7W1, J7W2, and J7W3. Producer Anton Sitnikau stated, "The inclusion of Japanese warbirds... [is] really going to provide players with a wide variety of tactical freedom in how they play the game and combat other players." Players will benefit from the speed, power, and maneuverability of these planes as well as an increased field of vision. For a glimpse of these machines, watch the exclusive trailer after the break. And for more info on World of Warplanes, read The Firing Line's interview with Producer Alexander Zelulin. Players wanting to get in beta can apply on the official site. [Source: Wargaming.net press release]
World of Tanks was rejected by publishers as 'cheap Asian stuff'
Since its release at the end of 2010, Russian tank MMO World of Tanks has grown to become a global sensation with over 35 million users worldwide. The incredible success of this free-to-play giant has gone on to spawn upcoming offshoots World of Warplanes and World of Warships, but you might be surprised to hear that western publishers initially rejected the game. At GDC Europe today, Wargaming.net CEO Victor Kislyi revealed that Western publishers originally didn't accept the game because of its free-to-play business model. "They were very arrogant," Victor explained, adding that the game "was described as cheap, Asian stuff." The rampant success of World of Tanks and the free-to-play business model has since grown Wargaming.net from a studio with 120 employees into a global business with over 1,000.
The Firing Line Extra: Wargaming.net producer talks World of Warplanes expert mode, tech trees, and more
It's been an interesting few weeks for Wargaming.net. The firm has re-branded its World of Warships title, acquired BigWorld via a blockbuster $45 million purchase, and hinted at more simulation-style gameplay for its forthcoming World of Warplanes shooter. I forwarded a few questions to WoWP producer Alexander Zelulin about those very topics, so join us after the cut for a quick look at what the firm is thinking with regard to its next World War II-themed multiplayer title.
John De Margheriti leaves BigWorld
BigWorld, the Australian middleware platform developer that was recently acquired by Wargaming.net, will have a new man at the helm as CEO and co-founder John De Margheriti steps down. Taking over the job as director will be the company's other co-founder, Steve Wang. Passing along BigWorld's leadership reins will not, however, end De Margheriti's involvement in the gaming industry. He plans to remain active by providing consulting services to Wargaming.net and the non-profit Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE), an Australian 3-D animation, game design, and visual FX educator. Of the recent purchase of BigWorld, De Margheriti said, "I believe that BigWorld is a great fit for Wargaming, and the acquisition is a very smart move by this growing global giant. They now have secured the best online games platform on the market." [Source: BigWorld press release]
Wargaming acquires BigWorld for $45 million
In what Chief Executive Victor Kislyi explained as a means to remain in control of the studio's own destiny, Wargaming.net has acquired BigWorld, an Australian online-game software maker, for $45 million. The move was to bring one of the publisher's critical tools in-house; previously, BigWorld supplied Wargaming with with its technology platform. Kislyi states, "This [is] very crucial for us, as we want to control the technology provider we are using. Now we can integrate them to make internal development more efficient." Wargaming, which publishes the popular free-to-play World of Tanks along with the upcoming World of Warplanes and World of Warships (previously known as World of Battleships), has been using BigWorld nearly five years. The move will lower the production costs of the two new titles and adds new employees to the company. Kislyi assures that Wargaming will continue to support Bigworld's current customers and indicates that in the future, the studio may be in the position to offer technology of the combined companies to others wanting to develop an MMO.
World of Warplanes devs working on expert mode, control schemes
Part four of Wargaming.net's ongoing World of Warplanes-focused dev diary series is here. The new video touches on the game's control schemes, and like previous installments, this episode features a number of WoWP developers talking about their baby. The game differs from World of Tanks, and from most of its MMO contemporaries, by virtue of its z-axis and the challenges inherent in aerial combat. Wargaming.net is providing a variety of control options for players ranging from flight sim enthusiasts to newbs who have no idea which end of joystick is up. Keyboards, gamepads, mice, and joysticks are all fair game. That said, not all input devices are ideally suited to fast-paced combat. "Keys operate on a dual-mode on/off principle that makes smooth movement incredibly difficult to manage," explains producer Anton Sitnikau. Interestingly, Sitnikau also reveals that the devs are working on an "expert mode" that will grant players full control over their aircraft. World of Warplanes has heretofore been marketed as more of a casually accessible arcade battler than a flight sim. Check out the full dev diary after the break. [Source: Wargaming.net press release]
World of Warplanes dev video talks game modes, air superiority
Wargaming.net continues to dive-bomb media outlets with material on its World of Warplanes title. The free-to-play flight shooter, which is a follow-up to the firm's uber-successful World of Tanks, is currently in closed beta testing. The company has released its third developer video, which features several dev personalities talking at length about game modes and advancing your virtual pilot. Wargaming.net says that initially WoWP was a riff on World of Tanks' capture-the-base mechanics. Due to the higher speeds involved (and the resulting "boring and awkward" gameplay), the concept was scrapped in favor of superiority. Superiority is now the main game mode in World of Warplanes, and in a nutshell the objective is to either destroy all 15 of the opposing team's planes or destroy a certain percentage of ground targets. Check out the full clip after the break. [Source: Wargaming.net press release]
New World of Warplanes video features carrier-based fighters
Wargaming.net has released a new gameplay video for World of Warplanes. The clip focuses on carrier-based fighters from the U.S. tech tree, including stalwarts like Grumman's Wildcat variants and Chance-Vought's deadly F4U Corsairs. There are a few lesser-known aircraft in the mix as well. Players can fly several early biplane fighters as well as jets like the F5U and F7U. World of Warplanes is currently in closed beta. The game is an arcade-style flight shooter that features four unique battle maps as well as 59 aircraft from the U.S., Germany, and the U.S.S.R. Click past the cut to see some carrier fighters in action. [Source: Wargaming.net press release]
Wargaming.net installing gaming center on USS Iowa
Wargaming.net's public relations machine is larger than life. Whether we're talking about the ginormous booth on display at this month's E3 or the full-size tank the company brought with it last year, the maker of World of Tanks, World of Warplanes, and World of Battleships is fond of both spectacle and military hardware. The firm's latest endeavor ties in with World of Battleships by taking gamers and history buffs on board the USS Iowa, a battleship commissioned in 1943 that took part in almost every major Pacific theater naval engagement during World War II. Wargaming.net is installing a gaming center below deck on the Iowa, as well as a "bridge experience" that will simulate an attack by Japanese forces and allow partcipants to defend the ship and fly Grumman F6F Hellcat fighter planes. "Not only is sponsoring a museum and a vet-run organization a good thing, it also naturally clicks and fits within our business mission," explains Wargaming.net CEO Victor Kislyi. "That brings us fantastic brand awareness and spreads the word about our company and our products, so it's a very perfect fit. It is business and it is passion for history and historical accuracy. It's a mutually beneficial thing." Head past the cut for a video interview with Kislyi on the deck of the Iowa.
E3 2012: Hands-on with World of Warplanes
It was difficult to miss one of the most impressive booths on the show floor at E3. Wargaming.net established its dominance on the floor by setting up computers and allowing all E3-goers to play its latest games against the Wargaming development team. Its flagship title at E3 was World of Tanks, but I sneaked away to the team's press room to watch a demo of something similar. World of Warplanes is one title out of three that Wargaming.net is proud to show. For the unfamiliar readers, Wargaming.net launched World of Tanks last year, and its booth at E3 2011 wasn't quite as large as this year's.
Wargaming.net to unify all its titles in a 'single MMO battle realm'
Wargaming.net has not one, not two, but three action MMOs in its portfolio. You've probably played World of Tanks, and World of Warplanes just recently transitioned from alpha to closed beta. The company is also working on World of Battleships as well as a portal to connect all three World War II titles and allow gamers to access them instantly. The service is called, er, Wargaming.net Service. Once it is deployed, players will receive unified Wargaming.net IDs "that will provide instant access to all games and services, as well as any partner or fan websites." The company's latest press release also mentions something called a "single MMO battle realm," where tank, warplane, and battleship clans will assist one another in their quest for world domination. [Source: Wargaming.net press release]
The Firing Line: Zomg it's almost time for PlanetSide 2 edition
It's taking all of my willpower to avoid reducing this week's column down to four words: PlanetSide 2 hands-on. I guess technically that might be three words, or even two, depending on how you classify numbers and hyphens. The point, though, is that this time next week, I will have gotten my grubby little paws on Sony Online Entertainment's MMOFPS, and I'm so excited that little else matters. OK, some stuff still matters, namely the interesting shooter news that happened this past week. Join me after the jump for a recap.
World of Warplanes closed beta starts today
It's officially closed beta time for World of Warplanes. Wargaming.net says it has expanded the title's content to include "new warplanes, maps, and other features." The current beta build boasts 59 aircraft from Germany, the United States, and the U.S.S.R. There are four battle maps as well as new weaponry like bombs and rockets plus an in-game tutorial. World of Warplanes is a lobby-based 15v15 arcade shooter featuring World War II-era aircraft. You can learn more about the game, as well as sign up for the closed beta, at the WoWP website. [Source: Wargaming.net press release]
World of Warplanes closed beta starts May 31st
If you've been holding out hope for an invite to the World of Warplanes global alpha, take heart. Wargaming.net has just announced that it's moving its aviation shooter into closed beta on May 31st. The company says its "army of test pilots will be increased drastically" as a result, so be sure to sign up on the official WoWP website. World of Warplanes is a lobby-based flight combat game set during aviation's golden age. It features aircraft ranging from 1930s biplanes to 1950s jets. For more on the game, check out our recent interview with producer Anton Sitnikau. [Source: Wargaming.net press release]
