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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 Tanks 7.5 patch adds three maps, new tanks for all
The first of the month has brought a new update to World of Tanks. The 7.5 patch is now live on Wargaming.net's European servers, and it will debut in North America tomorrow. New tier 10 medium tanks and tank destroyers are the order of the day, as are new premium vehicles, battle arenas, and various medals and titles. The American tech tree has been updated with E3 and E4 mods to the T110 destroyer in addition to the M48A1 Patton III medium tank. The German destroyer lines get the new JadgPz E-100 and E-50 Ausf M. Soviet players can now enjoy Object 268 destroyers and T62A mediums, while French drivers get the Chatillon 25t medium and AMX 50 Foch 155 destroyer. The 7.5 update also adds three new North American maps called Port, Highway, and Serene Coast. [Source: Wargaming.net press release]
Amazon adds free-to-play games and services through Game Connect
Expanding its digital games store, Amazon.com has just added a new feature called Games Connect, which offers a selection of free-to-play games to customers and allows players to sign up for the games directly from the Amazon site. Titles such as World of Tanks, Stronghold Kingdoms, and Pandora Saga can now be downloaded through Game Connect. Amazon's offered a bonus for using this new service: When players create game accounts right from the Amazon product page, the account is automatically linked to their Amazon accounts so subscriptions and purchased virtual goods are sent directly to the game without the need of additional codes. Additionally, players who use Game Connects to link their accounts to some of the games will unlock exclusive in-game content. [Source: Amazon.com press release]
World of Tanks 7.5 patch to add new tanks, maps
Update 7.5 is on its way to World of Tanks. The patch will likely make endgame players happy, as it includes new Tier 10 medium tanks, tank destroyers, maps, and vehicles. The American tech tree gets most of the Tier 10 love courtesy of two T110 model destroyers and an M48 Patton III. French, German, and Soviet forces aren't left out, though, as each gets two additional tanks. Finally, Wargaming.net is expanding the game's map roster with three new North American locations called Port, Highway, and Quiet Beach. Head past the cut to see all of this in action via the new 7.5 trailer. [Source: Wargaming.net press release]
World of Tanks' 7.4 patch brings new game modes, maps
Wargaming.net is all over the place lately. When they're not dominating E3 booth space or installing gaming centers on real-world battleships, the devs find time to update their action shooters. World of Tanks' 7.4 patch brings two new game modes, new maps, and new premium tanks to the table. The new modes are called encounter battle and assault. Each is designed to emphasize strategic gameplay. Two opposing teams fight over a single base in the former, while one team defends a base against an assault team in the latter. The new maps are offering differing gameplay experiences due to their terrain and object placement. Widepark is a "dense labyrinth of streets in a half-ruined European-style town," while Airfield takes place in the hilly terrain of North Africa. Full details on the patch are yours for the reading at the official World of Tanks website, and don't forget the new trailer after the break. [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]
World of Tanks British armor sighted in the wild
If you like big band music and British heavy armor, the latest World of Tanks CG trailer is for you. The clip shows off some of the new hardware coming to Wargaming.net's lobby-based World War II actioner in the next patch. The Crusader, the Black Prince, the Centurion, and the Conqueror are just a few of the British tanks that will join the game's extensive tech tree, and producer Sergey Burkatovskiy says the lengthy wait for new armor was worth it. "The British tanks are by far the most intriguing models we've come across over the course of World of Tanks development," he says. Head past the cut to view the trailer, then check out the WoT website for further details. [Source: Wargaming.net press release]
World of Tanks' 7.4 update to feature new game modes, maps
Two new game modes are coming to World of Tanks. Encounter battle and assault will both debut with the 7.4 patch, as Wargaming.net looks to up the ante in terms of complicated combat assignments. The patch will also expand the French tank tree as well as add two new maps to the mix. The first map is called Widepark, and it takes place amidst the ruins of a bombed out German town. The second map is called Airfield. It transports players to a Mediterranean location surrounded by temple ruins and rocky hills. The most noteworthy 7.4 changes, though, are the game modes. Encounter battle "invites two sides to fight for one base," according to a Wargaming.net press release. Assault "sets the players in the roles of attackers and defenders where the former have superior combat capabilities," the company says. [Source: Wargaming.net press release]
Wargaming.net looking to conquer Korea
One of these days we're going to write a story about how Wargaming.net has colonized another planet and is busy converting its indigenous population into fiendishly addicted action MMO players. Today, though, the company is settling for Korea. The month of May brings the latest territorial expansion for the firm's ubiquitous World of Tanks brand as well as a new Korean office. "We are proud to announce that Wargaming.net is just a couple of steps away from establishing its Korean presence," says CEO Victor Kislyi. "Now that we're fully prepared to meet [the] high expectations of the Korean gaming community, I don't see any reasons for World of Tanks not to become a success." Wargaming.net launched World of Tanks in 2011. The company is currently conducting global alpha tests for its World of Warplanes followup as well as developing World of Battleships. [Source: Wargaming.net press release]
World of Tanks appreciates the military with a World of Thanks
When you log in and play World of Tanks, you're playing the entertaining part of war, the part with cool machines wreaking havoc. Real wars obviously aren't fought by logging in and choosing a tank; they're fought by brave men and women willing to lay down their lives for their country if necessary. Thus, in honor of National Military Appreciation Month, Wargaming.net is donating to several charities for American veterans with your purchases. Four charities -- AMVETS, Homes for our Troops, the Military Families Fund, and Paralyzed Veterans of America -- will be receiving 10% of the proceeds from all American purchases of larger Gold packs and 75% of the proceeds for all American purchases of the T14 package. To help raise awareness of veteran concerns, the company will also be hosting several giveaways through the month. It's a nice nod toward the reality of armed conflicts, and it lets you play at a private little war while still donating to survivors of real battles.
The Firing Line: Five reasons to love Tribes: Ascend
Oh, Tribes: Ascend, if only you were an MMO. Actually, wait a minute. When I think on it, if Hi-Rez Studios' new free-to-play sci-fi shooter were an MMO, I probably wouldn't like it as much. There's something to be said for frequent updates and instant gameplay gratification, and Tribes provides those things (and more) in spades.
World of Tanks launches in Southeast Asia this week
World of Tanks has some gaudy user numbers. Even though MMO companies and PR firms are known for their Hollywood accounting when it comes to player statistics, 24 million users is a lot any way you slice it. It's not enough for Wargaming.net, though, so the company is shipping its brand of lobby-based World War II tank action to Southeast Asia this week. The game is coming to Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand, and it's bringing its arsenal of more than 150 armored vehicles with it. Local support, distribution, marketing, and operational concerns are in the hands of SEA Gaming. World of Tanks originally launched in March of 2011 as the first game in a planned trilogy of World War II-based action titles. [Source: Wargaming.net press release]
The Firing Line: World of Tanks first-anniversary retrospective
We've been hearing about World of Tanks for so long that it seems crazy to think the title is just now celebrating its first anniversary. Sure enough, though, Wargaming.net's lobby-based multiplayer title is barely a year old. Well, OK. It's almost two years old if you count its summer 2010 beta release, which we won't since the title up there says first anniversary. Anyhow, what's even scarier than the passage of time is the fact that World of Tanks (and the company behind it) is showing no signs of slowing down.
Choose My Adventure: Ultimate road trip edition
Let's go for another spin! Just like Mikey of Life cereal fame, I ventured into the realm of Choose My Adventure once before, and I liked it! Grand adventures, camaraderie with readers, exploring the unknown... what more could I ask for? More time, obviously! It ended all too soon. I was totally revved up and ready to jump right back in, but unfortunately neither pleading nor bribery worked to continue my stint as your plucky puppet (and locking the other staff members in a dark closet didn't pan out either -- they escaped), so I had to park it and wait my turn. It took much too long, but finally my time has come again. *happy dance* Now the boss may have handed me the keys, but you will be the ones driving. The top is down, and I've got snacks and shades; all that is left to begin our adventure for the next six weeks is to pick which direction to head and floor it. Although a lot of good places have already been visited, there are plenty more to choose from. In the mood for fantasy? Capes? Nebulas? Heavy artillery? Cast your votes by Sunday, April 22nd, 2012, at 11:59 p.m. EDT for your chance to steer me to the world of your choice. Our possible destinations (in no particular order) are...
World of Tanks celebrates its first year
Bring on the armored confetti! World of Tanks is celebrating its first anniversary, and Wargaming.net is "tankful" for the over 24 million registered players worldwide. Has the growth caused some shell-shock? "Our growth over the last year has been nothing short of amazing. A year ago, no one in the company could possibly imagine that World of Tanks would have skyrocketed like this," said Wargaming.net CEO Victor Kislyi. So what have all these users been up to over the last 12 months? They have participated in 350 million battles, fired more than 75 billion shells (scoring 48 billion direct hits), and destroyed more than eight billion armored vehicles. On top of that, World of Tanks secured the Guinness World Record for the Most Players Online Simultaneously on One MMO Server in January 2011 with 91,311 simultaneous players. The game has even broken that record multiple times, reaching a hefty 450,000 players online at one time. WoT has no intention of resting on its laurels; Kislyi assures us that "the game isn't slowing down anytime soon." In fact, he says, "We have massive expectations for the upcoming year, and we'll continue to drive game development that will keep our players engaged and excited." Join in the celebration: Watch the video after the cut and then check out our one-year retrospective in next week's The Firing Line. [Source: Wargaming.net press release]
World of Tanks 7.3 patch revamps Soviet tech tree, brings new maps
It was just last week that Wargaming.net rolled out patch 7.2 for its World of Tanks action title. Today the company has announced the followup, and while we don't have a release date on 7.3 as of yet, we do know that it features quite a lot of new content. First and foremost is the revamp to the game's Soviet tech tree, which sees heavy tanks split into two separate branches. The 7.3 update also brings a new South Coast battle arena to World of Tanks as well as Dragon's Ridge, the first of the game's maps to be set in Asia. "We've got loads of exciting new content to share with our players," said Victor Kislyi, CEO of Wargaming.net. "The new machines should give players a taste for heavy vehicles, and with the help of the upcoming battle arenas, the game will get a fresh look from both a visual and tactical point of view." You can get a visual preview of 7.3 via the video after the cut. [Source: Wargaming.net press release]
World of Tanks' patch 7.2 locks and loads tomorrow
The World of Tanks is about to get just a bit bigger with the advent of the game's patch 7.2, which will hit the servers tomorrow morning. The update adds two new maps, 22 new crew skills and perks, and a number of new tanks (and some adjustments to existing ones). But hey, why settle for words when you can have sweet, explosion-filled video? Wargaming.net has released a new trailer to get players excited about the new update. So while you (im)patiently await the patch's arrival on the live servers, why don't you grab yourself some popcorn and have a look? [Thanks to Pharaoh for the tip!]
