WoT Newsletter Volume #14

Welcome to the World of Tanks Newsletter! said: Our goal is to weekly update with news events, new information on current issues, and interesting articles!
If you think you have a story or article that would fit in well submit the article to MrVic via PM on the WoT boards.
We plan to add some reporters/writers so submit your entries or ideas and how you might like to contribute!
Newsletter Staff
Editor: MrVicWeekly Comic: Wallachia Reporter: GeorgePatton Tank Review: Diastant


Developers Corner  said: Pre-release Notes what to expect

Last updated February 10, 2011
With the release approaching there is an urgent need to make up for a certain information deficiency. This thread is an attempt to cover top 10 most important points, issues, plans.
1. Release: Hardwipe & Prices For Gold
These dates are still considered to be rough, but should give batter understanding of projected time-lines.
ETAs:
Pre-orders launch: February 20-25
Release date: March 10-15. Hardwipe confirmed.
Note! The exact dates will be announced on the websites. ETA's will be updated as we near the respective events.
The exact prices for gold are to be announced. There are some organizational issues that are to be sorted out first.
US server:
set in US dollars
EU server:
set in Euros
1USD=1EUR rate won't be in use, overall prices will be practically the same for both servers.
Note! Available payment systems and other related details are to be announced.
Pre-order packages will be available approx two weeks before the game goes live. All in all there will be 3 options to choose from, each one contains certain amount of gold with discount and a premium vehicle (A-32, Pz. V/IV, M6A2E1).
Pre-order stuff can be added to existing account.
2. Release Version and the Upcoming Major Update
Projected release version - v.0.6.3.x. It will be based on v.0.6.3.7 and contain 1 pre-order tank M6A2E1 that is currently missing.
Major update v.0.6.4 - preliminary patch notes:
New vehicles:
- 3 tier 8 SPGs: Object 261, Geschutzwagen-E, T92.
- 2 premium tanks: Lowe and KV-5.
- 2 tanks from full tress: Pz38 NA, KV-13.
Maps:
- 2 brand new maps.
- Completely redesigned Pagorki map.
- Reworked Komarin map.
New movement system that is supposed to remove about 70-80% of stuck cases.
Fixed hit boxes for several tanks (Maus, Jagdpanther, IS-7).
[Possibly] Reworked gun mantlets for Tiger II, VK4502, Ferdinand, Jagdtiger.
Added gold transfers between clan members.
Reworked detracking system. See new detracking mechanics section.
[Possibly] Reworked special graphic effects that is supposed to fix multiple fps drops.
Reworked the mechanics of credit and gold repair kits, fire extinguishers, first aid kits. Details to be announced.
Added advanced settings for voice chat and reworked some interfaces.
Added mute player function for voice chat.
Added individual adjustments of match-making value for each tank. Tanks of the same tier and type can be assigned with different values.
[Possibly] Added tier for company battle mode with limitations on max vehicle tier and/or overall tier of the company.
[Possibly] Fixed several cases of memory leak.
Reworked outlines of bases to reflect the actual radius more accurately.
Note 1! ETA to be announced.
Note 2! The update comes after the release.
Note 3! US TDs will be added with the update that comes after v.0.6.4.
Note 4! French tanks will be added after US TDs.
3. Visibility and Spotting Mechanics
Visibility and spotting system are being worked on. Below are some details.
Overall performance if the system will be optimized so as to consume less server resources
The rate of visibility checks will see significant increase (approx 3-5 times more frequent)
The number of "hard points" (special spots are verified during visibility checks and located on the vehicles) will be increased several times. That is supposed to make visibility mechanics more accurate and credible when determining sight between tanks.
The number of visibility "sight lines" each vehicle emits is going to be increased several times. Small objects (posts, stones, bushes etc) won't affect visibility mechanics the way they do it now, their influence is to be reduced.
"Camo" or visibility values are going to be reconsidered to reflect actual vehicle size and engine specs. Currently there is some mismatching, especially with German vehicles.
"Post-firing" visibility will be systematized and redesigned according to gun specs
ETA is to be announced.
4. Revision of Tech Trees
Currently we are considering possible revision of existing tech trees. The work is still in progress and there is no ETA for changes to arrive.
US tech tree, to a high extent, can be revised in the light of community feedback here.
5. Match-making System
The way match-making system performs currently is explained here (Dev breakdown with chart) and here (FAQ).
Plans for future:
Overall match-making will be improving steadily, this kind of work goes non-stop
Match-making spread for the majority of the vehicles is not planned to be decreased
Most of improvements will be done by means of changing match-making value ("weight") of the vehicles, that enables us to adjust the probability of getting into battles of a particular tier without changing actual match-making spread
It will be possible to assign unique match-making value to each individual tank (currently assigned according to tier and type, i.e. all tier 8 heavies have the same value)
Several adjustments will be made when tier 8 SPGs (soon) and tier 5 light tanks (not soon) are added
Match-making value for tier 9 medium tanks is to be increased that will bring them in battles of higher tiers
No match-making system for company battles
Company battles are going to be divided into several sub modes: according to overall tier of a company, limited to min/max tier of vehicles in it, faction-based company battles
Most probably overall tier division for companies will correspond to current battle leagues
6. Clan Wars
International clan wars beta will start in a few months after the release.
Non-exhaustive list of features for clan wars currently in development:
New territories on global map.
Special in-game maps for most important historical provinces.
Fog of war in special battles. Neither team is aware of its opponent's roster.
Reconnaissance.
Engineering structures in controlled provinces: bunkers, automated (bot-guided) weapon emplacements, mine fields etc.
Call for artillery- and air-strike covering the whole square.
New battle formats. One base per map, bigger teams.
Political features: diplomacy and alliances, super-capitals, revolts.
Volunteers functionality (replacement for mercenaries).
Nomad clans.
7. German Vehicles
Having re-assessed statistics on vehicles performance and following vigorous community feedback, including but not limited to topics here and here, some changes are going to be made to German vehicles.
1. Fixed hit-box for Maus (example)
Fixed issue with lower front hull armor plate and "mudguards" (see "armor-schielding" below)
8 additional armor groups for gun and mantlet that can be assigned with separate parameters.
Added "armor-shielding" mechanics for mantlet and possibly front hull. "Armor-shielding" decreases actual penetration power of the shell, allowing shell to go further with reduced penetration ability.
Reworked mantled to reflect non-homogenous armor, gun hole in the mantlet and areas where mantlet armor overlaps with front turret armor.
ETA - v.0.6.4.x update
Note! Tiger II, VK4502, Ferdinand, Jagdtiger might be reworked in the same way, when the performance of "fixed" Maus is assessed.
2. Reconsidered and systematized visibility values for tanks and especially TDs.
ETA - v.0.6.4.x update
3. Adjustments to max speed values of Tiger and Tiger II are under consideration.
8. SPGs & Balance
Current SPGs mechanics is working as intended. The role artillery carries out in battle coincides with projected designations
No major changes are planned
Implementation of tier 8 SPGs is not going to cause significant rebalancing of lower tier units
9. New Game Modes
Several new game modes are in development
Assault mode - one team is to defend the base, the other one is to capture it
Domination mode - there is one base in the center of the map and both teams are to capture it
Current maps will be reworked and adjusted to suit new game modes
At this time - no ETAs
10. New Detracking Mechanics
The size of front and rear trucks/wheels for each particular vehicle will be specified in %.
I.e. suspension/tracks will consist of 3 major parts:
- front (approx 15-20% of its length)
- middle
- rear (approx 15-20%)
Hits for each part are to be calculated separately:
Hitting the front and rear parts will detrack the vehicle the way it works currently, ie the damage done to leading wheel or idler.
The middle part will have more hit points and reduced chance to be damaged.
The above is supposed to reduce the effectiveness of plain firing at tracks. One will need to aim accurately to detrack the opponent (damage either front or rear wheel/truck)
The image below roughly represents new system.


Green areas will be limited to the size of leading wheel and idler.
This post will be timely updated.
Topic for discussion.
Pre-Release Notes Update #1

Update 1
1. New time line for pre-orders launch. Extra slot included.
2. Removed from preliminary patch notes of v.0.6.4:
[Possibly] Added tier for company battle mode with limitations on max vehicle tier and/or overall tier of the company.
Reason: unfortunately we won't manage to finish it in time, will be added in the next update.
[Possibly] Reworked gun mantlets for Tiger II, VK4502, Ferdinand, Jagdtiger.
Reason: Maus goes first, it will be used as guinea pig (in the finest sense of the word) to test the new mantlet mechanics.
QuotePre-Release Notes Update #2
Update 2
Pre-orders launch: March 8-15.
Release date: March 24-31.
World Championship WOT.
Dev Question and Answer on Question and Answer sessions Link to Thread
Password change serviceLink to Post


Quote Pre-Release Notes Update #2
Update 2
Pre-orders launch: March 8-15.
Release date: March 24-31.
World Championship WOT.


News Headlines said: Ural Steel - International Championship within World of tanks for Uralvagonzavod prizesNews Link Details
WORLD OF TANKS SETS WORLD RECORD News Link Details
Q & A WITH WOT PROJECT MANAGER FROM THEAVERAGEGAMER.COM News Link Details
WORLD OF TANKS TUTORIAL, PART 3.PROGRESS News Link Details
INTERVIEW WITH WOT PROJECT MANAGER FOR ONRPG.COM News Link Details
FERDINAND RENDERS News Link Details


Main Discussions on the Forums said: Have thoughts or concerns? The following Threads are the main threads for discussing changes or feedback.
Discussion of pre-release notesLink to Main Topic
v.0.6.3.7 update - preliminary discussion Link to Main Topic
Official Tracks - Tracked - Tracking Thread Link to Main Topic
Match Making Thread Link to Main Topic
Post Patch SPG Thread Link to Main Topic
Official Hard/Soft Wipe Discussion Thread Link to Main Topic
Official Tank View Range / Spotting Thread Link to Main Topic
Thread Covering Open Beta information What Open Beta Means to you!


Hot Topic of the Week said: v.0.6.3.x update - preliminary discussion
Link to Thread


Fake Tip of the Week said: Fake Tip of the Week:If you see a tank moving slower then normal its a Zombie tank, don't let them tell you its engine is "damaged" its all a ruse to sneak up and "ram" you....


Post of the Week said: Link to Post
The StugIII I love it now
MrVic: The Stug is one of my personal favorites, glad to see so many enjoy it


A Look to the Future said: Ural Steel - International Championship within World of tanks for Uralvagonzavod prizesNews Link Details
New Match-Making Chart
- Changed spread for some vehicles
- Featured new vehicles

note - left-hand column is the vehicle tier, top row is the battle tier (the battle that vehicle gets assigned to) there are no and no plans for tier 11 or 12 vehicles. /SE

World of Tanks Tutorial Video Part 3
Quote M6A2E1 - is an uparmored continuation of US M6 heavy line with a new turret armed with a T5E1 105 mm gun. Never was in mass production.
This is a tier 8 premium tank that will be available for pre-orders in about 2 weeks
M6A2E1

M6A2E1 Pre-Order


World of Tanks Tutorial Video part 1
World of Tanks Tutorial Video part 2
beta v.0.6.2.8 - v.0.6.3.0 patch notes

- Basic UI for web-based battles (clan battles).
- Removed festive stuff from maps and hangars.
- Reworked static lightning for some maps.
- Fixed long descriprions for HE shells in service window.
- Fixed failure when pressing PTT button (rare).
- Fixed crash to desktop when using voice chat (rare).
- Fixed bug when reticle in SPG mode going beyond the map in some cases.
- Fixed incorrect display of water when using high settings for some configurations.
- Fixed incorrect display of assigned buttons in game controls.
- Fixed bug with opening game menu while loading the map.
- Fixed game "hang-up" when searching for companies.
- Removed "turret" for Object 704 from shop window.
- Cleared descriptions for some medals.
- [E] button unassigned from "fire" and "auto-aim".
- Fixed too powerful jerks when taking a hit in SPG mode.
- Reassembled audio output libraries.
- Vehicle performance characteristics:
T-54: repair costs increased by 15%, clearance increased by 15 cm, decreased armor of tracks by 5mm (now the same as for T-44), track repair time increased by 10% (now the same as for T-44).
ISU-152: repair costs increased by 8%.
Object 212: repair costs increased by 100%, decreased gun armoring.
203mm F-625D shell: price 1387 -> 1442.
203mm G-620 shell: price 1050 -> 1092.
IS-7: repair costs increased by 5%.
T-14: maximum battle tier reduced by 1.
Т30: repair costs increased by 10%.
STUG III: increased weight limit for top suspension, maximum battle tier reduced by 1.
Increased hit points for guns: 75mm_KwK_L70, 75mm_KwK45_L100, 88mm_KwK_43_L71, 105mm_KwK45_L52_ausf_B.
Maus: reloading time decreased by 0.21 sec.
Panther II:
- 7,5 см KwK42 L/70 gun: dispersion decreased by 7%.
- 7,5 cm KwK45 L/100 gun: dispersion decreased by 4%.
- increased weight limit for stock suspension (to mount top turret).
- repair costs decreased by 6%.
- 10,5 cm KwK45 L/52 Ausf. B gun: decreased dispersion during turret traverse by 14%, reloading time decreased by 0.17 sec, dispersion radius decreased by 7%.
- Maybach HL 234P50 engine: decreased chance of fire by 5%, increased hit point by 12.5%.
- Ammo rack: hit points increased by 8%.
Projected timeline: to be announced.
v.0.6.3.2 - v.0.6.3.7a patch notes

v.0.6.3.2 - v.0.6.3.7a patch notes
- Added new map Westfield.
- Fixed certain cases of shells flying outside the aim circle.
- Fixed certain cases of disappearing shells.
- Fixed bug of autoaim sticking to destroyed tank.
- Fixed mistiming of "the battle starts in" counter for different players.
- Removed turret for GW-Panther, M12, M40M43 from the shop.
- Removed unupgradable modules of top tier tanks from the store.
- Removed "showcaptchadialog" line from hangar's headline.
- Fixed discrepancy of turret traverse speed between turret specs window and the corresponding tech tree.
- Fixed bug in searching for a contact with less than 4 symbols in its name.
- Fixed bug of missing scrollbars at chat window.
- Fixed bug of positioning in chat window after switching to it.
- Fixed copyright year at intro screen.
- Decreased Panther II size.
- Fixed from with missing some textures for destroyed T-28 model.
- 105mm_KwK45_L52_ausf_B gun (Panther II): shell velocity increased by 20%.
- 150mm_sFH18_L30 gun: dispersion during turret traverse increased by 12%, range of fire decreased by 15%, increased trajectory curve..
- 150mm_sFH36_L43 gun: dispersion during turret traverse increased by 25%, increased shell velocity, increased trajectory curve.
- 170mm_K72_Sf gun: rate of fire decreased by 20%, damage increased from 1100 to 1400.
- Hetzer: added new 220 HP engine, traverse speed decreased, decreased passing-ability for normal and bad terrain by 15%.
- JagdPanther: increased armor for 88mm Pak 43 L/71 gun.
- Pz35(t), Pz38(t): increased reverse speed, durability increased by 10 Hit Points.
- Ferdinand: decreased rate of fire for 128mm Pak 44 L/55 gun.
- VK3001H: durability increased by 20 Hit Points.
- LTraktor: durability increased by 10 Hit Points.
- PzII: increased reverse speed, durability increased by 5 Hit Points.
- PzII Luchs: increased reverse speed, durability increased by 10 Hit Points.
- PzIII/IV: increased reverse speed, durability increased by 20 Hit Points.
- PzIII: durability increased by 10 Hit Points.
- PzIIIA: increased reverse speed, durability increased by 20 Hit Points.
- PzV/IV, PzV/IV A: durability increased by 20 Hit Points.
- S35 739(f): tank tier decreased from 4 to 3, durability decreased by 20 Hit Points, decreased passing-ability for normal terrain by 10%.
- 38H 735(f), Pz IV, and VK1602: increased reverse speed.
- Grille: fixed turret name.
- M3 Stuart, M5 Stuart, T2 lt: increased reverse speed, adjusted shaking effect after firing.
- Ram2: engine changed to less powerful Wright Continental R-975C (440 HP), increased reverse speed, increased passing-ability.
- 155mm Gun M1A1 gun: rate of fire increased by 5%.
- 90mm_AT_Gun_M3 gun: price increased from 110550 to 127300 credits.
- QF 6 pounder Mk III gun: decreased penetration by 5 and 10 mm for AP and APCR shells respectively.
- M12: decreased horizontal aiming curve.
- T14: slightly increased passing-ability.
- T1 heavy: slightly increased passing-ability.
- Т23: repair costs increased by 30%.
- T2 med, M2 lt, M2 med, M3 Lee, and M4 Sherman: increased reverse speed.
- V-2-44, V-2-54, V-55U, and V-2-54IS engines: chance of fire on impact increased by 2%.
- T-43: increased rate of fire for 100mm D10T gun.
- Т-26: increased reverse speed, durability increased by 10 Hit Points.
- Т-28: increased reverse speed, increased rate of fire for 57mm ZiS-4 gun.
- T-46: increased reverse speed, durability increased by 10 Hit Points.
- KV-3: slightly increased passing-ability.
- KV-1S: slightly increased passing-ability.
- Т-34: increased rate of fire for 57mm ZiS-4 gun.
- BТ-2, BТ-7, А-32: increased reverse speed.
- ISU-152: increased weight limit for top suspension.
- SU-14: dispersion increased during movement and turret traverse, rate of fire decreased by 5% for 152mm gun, rate of fire decreased by 3% for 203mm gun.
Projected timeline: coming soon.
v.0.6.3.7a - v.0.6.3.7b patch notes

- Several fixes for the map Westfield.
- Removed 128mm_testgun gun from shell descriptions.
- Fixed with not working auto-resupply of shells and consumables.
- Changed conditons for getting Billotte's medal.
- Fixed copyright year in EULA.
- 15cm sFH 18 L/30 gun (Hummel's top one): dispersion during turret traverse increased rolled back to v.0.6.2.8 (current one).
- sFH36 L/30 Ausf 1943 gun(Gw-Panther's top one): dispersion during turret traverse increased rolled back to v.0.6.2.8 (current one).
- 100mm D-54 (Т-54's top one): increased chance of being spotted when firing.
Remember these are testing notes and considered Alpha data, subject to change
0.6.3.8 Update

0.6.3.8 update for US server is rescheduled for February 21-24 due to several fixes and new content features that require additional tweaking and testing.
Including but not limited to:
- Added new tank: M6A2E1 (US and EU pre-order).
- Fixed black screen while loading the map.
- Fixed map bugs in Malinovka (driving through water) and Sand River (climbing steep hills).
Note! 0.6.3.8 patch will include all changes from 0.6.3.x series.


Quote M6A2E1 - is an uparmored continuation of US M6 heavy line with a new turret armed with a T5E1 105 mm gun. Never was in mass production.
This is a tier 8 premium tank that will be available for pre-orders in about 2 weeks


Pictures of the Week said: Note: Many of these images are from projects in progress. They should be considered Alpha images and not final
New KT Renders


For those that have missed the Renders section here is some samples in the Art Section on the Main site. Link to Art Section




Last Weeks Pictures of the Week (Archive)

M36 US Tank Destroyer




T18 US Tank Destroyer



T82 US Tank Destroyer



T24 US Tank Destroyer



T40 US Tank Destroyer



T92 US SPG








Weekly Web Comics said: The Loltraktor Chronicles by: Wallachia (Core) Link to the Authors site.




Tank Skin of the Week said: This weeks featured Tank skin is by "socom45" Thread Link
T-54 Diamond plate Camo




Tank Reviews said: Written By: Diastant
Tank Reviews #4- T-29 (T-20, 34 variant)
History: It was an American tank project started in March 1944 to counter the new German tanks. Because the M-26 Pershing wasn't considered well for fighting Tiger's and such, they got to use the experimental data on a new tank, the T-29 (Keep in mind that the T-29, T-30, and T-34 are identical except for the fact that they had different guns and engines),
Armor: This is interesting. The T-29's turret probably has more armor than the Maus has frontal. So, if you are in a hull down position, which mean that only your turret is visible, you are very invincible to lighter and weaker tanks. Your gun is protected by a very thick mantle plate. The main weak point of American heavy tanks seem to be the hull. It's quite low in-game actually, but nevertheless the hull is your weakest point. See, you can't underestimate the armor of the T-29/T-series. My IS-4 auto-aimed at the back of its turret and the shell bounced off once. So try not to auto-aim these tanks, you will probably find yourself bouncing it. The hull armor does need to be watched though, it can be penetrated by weaker guns but the turret is the major feature.
Firepower: Your first gun is mostly from the T-1/M-6 and it can't really do much. It's more like a ping-pong shooter on a giant turret, but once you get the 105, you will start kicking some tank butt. Try to stick with the supporting role at first because there isn't much you can damage, but as you get the better and final gun, you will find that it's fun, almost. They favor more turret defense, and they are more supportive. They can do whatever style you want, but it's best to do a supportive type with your current gun. For the T-34 and T-30, the 120 and 155mm guns really kick some butt. These can deal massive damage, and the T-30 is basically a tank destroyer with a turret.
Mobility: The T-series has great maneuverability. In fact, the are almost comparable to Soviet tanks. There really isn't much to say about maneuverability. Although at first it may seem sluggish and unresponsive, it accelerates faster than the Soviet and German heavies and it keeps up with the speed. It's not bad for a heavy tank. Compare it to the faster heavies.
Fear Factor: These things have a major fear factor in them. Although most might ignore the T29, the T-34 and T-30 are something to be reckoned with. Their huge turret armor ad huge guns distract you from targeting their hulls, and when you finally manage to hit the hull, you deal some damage but by then their 120 and 155mm guns are already done with totally knocking out and destroying your poor tank. Never ignore any of these tanks, although they are supportive, when used correctly they can we very very deadly.
Overall Factor: These are honest good tanks, and when compared to the IS and Tiger, most people would say the T-29 is the better. Again, in the the end it's up to you, but these are great all-round tanks, it's just their hull armor that is a little weaker, but be afraid, be very afraid. T-29 Power!


Community Driven Content said: Historical Battles!
Historical Battles, Link to Section
Color Blind? Check this out!
Color Blind (Mod) by:SmVueno Right now in game options are not complete, but the following thread created by SmVueno provides some help. Link to Thread
Lost your Original Tank Skin files? This thread may help save you time! Link to Thread


Help Wanted said:
New Positions Open!
Looking for 1-2 Players from NA and EU forums to join the Newsletter Staff. Looking for players that are avid readers of the forums, main work entails finding funny or well written posts, recent information on info segments posted by the devs ect and other content such as finding tank skins for each weeks Newsletter publications. Main focus is finding and collecting information to be added weekly. If your interested in such a role please Send a PM to MrVic Thanks!