WoT Newsletter Volume #16

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 Tank Review: Diastant


Developers Corner  said: Quote Developers Survey: Language Pack Edition
Please take a moment to help provide some feedback.
Link to Survey!
QuoteEU and US Supertest
In the coming weeks an International Supertest server will be set up. The Supertest is a special server that all updates must go to before being officially released, as a final quality check. This server provides the developers with information that can be used to improve the upcoming update before release, including bug fixes and balancing issues, and improve the overall quality of future updates.
What this means for players:
An opportunity to test new features and content before it is released officially. This includes new vehicles, maps, game modes, and much more.
An opportunity to have greater and more pointed influence upon the development of the game by tracking bugs and pointing failures of game mechanics.
An opportunity to increase the level and quality of communication between players and the World of Tanks development team.
Players interested in the participating in the Supertest are encouraged to watch for updates on the forums for instructions on how to join.
First stage of Supertest recruitment will be dedicated to Language Supertest and is going to start in a few days.
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.
Dev Question and Answer on Question and Answer sessions Link to Thread
Password change serviceLink to Post


Quote Developers Survey: Language Pack Edition
Please take a moment to help provide some feedback.
Link to Survey!


Quote EU and US Supertest
In the coming weeks an International Supertest server will be set up. The Supertest is a special server that all updates must go to before being officially released, as a final quality check. This server provides the developers with information that can be used to improve the upcoming update before release, including bug fixes and balancing issues, and improve the overall quality of future updates.
What this means for players:
An opportunity to test new features and content before it is released officially. This includes new vehicles, maps, game modes, and much more.
An opportunity to have greater and more pointed influence upon the development of the game by tracking bugs and pointing failures of game mechanics.
An opportunity to increase the level and quality of communication between players and the World of Tanks development team.
Players interested in the participating in the Supertest are encouraged to watch for updates on the forums for instructions on how to join.
First stage of Supertest recruitment will be dedicated to Language Supertest and is going to start in a few days.


News Headlines said: GDC 2011 - Preview from MMORPG.COMNews Link Details
Wespe Renders Available!News Link Details
GDC 2011: World of Tanks' clan wars showcase player and developer passionNews Link Details
REGISTRATION FOR URAL STEEL CHAMPIONSHIP TO BEGIN TODAYNews Link Details
MULTILINGUAL WORLD OF TANKSNews Link Details
SPOTLIGHT ON - WORLD OF TANKSNews Link Details
RELEASE OF V.0.6.3.8 UPDATE ON MARCH 1News Link Details
Ural Steel - International Championship within World of tanks for Uralvagonzavod prizesNews 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!


Fake Tip of the Week said: Fake Tip of the Week:In the Westfield map if you are fast enough or sneaky enough you can actually catch a glimpse of 2 Bears hiding in the woods. As they are so hard to find roaming the hill side its unconfirmed what interactions are possible!


Post of the Week said: Link to Post
Improving German vehicles
An on going thread based around German Tanks.


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

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
M6A2E1

M6A2E1 Pre-Order


Update on M6A2E1

M6A2E1 Specs
M6A2E1 specs revelaed. This vehicle will be available in pre-orders.

Quote Tier - 8
Hit Points -1500
Weight Limit - 66.96/70.5 t
Engine Power - 960 h.p.
Speed Limit - 29 km/h
Traverse Speed - 24 deg/sec
Hull Armor - 191/44/41 mm
Turret Armor - 191/89/208 mm
Standard Shell Damage - 270-450
Standard Shell Penetration - 149-248 mm
Rate of Fire - 4.8 rounds/min
Turret Traverse Speed - 26 deg/sec
View Range - 430 m
Signal Range - 650 m
World of Tanks Tutorial Video Part 4
World of Tanks Tutorial Video Part 3
World of Tanks Tutorial Video part 2
World of Tanks Tutorial Video part 1


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


Quote Tier - 8
Hit Points -1500
Weight Limit - 66.96/70.5 t
Engine Power - 960 h.p.
Speed Limit - 29 km/h
Traverse Speed - 24 deg/sec
Hull Armor - 191/44/41 mm
Turret Armor - 191/89/208 mm
Standard Shell Damage - 270-450
Standard Shell Penetration - 149-248 mm
Rate of Fire - 4.8 rounds/min
Turret Traverse Speed - 26 deg/sec
View Range - 430 m
Signal Range - 650 m


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 Map Preview!
Steppes








Caucasus







Last Weeks Pictures of the Week (Archive)

Caucasus


Pagorki Modified




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 "locopyro" Thread Link
Tron Skins





Tank Reviews said: Written By: Diastant
Tank Reviews # 5 T-44
History: The T-44 was, like its ancestors, derived from the T-34 series as well as the T-34-85 series. It called for heavier armor protection at a minimal weight gain, as well as heavier armament. It had a new turret design and was fitted with a new 122mm gun. It was started in 1943.
Armor: As always, you will have an armor increase. You can now bounce many more things, but you always have to watch out, as you did with your T-43, because the armor isn't exactly the best either. You have great frontal armor that should be able to bounce and take a lot of hits, but the main concern of the T-44's armor, upon most players and T-44 drivers, is the ammo rack. People say in most games that they play the ammo rack either gets damaged or it explodes. The engineers sacrificed armor protection for mobility, and because auto-aim usually aims for the turret, the ammo rack is especially vulnerable. You might want to get a wet ammo rack. Other than that it's has good mobility combined with great armor. It shouldn't be much of a problem.
Firepower: The T-44 has an 85mm, 100mm, and 122mm. The 85mm is the default one that will be equipped with your tank when you select it. The 100mm and 122mm both require the second turret in order to mount it, so I would research the turret first, and then your choice of gun. The 100mm is a great multi-role all-rounder. It has nice reload with great damage, for an excellent combination. The 122mm deals massive damage for a medium tank, but the only drawback to that is its 3.8 rounds per minute. It's slow but powerful. For the first few battles in your 85mm, you will find that it does not deal enough damage for you to hit any well-armored tanks, so research the turret and then the gun.
Mobility: When you first get the T-44 the mobility seems horrible, but afterwards when you get the new tracks, it's playable. It may be slow, but at least your maneuverability is so much better. When you get the final engine and tracks, it really starts to shine, and you will be able to both go fast AND turn nicely as well. As a medium tank, mobility is one of the major factors in playing your role on the battlefield, so that is why I went with the tracks, then turret, then gun, and the engine. This is just my preferred method for the T-44. It should be more than enough to make a quick getaway or to flank with precision. The mobility of the T-44 also makes it a decent scout, as long as you don't rush into the open. Top speed is 51 km/h.
Fear Factor: Before the T-54 came out, the T-44 was considered to be the pinnacle of Soviet medium tanks. Get to the T-44 and you were something to be afraid of, and although the T-54 has somewhat taken that spot, you are still one of the top tanks, and although you may not have the armor or firepower of the heavier tanks, your mobility and fierceness should be plenty to scare anybody. As always, try to wolf pack with another similar medium. 2 turrets are better than one. A wolf pack of T-44's is definitely something to be scared of, so watch out.
Overall Value: It's a great tank, honestly. It's not overpowered as many people would think and it's not that weak either. Play your role as a medium and this thing will shine. The mobility combined with the firepower makes for a great combo. Armor won't really matter when you are pounding them with 122mm's worth of death and steel going at 51 km/h.


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!