Developers posts on forum

Overlord: Personally I don't have any problems with bling shooting and haven't heard of this issue. All hits are counted, even if you don't see the target.

Overlord: A-32 is a pre-order tank for Russian server, and it will be avilable for US and EU as well.
KV-220 is a gift tank for Russian beta testers.

Overlord: Possibly. At this time this tree is far from being ready.

Overlord: 1. No, it doesn't.
2. In their current state (v.0.6.2.8) not all top tiers are used equally. Some further adjustments on the basis of data gathered from clan wars and company battle mode are possible.
Just for example, our clan on RU server (WG) that is participating in CW beta solely for testing purposes counts exclusively on medium tanks and artillery. We find all tier 9 mediums to be useful (at least 3 Pershings and 2 Panther IIs are on the roster).
3. Here I would disagree, in CW battles and company battles SPGs have double working load, countering enemy artillery and supporting allied vehicles. The main requirement is that each team should have a few SPG units on the roster, depending on the map of course, otherwise it is destined to a lamentable end.
4. As far as I know our guys are preparing a huge one after the release.

Overlord: Yes, this option will be available. Currently we have English and Russian sounds, German are coming.

Overlord: Panther's front hull corresponds to the historical facts. It is VK3002 that has a really good armor for tier 7.
No, there are no such plans.

Overlord: Initially it was February 20-25 if I do remember it right, currently it looks like February 24-28. A minor change, but still.

Overlord: Tank skins featuring weak spots of vehicles are officially allowed. The main requirement is that they (skins) shouldn't contain any other prohibited content.

Overlord: 1. There might be some minor changes to A-32, Pz. V/IV. M6A2E1 is being finalized currently.
2. No, they won't. Only on our websites.
3. Playspan and possibly Global Collect in future.
4. -
5. Sorry, can't reveal any details at this stage.
6. Yes, at least one of the packages will be rather large.
7. Sorry, can't reveal any details at this stage.

Overlord: We can't track down all skins players use, thise with prohibited content (Nazi symbols, pornography) shouldn't appear on the forums for public use.

Overlord: Standard battles are random ones, the number of vehicles of particular type depends on vehicle ratio in waiting queue. Restrictions on the number of SPGs per battle are not planned.

LiannaSilverwind: Please check the following link for the answer:
http://forum.worldof...903#entry399903

Overlord: Yes, it is still March 10-15.
Open beta began on January 27. All in all about 2 months.

Tanitha: Nice references ed, and yes based on that info, I updated the USA thread on the 12th feb.
http://forum.worldof...s-and-clanwars/

Vallter: Please contact us via http://support.worldoftanks.eu/ because we need some private information from you. And after having the whole picture of your issue we will do our best to fix it.

Vallter: We will check this situations. Thank you for granting us this information

Vallter: Glad to know it. If someone else suffers from this issue he has to do the following:
Make sure your antivirus software or firewall do not block the client connection with the server. During the first game start bring the game application in the trusting list.
Please open the following ports in the net settings:
• UDP range 3478, 3479, 5060, 5062, 12000-29999 and 32800-32901
Allow WorldOfTanks.exe to use UDP and TCP protocols.
If you use Proxifier, please open the following ports:
3128,80,8080,20000-25000,32801,32803, and crucially - 443.
Please open the directory "C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc" (Windows XP) or open the directory "c:\Windows\winsxs\" and search for "hosts" (Windows Vista/7), choose the "hosts" file, open it with the notepad and type manually: 213.252.177.36 login-master.worldoftanks.eu
All the in-game settings and hosts, used by the game, can be traced in the "preferences.xml" file - "C:\Documents and Settings\(USER NAME)\Application Data\W"\

Vallter: We know about this issue. This bug occurs to some users. We will fix this issue ASAP.

Vallter: Try launching via executable. It can be found in the game folder.

Vallter: We added a fix of this issue to the next patch. Please wait for 1 week.

Overlord: I'd say it's not about having certain inside knowledge but about understanding the game mechanics and using the advantages of the vehicle you are driving, e.g. timely hull traverse will allow you to bounce many shots hitting your front or sides because of huge angle of impact. Reguires some practice of course.

Overlord: Yes far above average, but still can't extrapolate it to all playerbase.
Just like the one below.

Overlord:

Overlord: 5x rates were on, all in all about 77k.

LiannaSilverwind: I definitely recommend reading this book.
You will notice that different tankists had different views. Some of them remember that crews have left their T-34 tank immediately after German panzer missed it, because "it won't miss 2nd time". Others speak about absolute superiority of T-34 tank. For example another Soviet officer - A. S. Burtsev says: "Our tanks were the best".
The book also describes lots of tank skirmishes, tactics and results of these engagemenst. You will notice how many tanks were destroyed by the side who used superior tactics, even with underpowered vehicles and against overwhelming odds. It also reminds us of true horrors of the war as it was, with people and tanks being thrown to the certain death by incompetent commanders, and of those who used their wit to win when it was impossible.

Overlord: The amount of damage inflicted and received directly affects experience and credit gains (net profit/loss) which are taken into account while balancing vehicles.

Overlord: If T-54 were completely fine in the current version, there would be no adjusments to it in 0.6.3.

Tanitha: It is fixed, for 80% of the bugged places. Its in the patch notes and being applied next patch.
Roed 3 days for the swearing.. /Tanitha

Overlord: EU and US will get 0.6.3.8 instead with some additional fixes and M6A2E1 tank.

Overlord: Once again these are post-patch stats from Russian server with certain adjustments applied to T-54. Currently it (T-54) has worse survival ratio, earns less exp and credits per battle than Panther or Pershing do.
It's a wrong public belief that T-54 wolf packs are invincible, especially "post-patch" ones.

Overlord: I don't play it either.
That is a temporary problem. The same adjustments brining T-54 on a par with other T9 meds (or even placing it lower) are going to be made to T-54 on EU and US servers as well.
Not a bug actually, just wait and check the T-54 "post patch edition".

Overlord: According to the data gathered on RU side after 0.6.3.7 update, T-54 has the worst performance stats of all tier 9 mediums, being the most popular of them. Pershing is in the lead.

Overlord: I do understand that my replies, especially with dates, are regarded as official information, but it needs to be pointed out, the dates posted on the forums are rough, they reflect internal schedule and are meant to give only general understaning of projected time lines. Until the respective announcement appears on the website, it is not totally confirmed.
Guess, it was the last time I allowed myself to post a preliminary date. Sorry for disturbance everyone.

LiannaSilverwind: Thank you for your well-described impression!

Overlord: last updated February 18
0.6.3.8 update for EU server is rescheduled for February 21 - March 4 due to several fixes and new content features that require additional tweaking and testing.
Note! 0.6.3.8 patch will include all changes from 0.6.3.x series.

Overlord: As long as it is open.

Overlord: 1. Shrinks the aiming circle.
2. No.
3. The same for all guns. Normal distribution.
4. The size of aiming circle. But if a tanks drives over roughnesses it affects the gun too.
5-6. Yes, roughly. All tanks have access to improved/top suspension apart from premium vehicles and tier X heavies.
7. Counter with constatly changing numbers would be inconvenient.

Overlord: Bigger maps won't arrive in the near future, so can't be sure here, basically we don't want to enforce any restrictions.

Overlord: Sorry can't share anything from the above, because:
1, 2 - are still unknown
3 - being finalized currently
4 - is still under consideration

Overlord: I suggest reinstalling the game. It helps in 70% of cases. Use full installation v.0.6.2.8.

Overlord: There will be a special consumable item that can be assigned with multiple camos link to a particular map/maps.

Overlord: Yes, the same way. 25% spread.

Overlord: As a general pattern, critical hit causing 0 damage is quite possible. Regarding this example with IS-4, additional checking required. What ammo, what gun, where actually the shell hit etc.

Overlord: It is possible, but not confirmed.

Overlord: Player nicknames? If so, this feature is planned. Players will be able to change their nicknames without submitting a ticket to support service. As usual, no ETA.

Overlord: If the driver was knocked out and the observation device was destroyed, the whole situation looks quite probable. The shell itself might have not penetrated the armor, but some fragments did killing the crewman.
Bugs are possible.

LiannaSilverwind: Although I do not celebrate this holiday myself, I would like to wish every WoT player
May Your Valentine Always Be With You, whether it's sunny, windy, raining, muddy, snowing or the last day. Happy Valentine Day!

Overlord: Low- and mid tier vehicles can be used for different purposes, like to maintain high tier tanks, to diversify gameplay (some say it's more fun to play low tiers), to take part in tourneys (there will be a huge one according to the regulations of junior division - tier 6 max, up to 60 points per team), or even to sell them while grinding to high tiers, etc.

Overlord: Taking into account our current manpower and workload I can say that pushing CW in their current state on all 3 servers would slow down the actual development.
One more reason for postponing CW on EU and US sides is the upcoming hardwipe / full reset.

Overlord: Clan wars are regarded as end-game. We see no point in enforcing artifical limitations. If one has top-tier vehicle at his disposal (having invested time and/or money) he should be given an opportunity to use it.

LiannaSilverwind: Thank you for your impression.
If you want to have the mightiest tank available without any tanks being more powerful than yours, try to get Heavy Tank of Tier 10. You will get similar opponents, but no one will be more powerful than you. With power comes great responsibility. If you make a mistake, your team will probably lose. You are the best, you must do the most important job.
I remember I was also surprised to meet everything against everything when I played for the first time.
Historical modes are being planned, same with Nation vs Nation modes, but they are not highest priority now.
Massive battles are not possible with current engine, but engine modifications are being worked on.
Good luck in WoT!

Overlord: That's why it requires much time, overall optimization is supposed to enable this. The engine in its current state is not able to endure new system.

Overlord: Haven't seen the fixed hitbox yet, but as far as I know there were some minor innacuracies that shouldn't affect performance much (like welds).

Overlord: Mr varis covered this point very well, though it may take less than 2-3 months.

LiannaSilverwind: There will be 3 Pre-order packages with small discount of gold and bonus tank:
http://forum.worldof...post__p__382799
There also will be box version with bonus tank available later:
http://forum.worldof...post__p__368061

admin:
Ferdinand (it was named after its’ designer Ferdinand Porsche) was a heavy assault tank designed and built by Nibelungenwerke, especially for the needs of the Eastern Front. The prototype was based on Porsche’s Tiger - VK 4501(P) which proved to be prone to mechanical failures and was rejected in favour of Henschel’s prototype. First proposal was to convert 90 of the pre-production chassis for another project into carriers for 150mm or 170mm heavy howitzers as well as 210mm heavy mortar.
On September 22nd of 1942, it was ordered that chassis were to be converted to heavy assault tanks armed with 88mm PaK 43/2 L/71 gun and on November 30th of 1942, first design was ready. On March 19th of 1943, the first fully completed Ferdinand unit was presented to Adolf Hitler on the testing grounds at Ruegenwalde. Hitler himself was very pleased with it. He ordered to speed up the production of Ferdinand for upcoming summer offensive. From April to May of 1943, original 90 of VK 4501(P) chassis were converted to Ferdinands by Nibelungenwerke in St. Valentin, Austria with the hard work of the dedicated workers. Conversion consisted of various modifications. Two original Porsche Type 101/1 engines were replaced with proven Maybach HL 120 engines. New engines were mounted in the central section of the hull, allowing the superstructure (produced by Alkett) to be mounted in the rear. The superstructure weighted 15000kg.
Also additional armor plates, that weighted 4500kg were bolted to the hull as well. Ferdinands were armed with powerful 88mm PaK 43/2 L/71 gun and had very thick armor ranging from 80mm side armor to 200mm frontal armor. Additional 7.92mm MG34 was carried inside for local defense.On May 8th, all Ferdinands left the factory without the protective shield around the mounting of the gun and by May 13th, Krupp shipped some to the Ferdinand units already stationed in the East. Inadequate number of shields was produced and some Ferdinands did not receive them. Each shield weighted 3500kg.
Ferdinand of Major Noak’s sPzJagAbt 654, Kursk, July 1943.
Ferdinands were assigned to schwere Heeres Panzerjager Abteilung 653 and 654 (each was to be equipped with 45 Ferdinands), in preparation for the Kursk offensive (Unternehmen "Zitadelle") in July of 1943. Both units were formed in April of 1943 at Bruck. sPzJagAbt 653 was formed from personnel from 197th Sturmgeschuetz Abteilung.
sPzJagAbt 653 was commanded by Major Steinwachs, while sPzJagAbt 654 by Major Karl-Heinz Noak, both (along with Sturmpanzerabteilung 216 - equipped with Brummbars) formed the 656 sPanzerjager Regiment commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Jungenfled. In fact, sPzJagAbt 653 had 45 Ferdinands, while sPzJagAbt 654 had 44 Ferdinands as a single one was still being tested at Kummersdorf. In order to provide Ferdinands with ammunition, six Panzer IIIs were converted into Munition Schleppers attached to the Ferdinand units. 656 sPanzerjager Regiment was part of 41st Panzer Corps (under command of General Harpe) of Army Group Center for the upcoming operation.
On the first days of action, Ferdinands were disaster due to the technical problems (few were lost because of the fuel line fires), the lack of adequate support and the most important the lack of a self-defense weapon (they were easy targets for Soviet infantry). Many Ferdinands were destroyed either by their crews after being immobilized (by combat damage or mechanical problem) or by Soviet infantry and artillery as well as by SU-152 "Zwieroboj" heavy mechanised guns. It was recorded that some Ferdinand’s crews (ex. Major Noak’s crew) used to fire their 7.92mm MG34 machine guns through the barrel of main 88mm gun while others mounted their 7.92mm MG34 underneath the gun, in order to fire at the enemy infantry units. Temporary field-made solution was the rear mounted platform for Panzergrenadiers, but it only resulted in heavy casualties among them. During the Kursk offensive until November of 1943, Ferdinands from sPzJagAbt 653 destroyed 320 Soviet tanks and lost 13 Ferdinands, while entire 656 sPanzerjager Regiment destroyed 502 Soviet tanks and 100 other vehicles. Ferdinands proved to be very effective when employed behind the lines.
Ferdinand on the way to the front, Kursk, July 1943.
Report from July 19th of 1943 by Platoon commander Boehm:
"On the first day of action, we successfully engaged bunkers, infantry, field and anti-tank artillery positions. For three hours our guns (Ferdinands) fought in the cavalcade of enemy fire and proved to be immune to enemy fire !. In the evening of the first day, first enemy tanks were destroyed, while others retreated. Crews of field and anti-tank guns run away after firing few uneffective shots against our guns (Ferdinands). In first engagements our regiment (656 sPanzerjager Regiment) destroyed numerous artillery positions, bunkers as well as 120 enemy tanks…"
After the Kursk offensive, commanders reported about their problems encountered while using the Ferdinands. The main problem was the lack of machine gun in the hull for self defense made, making the Ferdinands vulnerable to attacks of enemy infantry and anti-tank units. Other features such as: the gun mount (lack of traversing turret), drive system (Porsche’s Tiger - VK4501(P)) and lack of power (weight/engine power ratio) were also giving trouble to their crews.
Ferdinand and Soviet infantry, Kursk, July 1943.
In October of 1943, 50 survivors were sent back to the factory for badly needed repairs and pre-planned modernization. Modernization consisted of the installation of a MG34 in the hull, improvement of armor protection, installation of wider tracks and installation of commander’s cupola (developed from that of Stug III Ausf G), which provided improved visibility. Most of the Elephants were partially covered with Zimmerite, an anti-magnetic paste. Modernization was made in February and March of 1944 by Nibelungenwerke in Austria and modified Ferdinands were renamed Elephants. Officially Ferdinands were renamed Elephants in general order dated May 1st of 1944.
After their modernization, 48 Elephants were grouped into schwere Heeres Panzerjager Abteilung 653 and part of it was transferred to Italy in late February of 1944. They arrived in Rome by train via Salzburg, Innsbruck, the Brenner Pass , Trento and Florence on February 24th of 1944. They saw combat at Nettuno, Anzio and Cisterna as early as March 1st of 1944. sPzJagAbt 654 was moved to France in late 1943 and rearmed with Jagdpanthers. In April of 1944, part of sPzJagAbt 653 was transferred back to the Eastern Front. In Autumn of 1944, all existing Elephants were grouped into newly created unit - schwere Heeres Panzerjager Kompanie 614, sPzJagAbt 653 was re-equipped with Jagdtigers. sPzJagAbt 614 with some 13-14 vehicles saw service on the Eastern Front as late as early 1945 and eventually all remaining (4?) Elephants saw final service with Kampfgruppe "Ritter" in area of Zossen (south of Berlin) in mid April of 1945. When employed defensively in Italy and Russia, Elephants proved to be formidable opponents. As of January 1st of 1945, there were still 4 Elephants in service of which some took part in the defence of Berlin as part of Kampfgruppe Ritter.
Bergepanzer Tiger(P) / Bergetiger(P) / Berge-Elephant
From August to September of 1943, three of original VK4501(P) tanks (issued to sPzJagAbt 653) and in October of 1943, two retired Ferdinands were converted to Bergepanzer Tiger(P). Hulls were modified and mounted in the rear with a small superstructure (with the components of PzKpfw IV) and engines were moved to a central location. Bergetiger(P) was equipped with 2ton crane and no other special equipment.The only armament was the 7.92mm MG34 mounted in the superstructure.
Elephant proved to be very effective weapon when operating at long range, for example one Elephant knocked out Soviet T-34 at the range of 4.5 kilometers. Overall, Elephant was a very advanced design, which proved to be a superb defensive weapon with an enormous firepower. Today, there is only two existing Ferdinand/Elephants, one in Kubinka, Russia (captured at Kursk) and second in Aberdeen, USA (captured at Anzio).

Overlord: Release tech trees on the website will be updated soon.

LiannaSilverwind: 5% of every experience you get is transferred into Free Experience. Always.

LiannaSilverwind: The reasons I have read about were incredibly high production cost and that project demanded IS-7 should have speed of 60 km/h, while it was able to get only 50 km/h.
Unfortunately none of us are able to test IS-7 or Maus in real life, so we depend on developers to make both tanks useful and efficient gamewise, even if we doubt their possible real-life efficiency.

LiannaSilverwind: Sidenote from Russian CBT memories:
Both IS-7 and Maus frontal armor were brutally reduced during Russian Closed Beta for balance sake due to being unpenetrable by other tanks.
At the same time IS-7 speed on normal ground was reduced from really achieved 50 km/h (!) to current ~35 km/h ingame for balance sake. Real Maus prototype speed on normal terrain was about 8-10 km/h and was increased to 19-20 km/h for ingame balance purpose as well.