Developers posts on forum

Overlord: Battle spread for tier 4 LTs is 4-10, while tier 5 LTs have 8-13. The difference is noticeable.

Vallter: Just follow the news. Once the test start, you'll see an article with instructions. how to enter it.

Overlord: See above.

Overlord: M103 will come out later this year after 7.0 update, approx by Christmas time.

GeneralDirection:
Our latest round of “You Ask, We Reply” answers are now available! For this particular topic we asked you to submit questions regarding upcoming tanks, with an emphasis on French tanks where possible. We'll be posting this in a two-part series this week, due to a few answers being delayed, so let's get on with part one of the Q&A!
You Ask, We Reply: Upcoming Tanks
Why was it decided to use the rear-mounted superstructure version of the still-to-be-added StuG E100 instead of the forward mounted superstructure version?
Since it was never produced in real life and existed only in blue-prints in both variants (rear- and forward-mounted), we selected the one, which corresponds more to physics and tank engineering. The forward-mounted version is not able to support the gun which this vehicle was designed to use.
We know that most French tanks never entered the war. How will the French tanks be better than the legendary Tiger, KingTiger, Panther and Maus?
They will be neither worse nor better, they will be different. In addition – according to research done by The Chieftain – the French actually had some of the best designed tanks of the second war. Unfortunately they were not able to reach viable production levels with them.
Is it true that the French SPGs will only support a maximum of a 150mm gun?
Since the French SPG will be introduced in late January, we can’t give you any details with regards their characteristics at this time. The case is that in 7.1 we will add only the following tanks, which were balanced and are more or less ready to enter the SuperTest. SPGs were not and their current characteristics and modules are still in flux.
Here is the final list of French tanks which will enter the game in 7.1:
Light:
Renault FT
D1
Hotchkiss H35
AMX 38
AMX 40
AMX 12t
AMX-13/75
AMX-13/90
Medium:
D2
Bat.-Chatillon 25t
Lorraine 40t.
Heavy:
B1
BDR G1 B
ARL-44
AMX M4 (1945)
AMX 50 100 mm
AMX 50 120mm
AMX-50 68t.
When will the new TD line of Germany be introduced? 7.0, or 7.1?
They will enter neither in 7.0 nor in 7.1. But they are still planned for 7.x
Is it true in the future we will have a tree with tanks from Hungary, Romania, Poland, Finland and Italy called the tree of Europe?
Yes, there will be a European tree, but I can’t tell you the final set of countries for it. There will be Italian, Swedish and Polish tanks for sure, Romania and Hungary – probably. But this tree is not in development yet, just planned.
The change designated in first quarter of 2012 for Russian tanks (Heavies) shows there is a split between the tanks KV-1, and KV-2. My question is, after the separation of the two tanks, will the statistics that were present on [KV] tank be allocated to the KV-1 or KV-2 tank in the statistics overview? Or will the statistics stay on its original [KV] tank name.
Statistics will be preserved for KV tank; KV-2 tanks will start off with no battle statistics.
The Sturmtiger is confirmed to be equipped with 360mm naval mortar, and historically, the type4 HaTo (possibly the tier 8 Japanese SPG) fired a 300mm rocket projectile. The question is, will rockets be implemented into World of Tanks in the near or distant future? In addition, what other weapon types may we possibly be encountering in World of Tanks? (i.e mines, machine guns, secondary turrets… etc.)
The Sturmtiger will have a 380mm gun. Both mentioned vehicles do not fire rockets or missiles, but rocket-propelled projectiles. This is not a new weapon, but new ammunition. For now there are no plans to add new types of weapons.
Once the T30 becomes a tank destroyer – which it is expected to in the first quarter of 2012 – how will the characteristics change in relation to its drop in tier number? [10 -> 9]
Once the IS-4 becomes a tier 10 heavy what changes are to be made to the tank? To be honest, the IS-4 is a superior tier 9 currently; however by shifting it into a tier 10 cost slot, I would think, although I don't own one myself, it will be underpowered. What changes characteristic-wise are to be made to the tank?
T30 as a TD and IS-4 as a Tier 10 are under balancing now and there are no firm characteristics for now, so I cannot answer your question.
Regarding balancing the tanks: we don’t want to go far from the historical background for tanks, but we can tweak the parameters made for games specifically (for example, hit points)
How will we control tanks with two turrets? I've been wondering about that, will the cannons be assigned different buttons or will they both be fired with Mouse1? And how will the M3 with turret work, since surely a 20mm fires faster than the 75mm; just wondering.
We are testing different variants now, so I cannot give you any firm information. Do not worry; we will make it the most comfortable possible for players, for all of the present and future tanks, including M3.
Can we get updated Tech Trees posted to the Website?
They are posted on the website (check the full tank trees in the ART section of the Portal)
Will all the currently listed (in tech trees) "Retail" tanks be in the Collector’s Edition?
At this time we do not have any information to share regarding the Collector’s Edition of World of Tanks. We’ll be sure to announce once we have details on it.
That said, we’ve been looking closely at feedback players have had on the retail box version of World of Tanks, and will take that into consideration.
How is the T28 Prototype different from the T28?
Unfortunately, we cannot give any details regarding it now.
Can you tell the exact status of French tanks? Are they in SuperTest, or otherwise?
For now we have them in internal testing. A few weeks after the 7.0 release, you will be able to try them out on the Open test.
The Lorraine 40t has very low armor; how are you going to balance it against the other Tier 9s?
Please take in account that it has an auto-loading device and will be capable of firing multiple shots, before the need to reload. Also, low armor=less weight=>more speed.
Can we have a video please? I really want to see the autoloader gun in action...
We will probably release a promo-video once French tanks enter the Open test.
When will the M18 Hellcat be released? Do you have any screens on the M18 Hellcat yet?
We can’t provide you any screenshots for now. M18 is currently planned to be released in Q1 2012.
Any news on tier 10 Tank Destroyers and Medium tanks? Will the US get a second Heavy line? Will the US get a second medium line? (up to tier 9?) Are there any plans to add more lines to the french tree other than the projected lines?
We have a lot of tanks announced and planned for development for now. We don’t want to add any more, till we finish the major part of our current plans.
The French High-tier "medium tanks" basically have no armor, so what kind of other characteristics can we expect from them?
Fast speed and auto-loading; their tactics will be something like “Hit, hit, hit, hit, hit… RUN!!!”
Are there any plans to release tier 6 and tier 7 premium vehicles?
There are many Premium vehicles announced with no certain Tier setting.
Why is there tier 6 and tier 7 light tanks in the French tech tree? Are they going to be well armored, faster and have better weapons than VK2801/T-50-2/Chaffee? Are there any plans for further light tanks such as the M41 Walker Bulldog and the PT-76?
They will be balanced with existing Tier 5 LT. Moreover Tier 7 LT will be closer to Medium tanks than to Light tanks. Tier 6-7 LT will actually stand between LT and MT.
What other Chinese premium tanks are you planning on adding? I heard the Type 62; anything else?
Yes, we are planning to add Type 62 Light tank and some more vehicles to the Chinese tank branch. All of them will be Premium tanks.
Is there any difference between a captured tank and its normal version? For example: the difference between the PzKpfw KV-1 756 ® and the current KV-1?
There will be some differences, but I cannot give you any details now.
Are there any plans to release the KV-220 as a premium tank for the EU and NA servers?
We won’t add it for sale, but will probably distribute it as a unique tank for some special offers.
How do you decide on which tanks to include in World of Tanks’ tech trees? Can you give us all a little insight into the procedure of its design?
First, project managers decide that we need, for example, Tier 8 SPG. This task goes to the Military Consultants. They look through documentation and search a vehicle that can be used for this task. Once project managers and game designers decided, which of possible variants will be in the game, consultants start to search all archives for schemes, blueprints and sketches not only of the vehicle, but its modules: engines, turrets, guns etc.
Once all information is found, it goes to the 2D and 3D artists. They model the vehicle and pass it to game designers, who give the tank it historical characteristics. Then it starts bouncing from testers to Game Designers and vice versa, till the vehicle will be more or less balanced. Than we add it to the SuperTest, than Open test, and, finally, add it to the update.
Will the XP price for the VK2801 be lowered to around 35,000xp?
There are no plans to change the XP cost of VK2801
I see that the VK3601 will be switched from a medium to a heavy tank. Will anything on the tank be changed other than the designation? What will happen to the crew and any installed equipment?
We are now considering different variant, once we select a firm one, we will announce them.
When is the Sturmtiger going to be added?
Unfortunately, we cannot give you any ETA
The Nashorn, I heard, is essentially a TD version of the Hummel (although the existing Hummel can play as a TD in some cases). Will the Nashorn retain the historical armor values? 30mm frontal armor seems pretty weak for a Tank Destroyer.
We cannot provide you any certain characteristics, but even if it will receive such characteristics of armor, in some other parameters he will be better than his counterparts.
Will we be calling the British tree “The British tree” or “The Commonwealth” tree? I'm hoping for the latter, seeing as it makes my country a part of it. Will the British Centurion really have the speed of 34km/h? If so, will it be a medium or a heavy? The Pre-Alpha British tree shows the Archer being included. If this tank makes it into final release, how will you design it gameplay wise, considering its gun is facing backwards?
Since it is still a long time before we announce the tree, we can’t tell you exactly. But we can say that the Tech Tree will consist mainly of British tanks, while premiums will be from other Commonwealth countries. Regarding the ‘Archer tank’ - well, we will find a way. Currently I can’t tell you any details on characteristics of the tanks.
What are the armor values for the T10 French heavy (include both raw and effective values)? What will said tank's power-to-weight ratio be?
You will receive this information once Open Test receives French Tanks.
As always, be sure to follow us on the World of Tanks Facebook and Twitter pages for all the latest updates on the status of the “You Ask, We Reply” series!

GeneralDirection: There are many more than two events per month run. If you recall the October events news, we've had five events this month, and have actually just confirmed another special for Halloween and the Special Operations MVP event.
There are also quite a few very strict historical battles run by players, which we're looking into offering rewards for. Aside from that, we're also developing the historical battle system and will no doubt have events for them.
Until then, though, we're going to continue designing specials that best suit the gameplay experience while offering other events focused on historical dates.*
* - 'Best suit' means a rotation of tanks offered in specials so that all tanks within reason have a chance of being played with bonus credits, purchased at a lower price, etc.

GeneralDirection: Please see my explanation earlier in the thread. A number of those tanks were not used because they have been used time and time again for specials, or were recently changed to be much cheaper than in the past and so we are not ready to begin offering double credits for them yet.

GeneralDirection: Yes, I'll be sending them out today.

GeneralDirection: We have a few more pictures we can go with! I'm working on ideas now.

GeneralDirection: I didn't realize it either!

GeneralDirection:
One of the goals with World of Tanks and its Clan Wars feature is to provide a setting for global warfare – a no-holds-barred battle from Southeast Asia to the plains of the Midwestern United States, and everywhere in between.
With that in mind, the World of Tanks team is currently developing maps based on a number of regions around the globe, including North America, South America and Japan.
As mentioned previously, maps based on North American landscapes are tentatively scheduled for Q4 2011. Below is a glimpse into the map carrying the development title “Kansas.”
Please keep in mind that the name of the map may change as development progresses.
From the designers:
“The map was designed under the inspiration left from the marvelous landscapes of Kansas in autumn. The rich colour-grade of the map creates a special ambience, guaranteeing sound mood at playing. The map displays an industrial town with typical American blocks, a small river and hills with vivid trees. It also has a highway, running through the whole map.”

GeneralDirection: My fault, I didn't clarify it for Gaea when I told her what to set those rules at. It should be one prize per player, not one category submission. You can submit to as many categories as you want, but you can only win one prize.

GeneralDirection: Correct.

Vallter: We have the logs of battle actions and earnings of each player. So it will be quite easy for us to find out people, who wanted to cheat us. And considering the price of the main prize... I just recommend not even think about Image Editors.
Also, remember, that as in usual MVP's, Tank Company and Clan Wars battles does not count, just random ones.
Regarding the Tiers. I've run a lot of live Tournaments of WoT on a big variety of exhibitions. To win the Tournament a person had to earn as much XP as he could. The player with the biggest amount of XP earned received a big prize. And I saw only 2 guys winning it with T9-10 tanks, though many have tried to do it using the Top Tier Tanks. But I've seen T5-8, one day even a T4 LT. T1-T3 were just not played. So I can't say anything about their chances of winning-)

Vallter: We have the logs of battle actions and earnings of each player. So it will be quite easy for us to find out people, who wanted to cheat us. And considering the price of the main prize... I just recommend not even think about Image Editors.
Also, remember, that as in usual MVP's, Tank Company and Clan Wars battles does not count, just random ones.
Regarding the Tiers. I've run a lot of live Tournaments of WoT on a big variety of exhibitions. To win the Tournament a person had to earn as much XP as he could. The player with the biggest amount of XP earned received a big prize. And I saw only 2 guys winning it with T9-10 tanks, though many have tried to do it using the Top Tier Tanks. But I've seen T5-8, one day even a T4 LT. T1-T3 were just not played. So I can't say anything about their chances of winning-)

Vallter: We have the logs of battle actions and earnings of each player. So it will be quite easy for us to find out people, who wanted to cheat us. And considering the price of the main prize... I just recommend not even think about Image Editors.
Also, remember, that as in usual MVP's, Tank Company and Clan Wars battles does not count, just random ones.
Regarding the Tiers. I've run a lot of live Tournaments of WoT on a big variety of exhibitions. To win the Tournament a person had to earn as much XP as he could. The player with the biggest amount of XP earned received a big prize. And I saw only 2 guys winning it with T9-10 tanks, though many have tried to do it using the Top Tier Tanks. But I've seen T5-8, one day even a T4 LT. T1-T3 were just not played. So I can't say anything about their chances of winning-)

ARGO: I would like to say to all of you, Welcome to the NA server and I am glad to have the chance to play with all of you around the world/
Thank goodness for the internet!
Salute to the world!

ARGO: Exactly, You are a smart person. You do need to learn tier to tier and if you do, you will do better. There really is no easy way to do it, like all things it takes time and you have to walk the walk before you can talk the talk. I have learned that you CAN learn something from going through each tier win or loose and each tank / spg / TD can teach you how to succeed if your willing to buck up and try. I am glad it's not easy because if it were, it just would not be fun anymore......

ARGO: Lowe.

Tanitha: But, the FUN! : )

ARGO: DO NOT SWEAR!
ARGO

GeneralDirection: 1) The daily double does not count -- only the base experience earned.
2) Yes, you can submit entries in as many categories as you'd like, but can only win in one category.

GeneralDirection: This is intentional -- primarily because higher tier players have given feedback that they feel left out on many events. We have other events coming for lower tiers as well, though. Higher tiers won't be the only ones with opportunities to win premium.

GeneralDirection: The M4 Sherman has been used in 3 specials so far, and will likely be involved in George S. Patton's birthday next month, so we're trying to spread that around a bit.

GeneralDirection: I'm not sure what you mean here. Two of the four US tanks were present, according to The Chieftain (who we always consult when coming up with these specials to get them as accurate as possible). However, he did include the caveat that the Grant was present in the battle, not the Lee. Since we do not have the Grant in the game, we went with the Lee instead.
For the German tanks we deviated a bit more, but that's primarily because one of the tanks we could have used -- the PzKpfw IV -- has been discounted or had double credits five times now. The PzKpfw III (which was used in the 21st Panzer Division) has yet to be used in a special. We could have included the PzKpfw II, but that was reduced in price significantly very recently, so we're still gathering data on how much of an impact that has had on progression before making any decisions regarding including it in specials.
As I said earlier, gameplay will have to trump everything else at some point, and this is one of them. This is World of Tanks, not World of PzKpfw IV.

GeneralDirection: While I can't promise 5x credits, we do take lower tier tanks into consideration when putting these specials together. I think you'll be happy with what we have coming up in November.

GeneralDirection: Just a quick followup, this particular special will only be double credits for tanks. We'll work on having another 50% off special soon.
There are more details for the special which we'll be announcing -- this is only the first half of it.

GeneralDirection: We were specifically asked to select US tanks because this is the NA server. We chose some that were involved, based on consultation with The Chieftain, but also sided on gameplay progression as well, where possible.

GeneralDirection: We're discussing ideas for bonus experience outside of the typical 5x events.

GeneralDirection: This is not happening. We nixed the idea after seeing player feedback.

GeneralDirection: Due to the impact on progression, we can only do 5x xp events once a month. That said, November is coming up soon.

GeneralDirection: We're always looking at new ways to offer specials so that they don't seem like the same thing over and over, but 5x credits probably won't be possible due to its impact on progression.

GeneralDirection: I see plenty of folks playing the M3 Lee, and this special is specifically to help them get to the T1 heavy or M4 Sherman a little faster.

GeneralDirection: There's a point when historical accuracy needs to give way to what makes sense gameplay wise. We planned this special specifically to assist in certain progression paths by providing double income to help move through those tanks a little quicker.
In other cases, like say... the MVP event, or any other in-game events like that, we will stick to as accurate as possible when the events are designed around historical dates. For in-game specials, we will deviate where it makes sense to from a progression standpoint.

Overlord: There will be tier 6-7 Chinese MT.

Overlord: Good old Russian bias topic. It was one of the most popular ones back in cbt days.

Overlord: Not planning any major rebalancing for tier 4 lights. Tier 5 LTs are end-line vehicles and have not only better performance but also higher repair costs.

Overlord: The value itself hasn't been changed. Now matchmaking takes into account the number of battles played on the vehicle.

Overlord: No, T34 will be lowered to tier 8 HT.

Vallter: Where it is stated, that it is the Only factor to receive a 'novice' chance of balancing?

Vallter: And what about LT and SPG?

Vallter: Thank you for the opinion on the matter.

Vallter: And we will receive totally reflected teams.

Vallter: Platoons are a player side feature. If they have fun playing Ltracktor+Maus platoon, we will allow them to do it. But MM will take it in count.

Vallter: Let me translate it for you-) Just quote it here

Vallter: Beta tester tag means only, that the player has joined us during the Beta Test of the game and before it's release.

Vallter: Sorry, but what do you mean with the 'new chart'?

Vallter: Even with T10 you can be in the bottom one day.

Vallter: We are not planning to add options for balancing to a match with or without certain Tank Type

Vallter: One Tier 5 Scout can kill all Artillery, HT up to Tier 8, MT up to Tier 7, TD up to Tier 9
A Platoon of 2 Tier 5 Scouts can kill all Artillery, HT up to Tier 9-10, MT up to Tier 8-9, TD up to Tier 9
A platoon of 3 Tier 5 Scouts can kill every opponent he will oppose.
This is not a theory, we've done it ourselves.

Vallter: Only monitoring system was added, no other changes performed. With the next MM update balance time won't increase.

Vallter:
Where it is stated, that it is the Only factor to receive a 'novice' chance of balancing?

Vallter:
And what about LT and SPG?

Vallter:
Thank you for the opinion on the matter.

Vallter:

And we will receive totally reflected teams.

Vallter:
Platoons are a player side feature. If they have fun playing Ltracktor+Maus platoon, we will allow them to do it. But MM will take it in count.

Vallter: Let me translate it for you-) Just quote it here

Vallter:
Beta tester tag means only, that the player has joined us during the Beta Test of the game and before it's release.

Vallter:
Sorry, but what do you mean with the 'new chart'?

Vallter:
Even with T10 you can be in the bottom one day.

Vallter:
We are not planning to add options for balancing to a match with or without certain Tank Type

Vallter:
One Tier 5 Scout can kill all Artillery, HT up to Tier 8, MT up to Tier 7, TD up to Tier 9

A Platoon of 2 Tier 5 Scouts can kill all Artillery, HT up to Tier 9-10, MT up to Tier 8-9, TD up to Tier 9

A platoon of 3 Tier 5 Scouts can kill every opponent he will oppose.

This is not a theory, we've done it ourselves.

Vallter:
Only monitoring system was added, no other changes performed. With the next MM update balance time won't increase.

Vallter:
Where it is stated, that it is the Only factor to receive a 'novice' chance of balancing?

Vallter:
And what about LT and SPG?

Vallter:
Thank you for the opinion on the matter.

Vallter:

And we will receive totally reflected teams.

Vallter:
Platoons are a player side feature. If they have fun playing Ltracktor+Maus platoon, we will allow them to do it. But MM will take it in count.

Vallter: Let me translate it for you-) Just quote it here

Vallter:
Beta tester tag means only, that the player has joined us during the Beta Test of the game and before it's release.

Vallter:
Sorry, but what do you mean with the 'new chart'?

Vallter:
Even with T10 you can be in the bottom one day.

Vallter:
We are not planning to add options for balancing to a match with or without certain Tank Type

Vallter:
One Tier 5 Scout can kill all Artillery, HT up to Tier 8, MT up to Tier 7, TD up to Tier 9

A Platoon of 2 Tier 5 Scouts can kill all Artillery, HT up to Tier 9-10, MT up to Tier 8-9, TD up to Tier 9

A platoon of 3 Tier 5 Scouts can kill every opponent he will oppose.

This is not a theory, we've done it ourselves.

Vallter:
Only monitoring system was added, no other changes performed. With the next MM update balance time won't increase.

Vallter: Though you've received an explanation already, I want to add, that now MM makes battles in this way (this is an example of mechanics and not certain numbers for MM):
We have 1 T3 tank, 4 T4 Tanks, and 4T5 tanks. The MM will balance T4 + T3 battle, than balance the rest of T4 tanks with T5 tanks. This means, that you are the one of the players with T4 tank, you will receive 25% chance to enter a battle against T3 tank and 75% possibility to play against Tier 5 tanks.
New system will make T4 be to enter a T3 or T5 battle with a chance approximately 50:50

Vallter: Though you've received an explanation already, I want to add, that now MM makes battles in this way (this is an example of mechanics and not certain numbers for MM):
We have 1 T3 tank, 4 T4 Tanks, and 4T5 tanks. The MM will balance T4 + T3 battle, than balance the rest of T4 tanks with T5 tanks. This means, that you are the one of the players with T4 tank, you will receive 25% chance to enter a battle against T3 tank and 75% possibility to play against Tier 5 tanks.
New system will make T4 be to enter a T3 or T5 battle with a chance approximately 50:50

Vallter: Though you've received an explanation already, I want to add, that now MM makes battles in this way (this is an example of mechanics and not certain numbers for MM):
We have 1 T3 tank, 4 T4 Tanks, and 4T5 tanks. The MM will balance T4 + T3 battle, than balance the rest of T4 tanks with T5 tanks. This means, that you are the one of the players with T4 tank, you will receive 25% chance to enter a battle against T3 tank and 75% possibility to play against Tier 5 tanks.
New system will make T4 be to enter a T3 or T5 battle with a chance approximately 50:50