AI Video Summary: World of Tanks: ASAP - World of Tanks in 2014
Channel: World of Tanks North America (Archived)
TL;DR
This video outlines World of Tanks' development plans for 2014, focusing on a massive graphics overhaul with improved tank models and the Havoc physics engine. The developers also discuss new gameplay modes like historical battles with mismatched teams, updates to Clan Wars, and the challenges of adding new Japanese tank branches.
Key Points
- — The developers announce a massive graphics rework for 2014, increasing polygon counts and texture resolution to make tanks look more alive.
- — The Havoc engine has been integrated to improve in-game physics, allowing destroyed parts like turrets to act as physical obstacles.
- — New historical battle modes will feature mismatched teams to balance gameplay, using historically accurate tank models and ammo capacities.
- — Clan Wars will be expanded with fortified regions that clans can defend or attack to gain treasury benefits.
- — A full Japanese heavy tank branch is unlikely in 2014 due to missing historical models for mid-tier vehicles, though a Tier 10 Japanese heavy is planned.
- — Graphics updates will include optimization for weaker computers to support the 40% of players running below minimum system requirements.
- — The video concludes with New Year wishes for players and a promise of more content in the upcoming 9.0 update.
Detailed Summary
The video begins by outlining the major graphical improvements planned for World of Tanks in 2014. The development team intends to massively rework all tank models and environments, increasing polygon counts by three to four times and enhancing texture resolution. A key focus is the suspension system, which will move from a simple flat track animation to a fully independent elastic system for each wheel, making vehicles appear more realistic as they traverse terrain. Additionally, the developers discuss the integration of the Havoc physics engine, which has been licensed and adapted for over a year. This engine allows for client-side physics where destroyed objects, such as blown-off turrets, become physical obstacles that can block shells and other tanks, adding a new layer of tactical depth to the battlefield. Regarding gameplay modes, the developers highlight the success of Team Battles and Combat Missions, confirming they will continue to be supported alongside eSports and Clan Wars. A significant new feature for 2014 is the introduction of historical battles. To address balancing issues inherent in historical matchups, the team decided to implement mismatched teams, such as pitting a larger number of T-34s against a smaller number of Tigers. These battles will feature historically accurate tank models and ammunition capacities, though the developers emphasize they will not make the game so realistic that players spend more time fighting their own vehicle's limitations than the enemy. Respawn mechanics are also considered for specific scenarios, such as scout tanks in historical battles, but are not planned for standard garage battles due to session length and player engagement issues. The discussion then shifts to new tank content and technical optimization. While the team desires to introduce a Tier 10 Japanese heavy tank, they acknowledge a lack of historical data for mid-tier Japanese heavies, making a full branch unlikely in 2014. Instead, resources will be dedicated to improving existing models and introducing hull and suspension leveling options that allow players to choose between mobility and armor. The developers also address performance concerns, noting that 40% of players run on systems below minimum requirements. Consequently, the graphics update will include specific optimizations for weaker computers alongside high-end features like new lighting and filters. The video concludes with a New Year greeting, wishing players success both in-game and in life, and teasing further details in upcoming developer diaries.
Tags: world of tanks, game development, graphics update, havoc engine, historical battles, clan wars, japanese tanks, 2014 roadmap