Qbicle

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQug_D5iFoQ ---- Current situation: 2022 has been a busy year for the devs so far. New developers (2 studios are involved, and one is apparently quite well known) are still learning the ropes while slowly introducing the new vehicles and preparing the upcoming Chinese theme BP. SS is still not allowed to reveal their identities though. Once the BP is released, they will sit down the discuss various core aspects of the game and see what they can do to improve or change them. They are well aware that gameplay has become stale, and new vehicles play similarly to existing vehicles. Random tidbits (some are not new info, but I will include them here anyway): PvE and PvP modes will definitely stay, and vehicle balance will still revolve around PVP. The devs are aware that GlOps isn't doing great, but also won't want to remove it from the game, because there is still a number of players who queue for the said game mode. Making drastic changes to queues or restricting player numbers per match (making it similar to 5v5 skirmishes in the past) will risk losing a lot of those players, which is something that they tried in the past but won't want to do again. Nevertheless, they want to do something about it (or at least "salvage" something good from it). Admitted that rebalance in the past 2 years didn't work out great, but it will be reviewed yet again with the new devs. Lots of ideas are being proposed at the moment, such as possible new classes (self-propelled mortar, drone carriers, engineering vehicles), programmable ammunition (other than the HE on Leclerc and T-14 presumably) Self-propelled mortar was tested on PTS in 2018 and that didn't go well, and there were problems implementing this function on ZBD-04A recently, so SS thinks it's unlikely that this class will come back again New user experience will be reviewed - they want to overhaul the tutorial Some new users tend to struggle to transit from low tier gameplay to those on higher tiers - either that vehicles start to play differently, or that the gaps in performance are becoming very significant That said, SS thinks that vehicle progression (i.e. how fast a player can get a tier 10 vehicle down the tech tree) is fine. When asked about number of new players, SS said "high tens of thousands" of accounts were made last year. Making the game available on Epic Game Store helped with the numbers. New vehicle in autumn (new contract vehicle?) will have anti-drone laser, which can be used as a blinding device against enemy vehicles by reducing their vision range. They are aware that optimisation is an issue, especially for newer graphics cards. It's part of a long term plan, but no ETA available. Same goes for sound improvements. SS personally likes "The Voice of War" mod, but obviously they can't implement it directly via official means because they come from other games or media. As for mission tracker (for stuff like Perihelion or the current Heroes of Armored Warfare event), the current database query system is too slow to update, so it won't work well as a live tracker at all. This issue may be revisited if the devs rework the portal. Unstuck function - devs find it not easy to implement, as it seems to break a lot of things. Not available in the immediate future. Thermal imaging was considered and tested internally in the past, but they weren't satisfactory. Given that night vision isn't very well received either, it's unlikely that they will revisit this idea. PVE and Spec Ops maps are being worked on at the moment. A new PVP map is also being planned, but work has not yet started, so it won't come for at least 3-4 months (or perhaps by the end of the year). New Spec Ops will be a continuation after Seahawk Rebellion (i.e. Storyline Camapaign 2017), while SS will continue writing on Perihelion New game mode(s) with their own map(s) are also being worked on at the moment. Notorious "can't shoot helicopters or planes in new desert PVE maps" bug - it's well aware but still WIP (long backlog I'd assume) Chinese BP vehicles (details may contain errors or be subject to further changes): ZTZ-20 (Reference image) As mentioned in the past, SS is not happy about introducing this fictional vehicle to the game (whose design is by an artist well known in Chinese communities), but it was a request submitted by the Chinese partner publisher to the previous developer for their own playerbase. Part of the issue is that there are not many other candidate Tier 10 Chinese vehicles to introduce (and there already is a 99A2-140 in the game). According to the artist who designed the original vehicle, the coax is supposed to be a 30mm gun. White phosphorus missiles are the only gimmicks that the ZTZ-20 will have. All other BP vehicles will be quite straightforward. ZTL-11 Basically a Tier 9 ST1 with soft-kill APS. The devs will try to crank up its firepower to make up for its 8-wheel mobility. VN17 Tier 8 AFV with 30mm autocannon and two ATGMs (no quick double-tap / salvo fire option etc) with infantry support. Seems pretty bog-standard as far as IFV goes. ZBD-04A (Reference image) Tier 7 AFV that will be more or less the counterpart to BMP-3M but with a tad more armour. Obtainable at level 10 in the BP. SS calls it "universal", i.e. suitable for new players and veterans alike with no specialised features. As mentioned above there were plans to make it play like a self-propelled mortar, but that idea is dropped.

Will PTS ever come back again for major changes, or it's deem unnecessary by the devs? The last time we had a PTS was back in August/September 2020 for 0.33. Stuff like low tier rebalance or autocannon overhaul didn't get a PTS last year. Regarding the usual "desync" issue, i.e. game client fails to recognise a disconnection from server and does not reconnect automatically, is there anything that can be done about it other than players restarting the game manually? Even if affected players reconnect, it may be too late already in some cases as their vehicles may get destroyed during the downtime, which can be really frustrating.

I haven't tried using homing missiles in American Dream, but can confirm that self-guided missiles do work on Desert Strike, because I saw an AGDS shooting down all three of the helicopters and thereby completing the secondary objective last month.

Source: https://aw.my.games/en/news/general/update-0389138-now-available

Helicopters and transport plane on Desert Strike are bugged, because their hitboxes don't seem to match their visual models. Self-guided missiles can track and damage them though.

I suspect that the low tier smoke grenades changes may have happened with the May 25 patch, because I can confirm that an unrelated Tier 7 Wiesel HOT's upgraded smokes were fixed on that date. Originally, Wiesel HOT's upgraded smoke grenades' stats are as shown below - 2 quick pops in succession and you're out: This is now corrected with 6 charges in total.

Source: https://aw.my.games/en/news/general/update-0389119-now-available

The skin is based on the first Gongchen tank (Type 97 Chi-Ha), not the current 99A that inherits the title. That said, I won't mind seeing skins of other tanks that also inherited the title, namely Type 59 and early Type 99.

CSB has been updated today to include Samuel Thorpe, who currently shares the same skills as Fyodor Sokolov and Maximilian König. Thorpe's skills are subject to further changes depending on how Perihelion (2nd Storyline Campaign) progresses, but the build includes his initial iteration for now. Link: http://csb-hype.5v.pl/ Other minor fixes: Ophelia's Berserk skills' HP reduction should now properly stack Updated Erin's Specialist skill description ("Trait" --> "Ability") Updated Alisa's Tank Rage skill icon Fixing a number of typos

Several premium vehicles have been added directly to dealers after today's update. They can be purchased for gold by right-clicking and opening up a context menu, then click on the purchase option. Eligible vehicles include: IT-1 Object 279 Object 287 Object 187 BWP-1M Puma This seemingly unintended feature is now apparently intended, so you can now buy the those vehicles if you want.

May 19 Patch Round 2 Source: https://aw.my.games/en/news/general/update-0389080-now-available

Patch has been delayed again. (Original message link on AW official Discord server)

TIL this particular turret with a longer gun (L/54) is actually from a prototype of Type 99A, but it wasn't accepted for production. Compare the pictures below (top: late model of Type 99, mid: production version of Type 99A, bottom: prototype Type 99A) https://i1.kknews.cc/fzehQxqLiHJlY-vD7kgq9zC-QPcGHq7GrA/0.jpg The prototype is also missing muzzle reference system. Source: https://kknews.cc/zh-mo/military/gjzp4rl.html

Source: https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1480186719 ---- Stuff from the stream: SS admits that he always sucks at games that requires skills, because he is too lazy to put in effort into learning them. Chance for Brazilian Osório tank coming is "pretty good" Game development has a lot of inertia; anything that the devs are working on now are decided 6 months ago. Anything that gets decided now won't be coming for another 6 months (or more) The idea of finishing the T-80 progression line or adding any new progression lines is still being considered, but no promises so far. There are still no plans for what to do with SPGs in their current state. There were considerations to make SPGs direct fire vehicles (similar to early test builds for Balance 2.0), but that is on the back burner for now because there are more pressing issues. No plans for T-72B3 Mod.2016 SS personally wants the game to have improved graphics, better sounds, and a new balance system (not another major rebalance, but a system of some sort) VT5 shooting missiles in PvE will be looked into (they should fix that for WWO Wilk as well) No plans to introduce PT-91; will be very similar to T-72M4CZ Patch when? When It's Ready™ Since VE Day (End of WWII in Europe) is coming to an end, they may rename the Object 225 marathon event to something else. Again confirmed that Tiger's Claw is not coming back; "it's easier to create another mission on the same map than to fix Tiger's Claw". No plans for new Italian vehicles, but SS mentioned that they have an unfinished model of Freccia (IFV version of Centauro, plays like the Rosomak, was originally going to be a progression vehicle for Francine before it got replaced by something else in the line) Again no plans to introduce self-propelled mortar carriers When asked about new national skins for T-72M1 (as was intended when vehicle was first announced), SS explains that many of the national variants can be replicated with existing camos and decals, but he is open to ideas for interesting historical skins. Again no plans for solo PvE missions Which company is developing AW now? "It's complicated" Horde mode is back on the table - it's currently in pre-development phase No new PvP maps planned in the near future A new commander system is being considered, but it's not something that SS wants, though he also thinks that the current one needs improvements, and it may get looked at again No new Light Tanks planned for this year Will Heroic Mode get new maps? It's "possible" (note: it used to be a definite "no" in the past), and it's something that the devs can look into No plans for Tier 11, but it was something that was considered as a possible solution to tackle the crazy amount of Reputation and Credits that players hoard. Black Knight (UGV or Challenger) is not coming. The devs did consider a Black Knight Challenger, but it's not interesting enough. There are two possible directions that SS is considering for future Spec Ops: the rise of Black Company or Perihelion stuff. The current direction he has in mind is standard PvE for Perihelion, and Spec Ops for Black Company, but he is open to ideas. Rinaldi and Kopylov are dead offscreen after Burning Grounds according to SS' headcanon The issue where MBTs like Object 195, Strv 2000, and Altay not counting as heavy vehicles in platoon will be looked at again The devs may consider moving Type 99s' ammo rack to the back of the turret The idea of having a weekend Spec Ops chain available in rotation every 6+ weeks is not a good idea, and the devs are also looking into how to bring Plague back. Player made mods are still being tolerated as long as they are derivative works, but if they harm the game's stream of revenue i.e. enabling premium cosmetics even though it's only on the client side but on a wide scale, then they will have to do something about it. Clan war overhaul is also being considered. Problem is how to tackle the issue where top clans will always occupy the top ranking bracket consistently and reap the benefits while leaving the rest in the dust. No plans to return old BPs as playable events SS personally wants a feature where players can create obstacles by modifying terrain (like what WT does) , but he thinks that's mechanically impossible to achieve in AW Custom decal placement feature was tested, but it "broke a lot of things", so it's shelved. No plans to move the game to a new engine BP stuff: The Chinese theme Rise of the Dragon BP is still deep in development, but it will be longer with more prizes and bonus levels (perhaps similar to Warlords of the Wasteland BP with extra ranks and rewards after obtaining the top prize?), but probably not in the way like Wars of the Past BP where players felt they were pressed for time to complete them. Type 99B (Reference image) Fictional variant of Type 99, basically a what-if upgrade of some sort. AW version won't look much like that illustration. It will have dual roof mounted ATGM launchers, and it is supposed to solve the vulnerable ammo rack position that other Type 99s do (perhaps moved to a different location like the back of the turret?). The renderer who made that image is supposedly quite popular in China, and the Chinese operators (publishers for the separate Chinese server) asked the devs to make the vehicles for them. SS personally isn't happy with that decision himself. ZTZ-20 (Reference image) Fictional Tier 10 MBT. AW's version will not have dozer blades, but basically it will be a Chinese Armata with external ATGM launchers. ZTL-11 (basically a domestic counterpart of ST1) and maybe VN17 (IFV version of VT5) are also coming. Shards of the Past: Flakpanzer Gepard Olympics theme Vickers Mk.7/2 (idea was scrapped together with another skin for Object 187 when Russia got banned from participating) Tatooine map (minimap for reference). Many maps were named after Star Wars locations at the time, like Jakku for Al Dabbah (which is what "Tatooine" became eventually), and Coruscant for Moscow. XM723 Pereh

Source: https://aw.my.games/en/news/general/maintenance-march-24

Article is up: https://aw.my.games/en/news/general/development-arjun-mk1a 5-round autoloader clip, starting with AP and HESH only. Overprogression upgrades include GLATGM, PELE, lowering suspension manually (not tilting), and crew stats bonus component.

Source: https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1293596540 ---- Random bits and bobs from the stream: SS is not a fan of T-15 in general due to its size. He's not fond of Kinzhal's triple shot burst either. Draco is OP and SS will ask devs to nerf it. SS enjoys seeing the camouflage and skins that players use on their vehicles, especially if they are the ones he personally proposed. No plans to introducing more rules to PVP matchmaking at the moment due to PVP queue; "it's more important to get into a match than to have a balanced match". The idea of new progression vehicles is still being brought up to the devs from time to time, but there are still no plans for them at the moment. SS personally wants to complete the T-80 line, with T-80U-M1Bars on T8, T-80BVM on T9, and Object 292 on T10. Puma IFV may be coming at some point. SS was surprised that there is a decal written in Russian that translates to "Screw everybody; I park where I want" In-game store is being worked on. Regarding Labyrinth, the win rate and popularity dropped over time, and it eventually became a mode where many players found it difficult and only a small percentage of players enjoyed or could take advantage of it. It's been taken down for re-evaluation and may be readjusted in the future. SS also wants to see more PVE maps, and he has designed/proposed two missions for devs to consider at the moment. Fixing Cerberus' lieutenant spawn problem is still in the backlog. Other non-Spec Ops War Games have been shelved; they were dropped in favour for Spec Ops development back then. The devs did not want to create more gameplay modes that would only cater to a small percentage of players. That said, the latest Spec Ops did not go as well as the devs had hoped, so there will be no new Spec Ops missions in the near future. SS will ask the devs how to bring Plague back for players who want to replay the mission. The Storyline Campaign, which came to an abrupt end last month, will return in the form of portal events (aka Perhelion event). SS will continue to write the story. No more signups - just hop in, play, and get prizes, should one wants to, or just watch how the story unfolds. As this will potentially become official lore for all clients, some elements of the story will be adjusted so they can be "compatible" with other regions as well. There will be no trackers at the moment, but they hope to have in-game tracker eventually. If it goes well, then the story will become the official story for Armored Warfare, including future Spec Ops, PvE missions, and other events. Players who have participated in the Storyline Campaign will get a bonus for the upcoming event.

The Storyline Campaign has come to an abrupt end.

From official Discord server's announcement channel:

Unless the game has made another unannounced change recently, kill assist should not take account of whatever damage that the player with the killing blow deals to a target vehicle. It should only care about whoever deals the most damage to the same vehicle excluding the player with the killing blow. For example, if I do 1 damage to a vehicle, and you do the rest of the damage as well as the killing blow, then you get the kill (+elimination, because you deal the most damage), while I will still get the assist.

I missed the drama, but this update appears to be another meme tier content. Let the screencaps speak for themselves:

Update attempt 2, source: https://aw.my.games/en/news/general/maintenance-december-20 Patch notes are mostly the same as last Thursday's but with addition of the following text: Moreover, notes on previously implemented Bgltpz 57 changes have now been removed. ---- Original updated from December 16, source: https://aw.my.games/en/news/general/maintenance-december-16 The Draco changes are probably going to get the most attention. Much AP greater penetration and damage, but slightly smaller clip and slightly longer reload time. A few more notes from SS regarding the Draco: ---- Bgltpz 57's ammo capacity buff actually occurred on 0.38 launch patch, albeit an undocumented change. ---- We'll have to see how the autocannon overhaul may change the whole meta and the game's "ecosystem". May also have to look out for MBTs with coaxial autocannons, as well as vehicles with clip-based autocannons like Griffin 50mm or BWP-2000.

Source: https://aw.my.games/en/news/general/development-type-62-replacement A very long time ago: Type 59 Legend debuted as a Tier 3 Premium MBT. A fairly long time ago: Type 59 debuted as a Tier 3 Progression MBT on Zhang Feng, the third dealer. There were no tier 1 or tier 2 vehicles on Zhang back then. Balance 2.0 (Proposal): Progression Type 59 would downtier to Tier 1 Balance 2.0 (Actual): Progression Type 59 became Type 62 Tier 1 Progression Light Tank due to "player feedback on too many similar vehicles appearing in the game", while keeping the model unchanged. Legend remained as a Tier 3 Premium MBT, but with its main gun upgraded to 105mm, and was renamed to Type 59-IIA Legend (the gun model didn't change until much later). 0.27: Type 59-IIA Legend got uptiered to Tier 4 along with most other Tier 3 Premium vehicles at the time. 0.38: Type 62 silently changed class from LT to MBT as part of the "Tier 1-6 Overhaul patch". Official reason for the change was that they "needed one more MBT on Tier 1 and of all the existing vehicles, the Type 62 LT was the best candidate since it kind of is a mini-Type 59". Now: Let's just rename Type 62 back to Type 59 and change some values again; model is still the same.

The English article misses one particular detail: Sabra Mk 2 will fall under Sol Schreiber. This can be confirmed on the Russian article.

SS sure spent a lot of effort writing the tank's background history. I remember seeing him asking questions on the discord server's real life tank discussions channel. Afterall, he wants the T-72M4CZ to be included in the game for quite a while.