This year’s gamescom saw a record 345,000 visitors from 96 countries descend on the Koelnmesse in Cologne, including 33,200 trade visitors. From August 5–9, Wargaming played host to fans and business associates from all over the world, with a lineup of games bigger than ever before.
World of Warships made its Open Beta gaming EXPO debut; World of Tanks on Xbox One made one of its first appearances for the released game; World of Tanks Generals debuted on iOS; and World of Tanks debuted lots of anticipated content. gamescom 2015 let those in the B2B booth get closer to conquering the stars with Master of Orion, showing more of the revamped 4X gameplay.
World of Tanks
Perhaps the biggest announcement for World of Tanks was the introduction of Czechoslovakian tanks. Vehicles like the Skoda T-25, LT.VZ35, KH50, and an LT.V.38 are set to roll out, and, if that’s not enough, there is also the Skoda T-40 and the TVP T5 0-51. Players can also look forward to Japanese heavy tanks, such as the chunky 0-I 100, the Type 4, and the 0-I, 120. Two new German Premium tanks, the Panther Scorpion and Kanonenjagdpanzer, are getting set to roll out, too.
There were three maps shown at gamescom. The new Czechoslovakian map, inspired by a real tank factory. The new Polish map, set in the idyllic Polish countryside, with many different terrain types for players to find cover. Lastly, the new “Berlin” map transports players to the destroyed German capital. Here, they’ll find iconic landmarks like the Brandenburg gate and desolate surrounding city.
Finally, new in-game physics were on display, showing how tanks will fair in variety of environments from rumbling and tumbling across deserts to handbrake turning around icy city streets.
World of Warships
gamescom 2015 marked World of Warships first major event where fans had a chance to get some hands-on time with the Open Beta version. It’s been several gamescoms since the game was first announced, and it’s been continually evolving, ready to take the seas by storm. To coincide with the event in Cologne, the team unveiling the German Tech Tree. Mighty vessels like the Dresden and Hermelin were took the seas, as well as the much anticipated Bismarck and Tirpitz battleships arriving at Tier 8. Visitors to the Wargaming booth had the chance to try the latter two ships, while captains everywhere can expect to get behind the wheel of this new Tech Tree in October.
Fans also got to see how consumables like Signal Flags (up to 8 on each ship) and Camouflage functioned. Modernizations and a revamped ship outfitting system functioned were also shown, as well as Consumables, shell selection and gold ammo.
We had several PC setups for people to try their luck, and we saw a mix of veteran players and those who were checking out World of Warships for the very first time.
World of Tanks Console
It has been a whirlwind series of events since World of Tanks on Xbox One was released. Fresh from GDC, console-mania took to the stage of gamescom, bringing with it lots of cool new features, and content for the future. The improvement of physics thanks to the Havok engine lets players tear around maps and cause mayhem like never before. Destructible environments, crumbling buildings, trees that are uprooted when you knock them over, and enhanced tank controls really harness the power of the Xbox One.
World of Tanks for Xbox One is also the only place where players will find every tank in HD. Everything from the levels, environments, scenery—even the garage—will look prettier than you’ve ever seen them before on console.
World of Tanks Mobile
Wargaming had two mobile offerings for players this year. Firstly, World of Tanks Generals made its gamescom debut on iOS, bringing tactical card combat to a whole host of new people. Those checking out the zone at the booth could put the game’s PvE mode through its paces. One the stage, two of our community specialists showed off the game’s PvP battles, facing off against each other.
World of Tanks Blitz let fans learn more about the new Clans features. Now players can socialize and find new friends. Now they can join a Clan or make one of their own. Players can gain some great rewards from working together on the battlefield. Also at gamescom, we were able to give a sneak peek at the new “Sahara” map, set in the middle of, you guessed it, a desert. This map will have dunes scattered around a village in the center, where players can slip behind buildings for cover.
Master of Orion
Visitors to Wargaming’s B2B booth had the opportunity to explore the galaxy and check out a demo of Master of Orion. Four races were shown: Alkari, Darlok, Mrrshan and Psilon. Then, we had chance to take a tour of the surrounding galaxy, exploring the various differences in each of the planets, from gaseous places to mineral-rich locations. The research tree was revealed, with diverse routes to travel, such as tech, population, and weaponry. Finally, the demo tackled diplomacy, with our character having chat with a Darlok ambassador, and deciding whether or not to go to war.
Master of Orion will be the first title in the new WG Labs initiative, working with in-house and 3rd party developers to bring some great and innovative titles to market. The reimagined strategy game will be able for hands-on testing in the future, and will be coming to Steam via Early Access.