AMANDA DYAR: First off, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Can you tell us a little bit about the addition of Strongholds in World of Tanks and what fans can expect?
KEVIN EKSTROM: Strongholds is a game mode that provides a way for clans in World of Tanks to play together as a single unit, while also earning rewards for their clan. Each clan in World of Tanks has their own Stronghold, which can be improved as Clans progress. Clans are able to fight battles at any time, which range from 7v7 to 15v15, and with Tier 6 (mid-level) vehicles all the way up to Tier 10 (the highest level).
By playing in Strongholds, clans earn "Industrial Resources" - the currency used in Strongholds which can be used to earn more Credits or Experience from battles, which will help them earn some of the higher-level tanks more quickly. They can also be used to unlock in-game missions for a clan, which can reward several different items including Gold, our premium currency which is only available by playing in Clan Wars or by purchasing it. As a clan improves their Stronghold, they can yield more effective rewards.
AMANDA DYAR: For players interested in e-sports, how will Clan Wars change things in World of Tanks?
KEVIN EKSTROM: With the recent introduction of Strongholds, we've created a clear path of progression for clans that are interested in the competitive aspects of World of Tanks. We've had our Global Map game mode out for a while now, which has been very successful, however it's a very highly competitive mode that can be tough for some clans to work up to.
Now with Strongholds in place, we're providing a sort of "practice grounds" for clans to work their way up to a higher level of competition. They do this by starting with smaller groups in the 7v7 Tier 6 battles. After they're comfortable in smaller groups, they grow to 10v10, and then eventually, the full 15v15 Tier 10 matches. When a clan is comfortable enough with their performance, they can raise the stakes even further in the Strongholds mode and begin participating in attacks on other clans' Strongholds and fight on the Global Map.
AMANDA DYAR: What new in-game content has been added with the latest additions and what are some of the structure types that clans can build?
KEVIN EKSTROM: The most recent addition has allowed clans to upgrade their Stronghold up to Level 10, whereas they were previously held to Level 4. This expansion also opens up the second major component of the Strongholds mode, where clans are able to attack each other. Unlike the Global Map, where you lose territory if you lose the battle(s), a clan can never actually lose their Stronghold. Victorious clans do however pillage the resources of the defeated clan.
AMANDA DYAR: What does the future hold for Strongholds and what other updates are around the corner?
KEVIN EKSTROM: The next major milestone in Strongholds is the introduction of "Combat Consumables" - items which can be used in Stronghold battles by clans that create them. A few examples would be an artillery strike, calling in a bomber, performing reconnaissance, laying mines, or constructing pillboxes on a map.
Beyond that, there are several other great improvements planned that will keep this mode growing and ensure it will remain a massive success for a long time.
AMANDA DYAR: For gamers who have never played World of Tanks, how easy is it to get started in building your own clan or joining an existing one?
KEVIN EKSTROM: It's incredibly easy! With several thousand clans active every day, there truly is something for everyone. We also have a tool on our website called the Recruiting Station which can greatly assist in finding a clan that would be a good fit. We lightheartedly refer to it as the eHarmony of clans - you enter a little bit of information about what you're looking for in a clan, and a clan will enter what they're looking for in players, then the system will provide a list of recommendations for players and clans based on those preferences.
AMANDA DYAR: Is there anything else you would like to mention or think fans should know?
KEVIN EKSTROM: I'd just like to recommend to all of our players (and even those who don't play that are reading this article), join a clan! It makes your gameplay experience so much more fun to play with friends and in the case of our game, there are so many more options made available to you.
To learn more, visit the official World of Tanks website.