In the realm of military-themed online multiplayer games, few have developed a genuine cult following like "World of Tanks." First launched in 2010, the PC game from developer/publisher Wargaming spread to Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and even Nintendo Switch. As a live-service game, "World of Tanks" has been constantly updated with new content, to the point where jumping in might seem a little daunting for new players.

For those players, as well as veterans looking for a new twist on classic tank combat, Wargaming has released a spin-off title, "World of Tanks: HEAT." The new game runs on a new, proprietary game engine that supports full cross-platform play across all consoles and PC, and presents a more action-focused approach to the "World of Tanks" formula. While still grounded in realism, "HEAT" is more about face-to-face confrontation and utilizes an approach akin to the hero shooter sub-genre, allowing players to select unique operators, called "Agents" as well as tanks, which can still be customized to the player's liking.

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I had an e-mail chat with Product Director Artoym Yantsevitch to get a closer understanding of what sets "World of Tanks: HEAT" apart from its predecessor. You can read our complete correspondence below. As for the original "World of Tanks," don't worry, that game isn't going anywhere and will continue to be supported with new updates as usual. "World of Tanks: HEAT" is out now on PC (including Steam Deck and Nvidia GeForce Now), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.

'World of Tanks: HEAT' Developer Interview

World of Tanks is a shining example of a "live service" game that is constantly updated with new content. Why make HEAT its own game as opposed to a new mode in the larger package?

HEAT was created to broaden the tank-action genre and attract new audiences while building on the expertise we have developed over years. It is a departure from the original World of Tanks stalk and shoot style towards a more confrontational form of combat that is more intense and dynamic. Creating a standalone title gave the developers the freedom to move beyond the historical framework of World of Tanks, experiment with new gameplay systems, and build the experience around different design pillars without being constrained by the expectations of the original game.

HEAT isn't exactly an arcade-style game, but it seems a bit wackier, more colorful, more 'pick-up-and-play' than the original World of Tanks. Do you want to remain somewhat grounded and realistic, or is HEAT your outlet to go nuts with the theme and aesthetic?

Our goal is not to create a fully arcade or purely fantastical experience. We want the world of HEAT to feel believable. The designs are rooted in real-world engineering, with some speculative elements that stay true to the logic of the world we've built. The formula is 70% reality and 30% fictional.We’re building the game around three core pillars: first, the power and presence of armored combat machines by delivering the weight, impact, and excitement that makes vehicular warfare so compelling; second, human-machine synergy and creating cinematic moments through role-driven gameplay that really drive home the unique relationship between player and vehicle; and third, team supremacy. HEAT rewards coordination, strategy, and tactical awareness as players leverage their chosen Agent/Tank’s strengths, exploit enemy weaknesses, and work closely with teammates to secure victory.

How will DLC, content updates, and collaborations vary between the original World of Tanks and HEAT?

HEAT gives us more creative freedom than traditional World of Tanks, but we still want players to feel the power and authenticity of armored vehicle combat. As for future collaborations and content strategies, we are currently focused on establishing HEAT's own identity and expanding its roster, world, and gameplay systems after launch. But of course, we'll explore new DLC, themes, and content opportunities.

How long has HEAT been in the works? What went into the decision to build the game in a new engine? Will World of Tanks be converted to this new engine or see any significant changes as a result of the work put into HEAT?

The project has been in development for over three years by a dedicated team using our new proprietary engine. We needed an engine that could support HEAT’s cross-platform ambitions. The new engine was developed to enable seamless deployment across multiple platforms and allow for rapid, real-time iteration. World of Tanks is already a successful and well-established title, so there is no need to fundamentally change it. Why change something that is already working so well?

Do you want existing World of Tanks players to play HEAT, or is HEAT a game that is designed to appeal to players who want something a bit faster and less of a simulator than traditional World of Tanks?

We want both groups to find something appealing in HEAT. Existing World of Tanks players will recognize familiar concepts and mechanics. At the same time, HEAT's faster pace and more action-oriented combat are designed to appeal to players who may be new to the vehicle combat genre. Features such as the agent system and streamlined onboarding help make the experience more approachable for newcomers. Our goal is not to replace one audience with another, but to expand the appeal of vehicle combat and make the genre accessible to a broader range of players.

Will there be events that occur across both games, perhaps a shared Battle Pass or progression system that applies to both World of Tanks and HEAT, or do you want to keep the ecosystems separate to highlight the differences between the games?

For the foreseeable future, we're treating HEAT as its own ecosystem, with its own Battle Pass structure, progression systems, and content roadmap. We want the game to establish its own identity and give players a progression experience tailored specifically to HEAT. At this moment in time, there are no plans for a shared progression system or cross-game Battle Pass. We have considered cross-promotional opportunities between HEAT and World of Tanks, and we'll continue evaluating what types of connections provide the most value for players of both games.

HEAT is somewhat more accessible to new players but still has a focus on customization. For casual players who may feel overwhelmed by the classic World of Tanks experience, how did you make HEAT the type of game they can jump into immediately, and has that had an impact on your plans for the future of the game? Basically, how do you balance complexity with accessibility?

HEAT takes the core tank-versus-armor gameplay that Wargaming excels at to combine it with role-based design and hero-style mechanics. We did not want to overwhelm players with a massive catalog of vehicles that require deep military knowledge to enjoy the game. We've focused on making the experience approachable, with dynamic, experimental vehicles available from the start that give players a variety of load out and customization options. We have a curated roster of Agents and corresponding tanks that offer a streamlined way to strategically formulate their own style of combat.

For players who want to hop in a tank and blow stuff up without the white-knuckle pressure of playing competitive multiplayer, will there be more options for solo or PvE play beyond the 'shooting range' mode?

The answer is, yes! PvE support is already part of the game. We currently offer dedicated playlists focused primarily on PvE, where players can cooperate against AI-controlled bots either solo or with friends.There are no economic penalties for choosing these modes, and the gameplay experience is designed to closely mirror what players get in PvP playlists. This content is already available in the release version, and we continue to explore additional PvE modes and opportunities for future expansions. Never forget that launch is just the beginning of HEAT’s journey. The game will continue to grow and evolve along with its community.