In this Q&A with Community Coordinator Andy Belford, ZAM asked about some of the new features introduced in the new patch 1.3.3, including the "Underdog System," new HDR effects and the annual Keg End event.

We've been keeping a eye on Warhammer Online recently; in late 2009, Mythic rolled out patch 1.3.2, which drastically changed and enhanced many core gameplay mechanics. A bit later, Mythic took the community by surprise and launched its new Endless Trial, converting the Tier 1 experience (Ranks 1 to 10) into a free-to-play MMO.

Earlier this month, WAR's newest patch 1.3.3 was deployed on live servers, adding more enhancements to the game. Before the patch launched, ZAM was able to get in touch with Andy Belford (Community Coordinator for WAR) and ask him a few questions about the most-touted features introduced in patch 1.3.3. In this Q&A, Belford explains how the new "Underdog" system works in RvR campaigns, and sheds some light on the in-game "WAR Report." Belford also explains the benefits of the client's new Bloom and HDR lighting techniques, and gives players the advice they need to get the most out of this year's "Keg End" in-game holiday event. Read on for the full interview!

ZAM: Why did Mythic decide to implement a handicapping system in WAR? Do players need to be worried about the system being abused or manipulated in any way?

Andy Belford: In a Realm vs. Realm game there is always going to be a winner and a loser. What happens when one Realm is losing more than they’re winning? Players start to get demoralized and lose interest in playing the campaign. The new system gives those Underdog Realms a chance to bring the fight back against their opponents and to help keep the campaign flowing in an exciting and dynamic fashion.

The Underdog System doesn’t lend itself to abuse or manipulation. If anything, it will encourage players to organize more concentrated and coordinated campaign pushes, further increasing realm pride and contributing to the campaign.

It’s also important to note that the Underdog System itself isn’t the penultimate solution to all Realm vs. Realm balancing woes, but rather one of a series of steps that we’ll be implementing over the coming patch cycles.

ZAM: Do you think the Underdog System will promote better RvR on those realms? Or will the dominant faction see it as an inconvenience?

Belford: The nature of the Underdog System is such that it will encourage more “back and forth” between the two sides. A natural result of this is going to be more RvR action, more skirmish and increased fighting over Battlefield Objectives. The Dominant Realm will be forced to be better-organized in order to overcome the handicap applied through successive campaign victories all the while watching their backs for lightning-quick pushes from their downtrodden foes.

ZAM: The new "Bloom and HDR Lighting" implemented in 1.3.3 sound nice; but for the laypeople, what do these settings actually affect? In what ways will players notice these enhancements?

Belford: The “Ohh Shiny” graphic setting fully enables both Bloom and High Dynamic Range imaging (HDR). In lay terms it makes the bright brighter and the dark shadows deeper. This gives the world and everything in it more depth and richness.

We’re letting the players be the ultimate judge of these improvements and as such we’ve been getting some very positive feedback from the community about the addition of HDR and Bloom. WAR has always been considered a graphically-impressive game and these improvements have presented the Warhammer world in a completely new light. The best feedback we’re getting about HDR and Bloom is that players are seeing little change in performance when these settings are enabled.

ZAM: What's up with the WAR Report being in-game now? How will this enhance gameplay?

Belford: The WAR Report is an exciting new in-game information panel that will get players into Realm vs. Realm action faster than ever. The first thing that players will see when they log in is a constantly updating report of where the action is in their Tier and the option to teleport immediately to where it’s happening.

ZAM: And what exactly will be displayed on the WAR Report?

Belford: Everything! The WAR Report constantly updates with Realm vs. Realm information, such as 'hotspots', Keeps under siege, Battlefield Objectives under assault and which zones have the most players fighting in them. Not only this, but the WAR Report will also show where the PvE action is, for those players looking to get a quick Public Quest in. That being said, RvR action will always have priority over PvE updates. WAR is ultimately all about the RvR!