We go in-depth into one of the most visceral, brutal MMO experiences ever: World of Tanks! This game makes your MMO cry.

ZAM: I read about a vehicle described as a "heavy sniper with long-range howitzers." What is that? What are the SPGs and the anti-tank vehicles in the game and why would we want to play them?

Zhivets: Even though the game is called World of Tanks, we decided to include self-propelled guns and tank destroyers into the core gameplay as we think the game wouldn't look full-blown without them. SPGs have extremely powerful cannons and can engage the enemy located on the other side of the map. Normally, they work in intense cooperation with light tanks. We've introduced the special "howitzer" mode for artillery units when the map is observed from height.

Tank destroyers are great defensive units capable of engaging enemy vehicles from long distances. Still, the lack of rotating turret often makes them vulnerable to more maneuverable opponents.

ZAM: Which tank is your personal favorite?

Zhivets: Top middle tanks such as the Soviet T-44 and the German Panther are the most beloved pets in my collection. These steel monsters combine the best from light and heavy panzers. Being very maneuverable they are serious competitors to heaviest tanks in duels.

Apart from middle tanks, I have a top Soviet tank IS-7, Hummel, a top German SPG, and two scouts from both nations. I have a very good excuse for playing all these toys as I have to test them:)

ZAM: How will the eventual addition of rockets change the gameplay? How are they different than regular tank shells?

Zhivets: Rockets differ immensely from standard armor-piercing and high-explosive shells available for tanks as they cause more damage. Adding rockets will definitely change the gameplay, but we don't think that these changes will be critical. For instance, we'll introduce the RBT-5 Soviet light tank as the premium unit. This light tank hosts two artillery rocket launchers and can cause some real problems to the enemy. However, the crushing power of its rockets is compensated by thick armor and extremely low recharging rates.

ZAM: Western gamers are big on customization and differentiation. What ways are there to make our tanks unique? Also, even though our tank commanders are always in the tank, will we be able to choose, or at least create a face for, an avatar?

Zhivets: We will definitely give players a chance to customize their steel monsters. Players will be able to put various pre-moderated custom drawings and inscriptions on their tanks. Clan mates can mark their panzers with clan emblems or mottos. Moreover, the World of Tanks players are given a chance to create their own custom types of camouflage and put them on their pets thereafter.

When the testing stage of the game is over, we will provide players with Avatars featuring a specific level-up system. On gaining a new level you will get bonuses to your "managerial" skills such as -5 % to repair costs. Your Avatar will be gaining special medals like "Tiger Hunter" or "Best Tank Destroyer" and other bonuses for specific achievements.  Those medals will be reflected in your profile and will affect your progress as well.

In Part 2 of our in-depth World of Tanks interview, Mike Zhivets tells us why they needed to avoid creating pink tanks, how players can run a tank through a house and how to take over the world! Check out Part 2 here!