World of Tanks update 8.0 improves graphics

World of Tanks is about to receive an update that will mark a "major overall" for the free-to-play MMO action game.

Announced by Wargaming, update 8.0 will introduce a newly improved game engine along with new features and content.

“We’ve been working hard on implementing new physics for the game for quite some time,” said Sergey Burkatovskiy, Lead Producer for World of Tanks. “This update is a huge milestone for the team. The improvements and enhancements will really change the way players experience World of Tanks.”

The big highlight in update 8.0 is the arrival of, for the first time ever in World of Tanks, realistic tank movement physics and new game rendering improvements. The enhanced renderer will create realistic splash and water effects and add support for deferred shading for medium and higher preset graphics.

Along with the new graphics will be the additions of emblem and inscription customization, adaptive camouflage, mini-map functions, and enhanced tech tree interface. Players will also be able to transfer free experience into crew experience and select the battle mode they want to play.

Update 8.0 will also feature new tanks, with the Soviet tech tree expanded to include five new robust tank destroyers: SU-122-44, SU-122-54, SU-100M-1, Uralmash-1 and Object 263. The British will also benefit from the inclusion of that tech tree’s first premium machine — the famous Matilda Black Prince experimental medium infantry tank.

Wargaming hasn't yet announced a release date for the 8.0 update.