WWII Online News

Happy Patch Day! We're rolling out some important features and fixes from the recent version 1.36.9.0 that we had to fallback on. It will include the AMD user fix (50% faster or more game load times), the Panzerjäger1, and several more items. As we announced before, we've gone through a more rigorous testing cycle, made some structural changes within our QA team to boost performance, and we will continue to provide consolidated release cycles to re-introduce all other items (and potentially more) going forward. Thanks for your support everyone!

World War II Online - Version 1.36.10.0 - May 2021
This is a controlled release to ship a consolidated version of features and fixes from 1.36.9.0. More features and fixes will be rolled out going forward.

Support WWII Online by subscribing!

• Panzerjäger1 added to game
  
• Heads Up Display (HUD) Transparency has been added (in preferences)
  
• Truck EWS range increased to from 700m to 1k
  
• Jettison command removed from bombers, except the Blenheim
  
• The Multicrew button has been temporarily disabled
  

• A major HE Shrapnel bug has been resolved
  
• A massive audit of recently added textures has improved game performance
  
• A-20 will now trigger Bomber EWS
  
• A-20 air speed indicator adjusted for maximum vehicle speed
  
• Hawk75 prop speed corrected
  
• US M3 ATG now has third person firing audio
  
• US GMC truck audio levels are now the same as other trucks
  
• Matilda Mk II smoke charger LODs resolved for smoother transitions
  
• Stug III G MG34 gunner LODs updated and is now killable at longer range
  
• Pz 38T commander is now vulnerable to small arms and shrapnel fire
  
• Water reflection CTD bug has been squashed
  

Little reminder to sign up to our virtual convention. Want to understand our past? Join on June 5th!
Curious about our future? Join on June 6th!

The past - WWII ONLINE VIRTUAL CONVENTION - DAY 1 - JUNE 5TH (SIGN UP)

The future - WWII ONLINE VIRTUAL CONVENTION - DAY 2 - JUNE 6TH (SIGN UP)

Starting Sunday, May 30, 2021 through June 6th we are offering a Welcome Back Soldier promotion in celebration of our 20th anniversary. All active and inactive accounts will receive FREE PREMIUM ACCESS. We are hosting several short duration special events on the days leading up to our virtual convention on June 5th and 6th.
More details about these events were given in this previous update:
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/251950/view/3048351062955289898




As we aim to refine and improve our release process, I am happy to announce that I've appointed "KEMPI" as our newest RAT and Quality Assurance team lead. The QA team provides a critical function for CRS as it tests all changes made that our Development and Production team is making, and ensures that the final end product is the best as possible. Kempi has been a long time player of our game and knows it inside and out, both as a player and a High Command officer. We are very lucky to have him onboard.

Some of his new responsibilities include:

• Recruitment and training of Quality Assurance testers
  
• Managing all incoming release cycles as-needed
  
• Planning and reporting feedback on play tests
  
• Documenting new or known issues with reproduceable behavior
  
• Acting as a liaison for community reported tech issues to dev team
  

"I would firstly like to say thank you to CRS for giving me this opportunity to be a part of the team. I have been a part of the amazing community since 2002, over the course of 19 years I have made some amazing friends along the way, many of which still play to this day. Over the course of my time playing, I have been involved in HC and various player run community events. This game has been a huge part of my life over the years and although I have not been around for all of them due to real life issues, this game and the players are always what brought me back.

Being in the position of Quality Assurance I have already learned a lot about how much dedication and hard work all members of CRS put in, the amount hard work everyone puts into this game is astonishing.

When I joined QA I just wanted to do my part in helping a game I am passionate about. I am humbled to be picked as a team lead for QA, and never thought for one second that I would ever have had this opportunity.

I would like to say thank you to CRS for giving me this opportunity and thank you to the amazing community that has kept me entertained for almost two decades S!"

- Ian “KEMPI” Kemp

S! Cornered Rat Software

Announcement from our Marketing manager CHIMM:

There is roughly 5 weeks until we celebrate WWII Onlines' 20th Anniversary. As you can imagine, we have HUGE plans including several events, prizes, and a very special First Ever - Virtual Convention! This will be a historical event that you will not want to miss! Please sign up to each day below, which will be hosted through Zoom Webinar (all details contained on links). Do us a favor and share these convention links to fellow squad members and on social media, simply click the link and see at the top of each sign up page special links (including a direct e-mail option) to spread the word.

WWII ONLINE VIRTUAL CONVENTION - DAY 1 - JUNE 5TH (SIGN UP)

WWII ONLINE VIRTUAL CONVENTION - DAY 2 - JUNE 6TH (SIGN UP)

Before we dive into the details, CRS would like to thank everyone for your continued support. Every subscription, every DLC purchase has kept the game afloat - even through the rough times. We have said it before, "There is no gaming community as great as our WWII Online Community!" For this years' Anniversary we have scheduling things a bit differently than years past, and honestly, a few "things" have never been done in the history of WWII Online - prepare to be BLOWN AWAY!!!



Sunday, May 30th through Sunday, June 6th

All WWII Online accounts will receive premium subscription including inactive and free play accounts. Login and connect/fight with your old squad mates!

Here's an old school photo of the 644th Wild Boars (who are still in-game today) posing for a squad pic!






Anniversary player events will be conducted on the Training Server, June 1st through June 4th. The winner of the following events will receive a 20th Anniversary XXL gaming mat. Events will be live streamed/recorded on WWII Online social media sites. All times listed below are "Server Time" (US Pacific Time, GMT-8)

• Tuesday, June 1st 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM "Poseidon's Wrath"
  
  • Naval destroyer event is open to all players
    
  • Allied players will spawn from Calais, and Axis will spawn from Dunkerque
    
  • Player with the most kills in 1 hour will be named "King of the Sea"
    
• Wednesday, June 2nd 5:00 PM through 6:00 PM "Thou Shalt Not Cross"
  
  • Signup page will be posted (32 player elimination)
    
  • Lots will be drawn for individual matchups
    
  • Vickers vs 232 at Antwerp-Schilde FB and Rail bridge
    
  • Objective is to get your piece of armor, alive, across the bridge
    
  • Round robin until one tank stands
    
• Thursday, June 3rd 5:00 PM through 6:00 PM "Ace of Aces"
  
  • Signup page will be posted (32 pilots elimination)
    
  • Round 1) 32 pilots, use Antwerp vs Gilze airfields. Spit 1a vs BF109E-1. Both planes use MG only
    
  • Round 2) 16 pilots left. Use airspace Knokke vs Vliss airfields pilots use SpitV vs 109F4
    
  • Round 3) 8 pilots left, use Reims and Etain airfields. Spit VX vs FW190a
    
  • Round 4) 4 pilots left use Montfaucon and Brussels. Pilots choice of aircraft
    
  • Round 5) 2 pilots left. Use Hatert and Aachen airfields. Pilots choice of aircraft
    
• Friday, June 4th 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM "Last Man Standing"
  
  • Knife ONLY infantry event is open to all players
    
  • Players will battle in the historical Willemstad castle
    
  • Player with the most kills win the event
    
• Friday, June 4th 3:00 PM though 4:00 PM "Grand Prix"
  
  • Truck race event is open to all players
    
  • Allied truck race will be held in a special "track" in Ameins
    
  • Track layout will be crafted with obstacles
    
  • Player who finishes first will be the winner
    

Historically our Anniversary events were players gathered in game as CRS discussed and celebrated WWII Onlines' past and the path going forward. This monumental Anniversary will be conducted virtually via Zoom Meeting. Our virtual convention is free and open to all who wish to attend. Please note, the event items below is only a fraction of what is planned and all times are US Pacific time GMT-8. Be sure to attend our monumental event!

Saturday, June 5th 9:30 AM trough 2:00 PM

• Community "cocktail" time
  
• Special key note speakers
  
• Salute to our community/builders/etc.
  
• WillyTee and other game highlights
  

WWII ONLINE VIRTUAL CONVENTION - DAY 1 - JUNE 5TH (SIGN UP)

Sunday, June 6th 9:30 AM through 2:00 PM

• Community "cocktail" time
  
• Special Key note speakers
  
• Future of WWII Online
  

WWII ONLINE VIRTUAL CONVENTION - DAY 2 - JUNE 6TH (SIGN UP)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYXsqxlKy3w&feature=emb_title


20 years in the gaming industry is rarely heard of. We have some amazing things planned for WWII Online and I guarantee you will be excited with what we have accomplished and what the future looks like!

Today we released v1.36.9.0, our first release since Christmas 2020! However the wait was worth it, as this thing is packed with goodies including 4 Roadmap deliveries. Good news included for AMD users regarding loading time for the game, several new features and a big list of bug fixes. We will be releasing 1.36.9.0 this month once release candidate testing has concluded (currently in progress). This serves as your Friday update, please spread this around the community as it contains huge developments that everyone should be aware of! Thanks for your continued support, and be sure to subscribe for more game development.

World War II Online: Version 1.36.9.0 - April 2021
This release marks 4 Roadmap deliveries and a huge number of updates to mark a strong Q1-2021 development cycle. As per our 2021 Roadmap, the 32bit PC client has been discontinued as of this release.

Thanks to your subscription support, developments like these are made possible.

• Panzerjäger 1
  
• Bomber Pilots may now select their desired bomb payload (loadouts)
  
• Mission leaders can now change their target, without making a new mission
  
• Heads Up Display (HUD) elements opacity may now be adjusted in Preferences Menu
  

• AMD cards will now load the game much faster (up to 50%)
  

• EWS range for trucks increased from 700m to 1000m
  
• Dyle river added around Brussels
  
• Causeway added to connect Vlissingen and Gravenpolder Island(s)
  
• Polders have been added to several cities
  
• Tankers at Oostende and Rotterdam are now able to be climbed by infantry
  
• Some riverbanks updated to improve infantry climbing out of water (work in progress)
  
• New lakes added near Aarschot and Zandvliet
  
• New environment props: Ketch, port cranes, cow, graveyard, logs and more
  
• Dinant hill now has a walkable path for infantry
  
• Capture building has a new “destroyed state” texture
  
• Several bridges and roads have received a texture update
  
• Vehicle spawn staircase updated to show more realistic steps
  
• A new pillbox has been added to the game (see Lier - Aarschot FB)
  
• Game credits updated to show latest team members
  

• A major HE Shrapnel bug has been resolved
  
• A massive audit of recently added textures has improved game performance
  
• Several buildings have had their Levels of Detail (LODs) fixed
  
• Infantry who jump from a two story building will now be hurt
  
• Entering the docks no longer forces you to go prone
  
• A-20 will now trigger Bomber EWS
  
• A-20 ventral gunner no longer fires while undeployed
  
• A-20 air speed indicator adjusted for maximum vehicle speed
  
• H75 prop was over performing, reverted to historical (correct) value
  
• US M3 ATG now has third person firing audio
  
• US GMC truck audio levels are now the same as other trucks
  
• Matilda Mk II smoke charger LODs resolved for smoother transitions
  
• Stug III G MG34 gunner LODs updated and is now killable at longer range
  
• Bedford SPAA personal decal issue resolved
  
• Added some various missing road textures
  

• Stekene: Set of buildings no longer sunk in ground
  
• Kaisersesch: Vehicle spawns no longer clipping AB walls
  
• Roye: Empty AI positions fixed, and AB vehicle spawn no longer clipping
  
• Waalwijk-Oosterhout: Depot no longer has berm clipping into CP building
  
• Lillers: Floating berm resolved
  
• Schilde: CP building had a tree removed from it
  
• Chimay: Has had an AI MG pit repaired
  
• Havelange: Two trees removed from a warehouse building
  
• Environment objects removed from fourteen (14) forward base spawn positions
  
• Verviers: Spa spawn rear exit is no longer blocked
  
• Landrecies and Rotterdam North Harbor floating buildings resolved
  
• St. Quentin no longer has oil tanks inside of a building
  
• Fixecourt infantry spawns spread out to avoid stairs blocking exits
  
• Nijmegen and Piennes AB barracks moved to avoid clipping
  
• A section of road at Remagen has been repaired
  

S! Cornered Rat Software

Announcement from CHIMM, our marketing team manager:

June 6th, 2021 marks two decades since WWII Online launched. It’s been a remarkable twenty years and while a lot has changed, we couldn’t be happier about where we are, or where we’re heading. So, to celebrate our "Vigintennial" we’ve decided to host several "special events" leading up to our Anniversary weekend - you will NOT want to miss this! Read the article below for more details.

Pictured below is the original loading screen and the rare French High Command Officer with his white pants. WWII Online has changed dramatically over the past 20 years, but the one constant is our player community and the friendships that have endured these past decades. Our Vigintennial is dedicated to you.





Thanks to the Community Management and Marketing Team members, we have several mini-events lined up for the first week of June (June 1st through June 4th) followed by a special 2 day virtual convention. Some of the listed events will be open to all players, and other events will be limited to those who signup (details to be posted at a later date). Tentatively, here's a brief overview:

- Tuesday, June 1st - "Poseidon's Wrath" naval event
Destroyers battle it out to be labeled "King of the Sea"

- Wednesday, June 2nd - "Thou Shalt not Pass" tank event.
Players spawn either a Vicky or 232, objective is to successfully get your unit, alive, across the bridge while your opponent tries to do same thing to you!

- Thursday, June 3rd - "Ace of Aces" fighter air event.
Think your the best? This will be a single elimination, pilots drawn by lot for matchups.

- Friday, June 4th - "Last Man Standing" infantry event, and "Grand Prix" truck race event.
Grab your knife and rush/take/keep control of an Army Base bunker!

- Saturday and Sunday June 5th and 6th - TOP SECRET
The virtual convention events cannot be revealed at this time, however, I can say this will be the most EPIC Anniversary in the game's history. Prepare to be blown away - seriously!!!

Keeping with Anniversary traditions, awards will be given to the top player of each "mini-event". The top player award will be a one of a kind 20th Anniversary themed XXL Game mat.

Thank you for 20 amazing years of supporting WWII Online, and keep an eye out for the 20th Anniversary updates. S!

~CHIMM

Today's live update shows the progression of the Panzerjäger I, a Tier 0 tank killer coming to WWII Online shortly! We'll walk you through the vehicle, its positions and armament. We'll also show you the armor penetration capabilities it has specifically in Tier 0 against the mighty Matilda Mk II, a feared Allied tank capable of absorbing tremendous fire power. The Matilda has been a particular source of contention with the Axis community, and let it be known - we intend to keep the Matilda performing strong and have maintained its historically tough properties. Our solution to help provide balance was to get the Germans a historical self-propelled anti-tank platform in Tier 0.

We also have some easter eggs hidden in the video, watch closely! We've got some Allied vehicles coming up next in our production pipeline, read more for details!

Video Tip: Skip to 4 minutes to the beginning of the actual demo.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRvIvqmFULI

NEXT IN THE PRODUCTION PIPELINE
Our production team is continuing to work on more vehicles and since we just covered the Panzer above, we want to be sure to speak to our Allied community and let you know that the Loraine and the Universal Carrier is next in line to receive attention for implementation.

Keep a close eye on our 2021 Roadmap Public Trello (Here) for updates as we go through the process.










As announced in our 2021 Roadmap, we wanted to provide a courtesy reminder that the 32bit game client for PC users is officially coming to an end as of April 1st, 2021. With the evolution of technology, Mac no longer supporting it and Windows likely not far behind, WWII Online needs to continue to evolve with the time as well. Less than 3% of our users are currently using the 32bit game client, and the support required to keep legacy systems going being heavy, there's limited ROI for time spent here. Please check the Roadmap link posted to see what system recommendations we have for you. For many of you already running Windows 10 this should not be a problem. If you are on an older, no longer supported by Microsoft operating system, we do suggest upgrading soon.

We're not far away from a new patch (loaded with goodies) for WWII Online users and it will not include a 32bit PC client, so be prepared and act swiftly if you need. Thanks for your attention/support, and if you have any questions please ask, we are here to help. Salute!




Allies Press Against Fierce Resistance Moving East!
Almost 2 weeks into Campaign 181 and the Allies own 71% of the map and the Axis own 29%. The road to the east has not been easy for the Allied forces as they face fierce resistance by a persistent Axis enemy. See reports from the Allied CinC Rabbit and the Axis CinC Kardehk and notice the number of awards and medals issues just in the past 2 weeks! Great job all to recognize those who go above and beyond! Also read our next in series of The Real War: The Assault on Eben Emael.

Report from the Allied Commander in Chief Rabbit:
It is late into the tenth day of the war as I write to you all. I can proudly report the German’s advance through the Low Countries and France has been halted. In fact, our brave warriors have been able to slowly push the Hun back and now have some of our troops in Bitburg. There have been some major clashes across the front in the week and half since the Axis invasion with devastation unseen in Earth’s history. Two major qualities you all have exhibited repeatedly during this war is determination and resiliency. We have had long drawn-out fights for Hallschlag, and Bitburg and no matter how hard the fighting has been or how long it has raged, you all have shown how determined you are to end this war and bring peace to our Nations again. You have crushed every major Axis counterattack with the same determination and resiliency. In Etain, low on supply we dropped paratroopers onto German tanks and their forward base and repelled all their attacks, and there were many. Then just a couple of nights ago, the Germans launched a well led, organized, and equipped counterattack across the front line in Clervaux, Willemstad, Bastogne, Zundert, and LaRoche but you, the mighty Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen repelled them time and time again. When we work together, we have shown we can overcome any challenge we face.

Now, I caution you, that we cannot become complacent. Our adversary is very capable as history has shown. We must continue the course. Remember the basics and work together. If we do that, we will be victorious.

It has been a real honor to fight with all of you during this conflict and I look forward to witnessing firsthand how incredible we can be as a fighting machine.
S!
rabbit

I would like to take a moment to pay respect to Colt who has retired from AHC after going undefeated as our CinC.
Additionally, Joker has retired from AHC but will continue the good fight with us as we go forward.


Report from the Axis Commander in Chief Kardehk:
24 March 2021
KardeHK, Commander in Chief

The Fatherland struggles against the relentless push of the Allied armies. They seek to overrun us with their hordes...but Germany resists!
Though grossly outnumbered, our forces are fighting with the will and tenacity of an army ten times its size. We have stunned the enemy with our willingness to shift from defense into attack.
And attack we shall. I call on all Axis officers and soldaten to rally to the battle banners and join our call to glory.
For glory! For Honour! For the Fatherland!

Recognizing the valor, skill, and accomplishments of the Axis players and officers is the most important and satisfying part of being Commander in Chief. It is with great pride that I announce the following awards to very worthy individuals who make the Axis the power that we are.

Recipient of the Battlefield Commanders Badge:

• Deadcheck
  

Recipient of the Iron Cross, First Class:

• Sutorman
  

Recipient of the Iron Cross, Second Class:

• Deadcheck
  
• Zathrasb5
  
• Thegrauto
  
• Mayhem242
  
• Sledx
  
• Valkriee
  
• Sutorman
  
• Maxbutcher
  
• Seeem
  
• Solesz
  
• Brycemrrll
  
• Eupessoa
  
• Kommando52
  
• Cookie93
  

Recipient of the Bronze Opel:

• Deadcheck
  

Recipient of the Combat Engineers Ribbon:

• Mayhem242
  

Recipient of the Infantry Assault Badge (Bronze):

• Valkriee
  

Recipient of the ATG Badge (Bronze):

• Zathrasb5
  

Recipient of the Bombing Badge (Bronze):

• Thegrauto
  

Recipient of the Paratrooper Badge:

• Sledx
  
• Sutorman
  
• Maxbutcher
  
• Seeem
  
• Solesz
  
• Brycemrrll
  
• Eupessoa
  
• Kommando52
  
• Cookie93
  

In Our Series: The Real War:
Axis Assault on Eben Emael

Airborne operations were a fairly new concept in 1940. In peacetime Germany, Italy,Japan, and Russia had all begun experimental operations with paratroops, but as of 1940 none had attempted to use this new concept in battle. This changed in the early morning hours of May 10, 1940, when 9 gliders, carrying 71 German paratroops, landed on the heavily defended Belgian fort of Eben Emael.In World War 2 Online, the Axis invasion of the Low Countries begins with the Germans owning Grobbendonk, and pushing westward from there. The reality of theinvasion was actually EAST of these lines, at Maastricht. The Belgians had constructed the world’s largest fort in preparation for what they thought would be a conventional attack (like what had occurred in WW1) at Fort Eben Emael, pictured below:



The German assault on the fort produced a number of military firsts. The first use of
gliders attacking an enemy defensive position. The first use of hollow shape charge
explosives against steel and concrete fortifications. And it all worked, in spectacular
fashion, and it changed the way military strategists planned forever. The German
assault on Eben Emael is still taught at the US Military Academy at West Point to
this day.

For the German invasion to be successful, they HAD to get across the three bridges
at Maastricht that were defended by the Fort, and approximately 1500 well trained
Belgian soldiers stationed inside. There is much historical documentation on the
strength of the fort, suffice it to say it was considered impregnable by a
conventional infantry assault.
The Germans were about to show the world, however, that they were anything but
conventional.

Next Week: The Assault begins