World of Warships

World of Warships was developed and published by Wargaming Group Limited, the same studio behind World of Tanks. The game officially launched for PC on 17 September 2015, following an extended beta testing period. Initially announced in 2011 under the name “World of Battleships,” it was later rebranded to better fit Wargaming’s growing “World of” series. Designed as an online free-to-play title, it aimed to deliver large-scale naval combat experiences inspired by real twentieth-century warships from major global navies.

World of Warships is an online multiplayer naval warfare game focusing on tactical team battles. Players take command of historically-inspired warships such as destroyers, cruisers, battleships, and aircraft carriers. Each ship class serves a unique role in combat, requiring coordination, positioning, and strategic planning. The game offers detailed ship modeling, dynamic weather conditions, and historically accurate weapon systems. Its blend of strategy and action encourages players to balance attack and defense while managing positioning, concealment, and teamwork.

The game has also seen several spin-offs and adaptations across other platforms. World of Warships Blitz was released in 2018 for iOS and Android, bringing the same core gameplay to mobile devices with shorter, more action-focused matches. In 2019, Wargaming launched World of Warships: Legends for PlayStation and Xbox consoles, offering a version tailored to controller-based gameplay and console audiences. These ports have helped the franchise reach a broader global player base while maintaining consistent updates and seasonal events across all versions.

Promotion for World of Warships built heavily on the popularity of Wargaming’s earlier successes. Marketing emphasized the authenticity of its ship models, large-scale fleet battles, and the accessibility of its free-to-play model. The developer used closed and open beta tests to generate community interest prior to launch and collaborated with historical organizations and museums to reinforce its educational appeal. Upon release, the game received generally positive feedback for its visuals, depth, and attention to naval history, though some players criticized its steep learning curve and monetization elements. Despite this, it has maintained a strong and active community, becoming one of the leading naval combat games available online.