World of Warplanes update revamps flight model and graphics, tweaks controls

World of Warplanes studio Wargaming.net is updating the aerial combat MMO to revamp its flight model and graphics, and improve its controls, the company announced today.

Players in the U.S. and Russia will receive the v0.4 update today; it will be available to European players Feb. 20.

"It took us six months to make sure every tidbit of the flight model was just right, and we are pleased and happy with the results," said Anton Sitnikau, World of Warplanes producer, in a blog post about the update. According to Sitnikau, Wargaming's tweaks to the game's controls will let players focus less on learning the controls, and more on learning tactics and sharpening their dogfight skills.

Wargaming is also introducing overhauled graphics. In a developer diary the studio released today, seen below, the developers focused on elements like the planes' surface — a painted aircraft will look different from naked metal.

World of Warplanes, a free-to-play title, is currently in closed beta. You can sign up for access on the game's website, and check out screenshots of today's update above.