Let us tell you a story. The story begins with the recent E3 Humble Bundle, through which Wargaming handed out not only access to World of Warships’ closed beta test but other goodies including a Russian Murmansk battleship. Initially the ship was supposed to only be for beta testing fun, but Wargaming soon posted on the forums that it would carry over to the live game.
And then Wargaming abruptly reversed its stance on this, striking out previous posts and informing players that the ship would not be given to players past the beta test. The company admitted to players that it “bungled” the offer but had no intention of giving the ship permanently: “We had only ever intended to treat this partnership with Humble Bundle as an opportunity to preview premium World of Warships content and to help drive donations to charity.” The studio then attempted to provide a consolation prize with early access to open beta for Humble Bundle purchasers.
Community backlash was so strong over this turn of events (the word “Murmanskgate” was sent to our tipline) that Wargaming changed its mind yet again, putting up a post this morning announcing that players who bought the bundle will be given the Murmansk to keep. “This ship will remain on your account through the remainder of closed beta, into open beta, and through to release. It is yours to captain,” the studio said.
