The main objective should be expanding the playerbase and fanbase of competitive gameplay, including tournaments and esports streams.
Current Problem
At the moment, many players watch tournament streams and see a completely different style of gameplay than what they are used to in regular matches. Because of this:
- Players often do not understand the rules of the competitive gamemode.
- They cannot easily follow what teams are trying to achieve during a battle and which positions to take.
- They don’t even know about RB with markers and limited spawns
- As a result, the streams are less enjoyable for the average viewer.
For esports content to be engaging, viewers need to feel a connection to the gameplay. Ideally, they would watch tournaments to:
Learn new strategies
Discover strong positions
Understand team coordination
Improve their own gameplay while having fun watching it
However, this connection is currently missing for vast majority of the players.
Lack of Visibility and Accessibility
Another issue is that many players do not even know competitive formats exist.
Speaking from personal experience:
I have been playing War Thunder since 2019, and I only discovered TSS tournaments last year when someone linked the tss website in response to a suggestion I posted on the forum.
This shows that there is very little promotion or visibility of TSS within the game itself, its getting better, but there is still a space for improvement. You can even see this on tournament streams where people ask how can they participate, where to sign up or why they have markers, etc.
Because of this lack of awareness, Twitch Drops become the main motivation for most players to watch tournament streams, rather than genuine interest in the competitive gameplay.
Proposed Solution: Competitive Gamemode Inside the Game
I think the best solution would be to implement a tournament-style gamemode directly inside War Thunder.
The current Pro League and Challenger League lineups appear well balanced for ground and mixed battles (I cannot comment on Air Major as I’m not a pilot).
The gamemode could build on the existing 4v4 tournament format and function as a permanent competitive mode within the game.
Core Concept
A dedicated 4v4 competitive mode
Players can queue as solo or in groups (up to 4 people - full team) and they have to have the required lineups.
This would allow players to experience the same gameplay they see on tournament streams. Get to know playing with markers and coordinating the teamwork and spawn management.
There should be also an in-game voice chat for teams. I know there is that option in game so just making some improvements in usability.
Rating System
The gamemode should include a new ELO-based rating system.
Example structure:
- First 10 matches determine the player’s initial rating.
- After placement matches:
- Win → rating increases
- Loss → rating decreases (could also increase for MVP of losing team)
This average rating could also be used to seed teams for Major qualifications, meaning players who perform well during the season start qualifiers in a better position.
At the end of each season the rating should reset.
Rewards and Motivation
The gamemode should also include standard War Thunder rewards - RP and SL, preferably with some multiplier to encourage players to participate.
At the end of the season, players could receive rewards based on their final rating, it shouldn’t be anything big, we should keep those for tournaments, but for example:
- Golden Eagles
- Unique skins
- Marketplace keys
- Esports chests
This would boost the buying of additional chests and keys and gaijin market as a whole.
Benefits of This System
Introducing a permanent competitive gamemode would provide several benefits:
1. Larger informed viewer base
More players would understand competitive gameplay, making Major tournaments more enjoyable to watch.
2. Improved balance in regular RB battles
Competitive-focused players would naturally move into the competitive mode.
3. More training opportunities for teams
Currently, teams mostly practice by scrimming in custom battles after contacting other teams directly. A matchmaking-based competitive mode would allow teams to practice much more easily and consistently.
4. Fairer matches for new players
With an ELO system:
- New players won’t immediately face experienced teams like in weekly tournaments.
- Veteran teams will play against similarly skilled opponents.
This helps to avoid discouraging new players from trying esports.
Why Current TSS Tournaments Are Not Enough
The current TSS system has several barriers that limit participation:
- You must create your own team – players cannot easily participate solo.
- Tournaments only happen at specific times, which may not fit everyone’s schedule.
- Tournaments usually last over two hours, making them a big time commitment.
- Players cannot simply jump in and play a few matches.
- The best way to practice currently is through private scrims, which require teams to organize matches manually.
A permanent competitive gamemode could solve all of these problems.
Conclusion
Adding a ranked competitive gamemode based on the tournament format would:
- Increase awareness of War Thunder esports
- Help players understand competitive gameplay
- Grow the viewer base for tournaments
- Provide a better training environment for teams
- Encourage more players to participate in esports