Wargaming sets a date for World of Tanks' mobile invasion

One of the most successful developers of online free-to-play games has set a release date for its first dance with mobile.

Wargaming, the publisher of the global hit World of Tanks, announced today that World of Tanks: Blitz would hit iOS smartphones and tablets June 26. It’s a key release for the publisher — after making millions in the online PC gaming market, it seeks to expand into the multibillion dollar free-to-play mobile sector.

You’ll need at least an iPad 2 or an iPhone 4S to play Blitz.

The mobile version offers more than 90 tanks from the U.S., Germany, and the U.S.S.R from four classes: light tanks, medium tanks, heavy tanks, and tank destroyers. It offers 7-on-7 player-vs.-player battles. Wargaming also says you can work with your friends to research and unlock new tanks.

During its closed beta, Wargaming claims that more than 150,000 downloaded it and that the average player spent 70 minutes in the game — another key stat, as those who stay longer in a game are more likely to make an in-app purchase.

“We are thrilled to finally give players a release date for World of Tanks Blitz,” said Andrey Ryabovol, the director of global operations at Wargaming in a canned statement. “Following the successful soft launch, we are now putting final touches on the game. We’re really excited about how well World of Tanks Blitz has turned out and can’t wait for players to get their hands on it and engage in tank combat wherever they may go.”