RE: World of Tanks - online game
I think there are currently 2 different scenarios: (perhaps someone knows the answer)
1. There is a Russian Server that is already open, and it is pay to play?
2. And there is the Closed Beta, which is free because you are testing the game for the developers. But I think it is nearing completion of the testing phase and they are not accepting new testers at this point due to it going "live" in Feb possibly. At that point, all progress of the testers will be erased, and you will start from scratch and have to pay for premiums. I believe you will be able to play for free, but you will advance slowly, without the added value of gold which you purchase with real $$$.
I don't know what the cost will be, but it is one of the only online, multiplayer games I have ever really enjoyed. As long as they continue to develop maps i would pay $10-15/month to play it for a few months.