We have just released a small patch with a big impact on server performance and some minor balancing tweaks and fixes. Next to-do: Even better server performance.

• Smarter static collision to reduce server performance with higher amounts of players.
• Added a proper error message when the game cannot save the world map due to access rights issues.
• The target preview for projectiles is now more accurate.
• Increased the amount of essences (XP items) dropped by mobs and events by about 2x.
• Increased the amount of meteors and carcasses spawned by 33%.
• The world map is now properly centered on your character.
• All map markers can now be toggled on and off.
• Fixed some typos in pop-up messages and skill descriptions.

Additionally, the game will evidently be present at Gamescom; the alpha version will be playable there. The real name of the game — Das Tal is, evidently, just a working title — will be revealed there, or so I have heard. But of perhaps greater interest to people is the fact that Fairytale Distillery evidently have a few free tickets to Gamescom (which is sold out, apparently) to give away:

This year we are going to be part of gamescom with an amazing booth sponsored by our friends at Teamspeak. We’re going to have a dozen gaming stations on the show floor and a live stage where  up to 10 players compete in PvP fights broadcasted to a massive LCD screen and the web. We are planning 1on1, 2on2, 3on3 and 5on5 fights as well as “siege fights” with all players on the booth.

Do you want to be one of the players on the big stage?

Then fill out this application form. Selected players will get access to the live stage and – if needed – we’ll provide you with tickets for gamescom itself.

That’s fairly self-explanatory, I’d say.