Gamepass version boot issues

[DrWags]

So I have been trying to get this game running reliably for days now. Seems like you guys don't want us to play it from all the booting problems I am seeing.

Installed gamepass version 5 days ago and played for a couple hours all was fine. Next time I came back to play it would not boot just showed logo screen for 5s then went back to desktop without loading the launcher. Researched the net and found that by clicking ONLY 3 times rapidly on play the launcher would open and allow me to play everytime. Note clicking 4 times would cause the launcher to display a red triangle and game wouldn't load. But at least knowing the 3 times thing I could play it.

Fast forward a couple days and you released a patch which was applied and the game started right up so I thought great we are all set. Played for a while came back and next time I tried to load it it would not start even with the 3 click trick. Found out now I had to reboot my computer everytime and then it would work.

Then the next day I loaded up the game and saw the message that gamepass owners need to uninstall/reinstall the game in order for the game to be patched. So I played for an hour or so just fine.

Came back today and uninstalled/reinstalled the game as you guys instructed. Went to play it and now nothing will get it to start. Now the launcher will not even load ever. In task manager there are 3 paradox launcher entries running under empire of sin (see pic)

They will keep running forever and they also have very high power usage and some cpu usage which seems weird as it looks like nothing is happening at all. As the launcher never seems to complete running the launcher log is totally blank so that is no help. The only log I can find is the cpatch log which I have attached. I have also attached dxdiag.

I have tried all the usual suspects turning off antivirus/firewall, reinstalling multiple times to different drives, rebooting multiple times, etc. Is there not a standalone version of your launcherv2 I can install separately to try get around the issue of it not installing? I wish I had never reinstalled it as recommended as then I could at least play it.

So please tell me how I can play your game??

 

[DrWags]

Figured it out myself from a crusader kings 3 thread about the launcher. Anyone who wants to know how to fix:

Um, this works.
Yeah this works, so something is going on with cpatch not having necessary permissions to read/write to the disk.
All the jazz about anti-virus stuff and such doesn't do anything.
So to do this, here are the steps:
Go to your Windows Apps folder (typically located in C:\Program Files\WindowsApps)
If it asks for permission to access, you'll need to right click the folder, go to the security tab, click "Advanced", then change the PRINCIPAL at the top (put in your windows username)
Apply, then close the window.
If it didn't ask you or you have set up access from the steps above, go to ParadoxInteractive.ProjectTitus_1.0.96.0_x64__zfnrdv2de78ny within the Windows Apps folder.
Then go to launcher ---> bin
When you see cpatch.exe, right click it then go to Properties
Then once that's open, go to Compatibility
Check "Run this program as an administrator" then click Apply.
Click Ok.
Then try launching Crusader Kings 3.
The error that taconium got will appear, just click ok.
Play as normal.

 

[Triumph Jordi]

Hey DrWags, thanks for reaching out, while the workaround you mentioned works I would advise against actually using it as the error will appear every time you attempt to launch the game and only shifts the issue instead of solving it (also did you do it for the correct package as the steps still mention the CK3 one?). The only patch we released for the game was yesterday with 1.05 'Gangster' update, so I'm not sure what update you got a couple of days ago.

Regarding the Paradox Launcher, the one provided with the MS Store version is a standalone version and installed with the package, separate from the Launcher that is installed with other (Non) MS Store Paradox Games. The Launcher is developed by Paradox independently and as you realised the issue isn't just with our game. I'll reach out to the Launcher Team to see if they have any more information regarding the issue, as the original CK3 Thread originates from back in March if I recall correctly.

 

[DrWags]

Hi thanks for the reply. Yes I modified the correct directory for the empire of sin (that's the only paradox directory or game I have) I just quick posted from the other thread so didn't bother changing the names. I am all for not changing the permissions if you have a better idea but that is the only option I have atm

 

[Triumph Jordi]

Hey DrWags, I'm still poking away at getting this resolved but noticed something that I'd like you to check when you have a moment/feel like it. For this I'd need you to remove the permission on the Cpatch.exe and then check the following:

1. First make sure you have no Paradox related processes in the background. You can check this for example via the Task Manager on Windows.
2. Disable your Anti Virus live scanner functionality temporarily before launching. For example:
   1. For Windows Defender, this can be found under:
      Windows Security - Virus & Threat Protection Settings - 'Real-time Protection'
      
      
   2. For Avast, you can follow these instructions. It should be sufficient if you change the setting under: “Protection” - “Core Shields” - “File Shield” - “Scan programs when executing”.

 

[DrWags]

I actually don't have the game installed anymore. I did disable real time protection and it made no difference though. I don't use avast. Thanks anyway.

 

[Triumph Jordi]

Alright no worries, thanks for letting me know you had already tried that