I Finally give up and turning away

[Faiakas]

Happy New Year Everyone
Well, I had to face it and feel this specific feeling of disappointment for the first time - about a game and a Company.
Never in the past I faced a problem with a game that cannot be launched. Sure there were games with bugs and problems but this is too much for me.
I choose my games carefully and my system is a well built PC aiming to run games. I'm playing on Steam, Bnet & EA Origin without any problem. (I have more than 50 well known games in steam)
This Christmas I had high expectations and bought Gladius Relics of War and planning to enjoy my free time during the lockdown. I've read about some problems (mostly bugs and some more serious about the game was not able to start) but seeing that the date was 2018 and some 2019 I thought that with the proper updates the majority would be gone/fixed.
Alas, I was mistaken. For the first time a game (steam platform) could not be launched in my PC. It absolutely does nothing after I press the play button in the game launcher.
I have spent hundreds of time reading forums, topics about issues for this game, some answers were too hard to believe that it might be the solution. I decided to do every step and follow every guide to be able to fix this. Unfortunately nothing happened. (Admin rights to steam and game, Antivirus, control access folder, uninstall and reinstall in other drive, etc..)
I request a refund and Steam gave back my money (48,50€), then I had an email from Slitherine from the support replying on a previous email and ask about the problem. They wanted some files to check like dixdiag & logs.
Without hesitation I re-bought the game and install it again. Of course the game didn't launch. The guy for the support tried to help but solutions like " check the One drive" or use the compatibility mode and run the game as admin was something that it was already done and of course I knew that there was not the problem. This game is made to run on some pc's and not run on others. That's the fact !! and Somehow they should have made a relative post.
So, for the second time I have been refunded and the game was suspended from my account.

Do not misunderstand me. I'm not a hater.
I didn't lost money. I also have Fields of Glory 2 and it runs fine.
But my trust surely is severe damaged and I don't know when or if I choose a game again from Slitherine.

Once again Happy new Year to all of you and stay safe !

Kind Regards
F.

[zakblood]

asking for some support, we need a report at least, a hardware report is better and a system one if asked for, then a better understanding on why a given game doesn't run and what is or what maybe stopping it, mostly it's something fixable but yes not always

How to get a DirectX Diagnostic file:

1. click on "START"
2. click "run"
3. type in "dxdiag" and click "OK"
4. check through the tabs and perform all tests
5. click "Save all Information..." and save the text file to a location of your choice

We prefer that DxDiag files be posted as message attachments rather than pasted into the body of the post.

once the report has been made, just zip the file then attach it to your post as it's a Txt file which is then not permitted to attach to the forum, where as a zip file is.

now one has forgotten your posts, just not enough information to go on, so as not to guess, and holidays etc, no reply i'm sorry to say

viewtopic.php?f=523&t=86743

[Faiakas]

Hello Zak, I've sent the info via email, but as I said the answers where the typical.
Just for the record I post here some files.

Kind Regards

[zakblood]

thanks, something for me and something for the developer to see and read and reply to,

Operating System: Windows 10 Pro 64-bit (10.0, Build 19042) (19041.vb_release.191206-1406)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-9700K CPU @ 3.60GHz (8 CPUs), ~3.6GHz
Memory: 16384MB RAM
User DPI Setting: 96 DPI (100 percent)
System DPI Setting: 96 DPI (100 percent)

Card name: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB
Display Memory: 14210 MB
Dedicated Memory: 6052 MB
Shared Memory: 8158 MB
Current Mode: 1920 x 1080 (32 bit) (144Hz)
Monitor Name: AOC 2590G5
Monitor Model: 2590G4
Monitor Id: AOC2590
Native Mode: 1920 x 1080(p) (60.000Hz)
Output Type: Displayport External
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 12/11/2020


Realtek Digital Output (Realtek(R) Audio)
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
Date and Size: 5/14/2019

Speakers (Razer Kraken Ultimate)
Driver Name: USBAUDIO.sys

Description: Speakers (THX Spatial - Synapse)

what speakers are plugged into the system? USB only?

have you got any that are plugged in but not USB powered? bare with me on this as i've seen something like it before, unplug any USB devices like speakers and joysticks etc and only have plugged in mouse and keyboard and speakers and audio that are powered and not USB, USB keyboard and mouse are fine, well when i say fine, some bluetooth ones and wireless onces can cause issues with some game and not others, but my thought are that's not a issue here maybe.

[zakblood]

i say speakers for the reasons of this, so i'll explain in more detail than everyone in on the same page and train of thought,...

Sound Devices
THX Spatial - Synapse
Razer Kraken Ultimate
NVIDIA High Definition Audio
Realtek High Definition Audio

listed with drivers installed, equal 4, this is where i think maybe there's the issue, easy to prove, remove 3 and if it works after a reboot then it's sorted, if not back to the drawing board and will try something else.

other items to check are logs of the firewall and antivirus programs installed to see if either or both have stopped anything game related from running if a 3rd party one, if built in, not an issue and the ones in windows 10 are by default really game friendly as long as you install and run as admin which you have done etc.

[Faiakas]

Thank you Zak for all the details.
If I knew for sure that the USB headphones was the problem I could do this. But I have been refunded twice (very recently) for the specific game and I'm afraid that I won't have a third chance in case this does not work.
keep in mind that I bought twice the complete edition paying 50€ (winter sales)
For the record I had turned off the razer software (synapse & legacy) and only keeping the headphones and the problem persisted. Is is possible a game can't be launched because of headphones ? (and from a well known brand)
The email for the support did not mentioned anything about that. I have done all other guides like firewall and admin rights, etc.. No other USB devices are on except mouse-keyboard and headphones.

I just lost my faith that there can be a solution...

Kind Regards
F.

[zakblood]

many games need a audio device to be present, some USB or bluetooth ones don't show up as present and cause the game to exit, it's a known issue with more than a few games, not just from here, but plenty of the main AAA producers i'm sorry to say, can't say for sure from this end if it is that or not, but would be my best guess without being in front on the hardware and seeing what else your running in the background that may or could conflict etc

[Faiakas]

Zak, thank you for your advice. I will check it today (I will re buy it again).
Just a clarification. You mentioned to remove the 3 sound devices THX Spatial - Synapse ,Razer Kraken Ultimate,NVIDIA High Definition Audio and keep only Realtek High Definition Audio. Should I connect some logitec speakers that I have (it is USB connection) or just leave the PC without speakers, just to check if it works ?

Kind Regards
F

[zakblood]

both, if you have mulitple device, you will need to make one a default and then play by that and try one after another, boring i know, but for some reason some games like a given set of drivers and not all will work, for me Realtek drivers latest ones work for 100% sure as that's what i use

Nvidia sound drivers, are auto installed if you click on the wrong button when nvidia VGA / GPU drivers are installed, for me a bad move, don't install all the junk from them, driver only and i've had issue with there sound drivers so uninstalled them in the past and never used them since

[Faiakas]

Hey Zak, I did whatever you suggested me. I even try to disable all sounds. The game still does not run. The weird thing is that it shows that there are 25 minutes of playing time in STEAM but that's probably a steam meter depending the installation and the different attempts that I did all the time (with all the other guides).
So to make the long story short.. For the third time I'm returning this nightmare back to Steam and getting a refund. I really wish no other gamer/customer had to feel this stressful experience.
As for you Zak, once more I would like to thank you for your time and your effort in order to make this work.

Time to move on, to another company.

Kind Regards
F.

[ErissN6]

Instead of giving back the game, maybe buy a smaller computer, it works better.
I'm on i3 (but 3.9GHz), with nvidia 1050 since a year (I used 750gtx), and I've no problem since very long with the game.

[Faiakas]

Sorry mate, but I'm not going to buy a new PC just to support this game.
My i7 Gen 9 (@3.6GHz) with 16GB DDR4, GTX 1060 6GB and my nvme HD run all my other games perfectly. The game is gone and been replaced.
Checking this tech support forum I was amazed how many people suffered the same problem that I had..

[SteamSlither]

Sorry mate, but I'm not going to buy a new PC just to support this game.
My i7 Gen 9 (@3.6GHz) with 16GB DDR4, GTX 1060 6GB and my nvme HD run all my other games perfectly. The game is gone and been replaced.
Checking this tech support forum I was amazed how many people suffered the same problem that I had..

The open GL version patch 1.2.6 works for me. I tried everything to get the latest 1.7.3 to work and even tried 1.5.0 but one way or another they simply black screen and lock the computer up. Anyway I'm curious if you tried 1.2.6, I realize you don't have the game anymore but I was wondering if you tried that version, I did not see it when I went through your troubleshooting steps.

[Faiakas]

Sorry mate, but I'm not going to buy a new PC just to support this game.
My i7 Gen 9 (@3.6GHz) with 16GB DDR4, GTX 1060 6GB and my nvme HD run all my other games perfectly. The game is gone and been replaced.
Checking this tech support forum I was amazed how many people suffered the same problem that I had..

The open GL version patch 1.2.6 works for me. I tried everything to get the latest 1.7.3 to work and even tried 1.5.0 but one way or another they simply black screen and lock the computer up. Anyway I'm curious if you tried 1.2.6, I realize you don't have the game anymore but I was wondering if you tried that version, I did not see it when I went through your troubleshooting steps.

Hello,
The game directly install the latest patch (on Steam) so, every attempt is based on this installation. I also tried some guides with the beta versions to avoid the launcher but there were also unsuccessful.
I did not know a way how to have/install the 1.2.6 patch. For the records I never had a black screen on Gladius. The game could not start after the launcher.

[SteamSlither]

Ok you did not try 1.2.6
the rollback to 1.2.6 is done this way ( with all that was done , surprised it was not suggested):

"Open Steam client and in your games library click with the right mouse button over the Warhammer 40,000 Gladius - Relic of War. In the new window click on "Betas" tab. Under "Select the beta you would like to opt for:", select "legacy 1.2.6 Tyranids (OpenGL 4.0)" from the drop down menu. Close the window and run the game."

Yes you went through a lot of work as I read through the steps (??? Troubleshooting audio????)

In any instance as I indicated earlier 1.26 did work for me but no advance DLC's or patches beyond 126 . You do not have the game but if you want to re-acquire just the main game Gladius is a good buy in the strategy bundle along with Sanctus and Armageddon, if you don't have those two other games the strategy bundle might be worth it for you , on sale still

[ErissN6]

The game directly install the latest patch (on Steam) so, every attempt is based on this installation.

So, don't buy DRMed games, as you have no control on them.
My GOG version plays very well, or you should use the Slitherine version, which is too DRM-free.

[Faiakas]

Hello,
If there was a way I would be sure about this I could re buy it, but during my search I saw a post with the same problem and the game was purchased from Epic games platform.
I need somehow to find a beta version and try..

[SteamSlither]

Hello,
If there was a way I would be sure about this I could re buy it, but during my search I saw a post with the same problem and the game was purchased from Epic games platform.
I need somehow to find a beta version and try..

A fine morning!
Epic may not have the 1.2.6 version available I don't know if Gog has that version available at this time , Steam does since I've upgraded and downgraded and upgraded several times while I was troubleshooting my install .1.2.6 available here as well.

Gladius purchasable here $14.00; 65 percent off
(No refund here though)
I just purchased reinforcements, tyrnoids, and skull king DLC which is supported by that patch.
My video card is older than yours a 780m according to some specs should run the full 1.7.3 game but does not,... runs 1.2.6 fine,.. Plus the purchase DLC mentioned above.
(why in the world did they change horses in midstream when openGL was working!?!)
Your card is much newer than mine so I can't imagine why I should not be able to run 1.2.6.
1.2.6 version is also available here as a 1.3 gig download and /or you or you can activate it on Steam as well and get that 1.2.6 download as earlier described
https://www.slitherine.com/game/warhamm ... ics-of-war

Warhammer strategy bundle $22.50 ( search for that if the link below doesn't work )
includes Gladius base game Sanctus and Armageddon, A very good deal if you don't have any of these games and want to try them out without the DLC investment since it brings the cost of all three games down to under just eight dollars apiece.
https://www.slitherine.com/shoppingcart/shoppinglist
from what I understand the sale ends January 15 so you still have time to think about this
Best regards

Edit --I must've got the date wrong, looks like everything is back to full price

[Faiakas]

Hello,
If there was a way I would be sure about this I could re buy it, but during my search I saw a post with the same problem and the game was purchased from Epic games platform.
I need somehow to find a beta version and try..

A fine morning!
Epic may not have the 1.2.6 version available I don't know if Gog has that version available at this time , Steam does since I've upgraded and downgraded and upgraded several times while I was troubleshooting my install .1.2.6 available here as well.

Gladius purchasable here $14.00; 65 percent off
(No refund here though)
I just purchased reinforcements, tyrnoids, and skull king DLC which is supported by that patch.
My video card is older than yours a 780m according to some specs should run the full 1.7.3 game but does not,... runs 1.2.6 fine,.. Plus the purchase DLC mentioned above.
(why in the world did they change horses in midstream when openGL was working!?!)
Your card is much newer than mine so I can't imagine why I should not be able to run 1.2.6.
1.2.6 version is also available here as a 1.3 gig download and /or you or you can activate it on Steam as well and get that 1.2.6 download as earlier described
https://www.slitherine.com/game/warhamm ... ics-of-war

Warhammer strategy bundle $22.50 ( search for that if the link below doesn't work )
includes Gladius base game Sanctus and Armageddon, A very good deal if you don't have any of these games and want to try them out without the DLC investment since it brings the cost of all three games down to under just eight dollars apiece.
https://www.slitherine.com/shoppingcart/shoppinglist
from what I understand the sale ends January 15 so you still have time to think about this
Best regards

Edit --I must've got the date wrong, looks like everything is back to full price

Hi Slither,
it would not make any better if I rebuy the game just to downgrade/ run an older patch. It would not be playable on Multiplayer since everyone else should have 1.7.3. The game will be only single player/offline. So this in not an option.
Anyway this issue went too far. Slitherine did not fully tested the specific game and I've been unlucky to be in the same target group with some others.

[SteamSlither]

Thanks for the explanation Faiakas, you're right mine is only single player off-line and not in a multiplayer environment. Anyway aside from that, it's a fun game even with legacy 1.2.6 moves along rather quickly with combat being continuous or happening in the next turn or two coming up. Though it is civilization like game; in Civilization 5, many turns could go by before there's some significant combat action that one has to really think about how to prosecute.