Start with the pinned developer checklist
For a game that closes before opening, Chris Cote suggests restarting, checking for a leftover game runtime, updating graphics drivers and trying the installed executable directly. Proton users are directed to 9.0-4.
Scope: Launch troubleshooting post edited September 12, 2026; checked September 15. These are diagnostic leads, not fixes reproduced on every device.
Test one change at a time
- Restart and retry through Steam.
- On Proton, compare the selected version with the recommendation.
- On Windows, try the installed game's game.exe and note whether the result differs.
- Check Task Manager for a leftover nw.js process belonging to the failed game attempt.
- Check graphics-driver updates through the device or vendor.
Preserve progress
Before reinstalling or changing save folders, keep a separate copy of your saves. Imported Patreon alpha saves are a distinct case in the post.
Record platform, build, error text and each result. The thread also contains community runtime-replacement workarounds; one player reports losing Steam achievements. Those are not a universal first step.
Continue with the right next step
For progress carried from an older build, read demo-save transfer guidance. If the game opens normally but movement feels slow, try the documented sprint and bicycle controls before changing runtime files.