CANNOT get this game to work at all

[BiColorLobster]

So I bought this game back when it was on sale despite all the negative comments I read about freezes, crashes, buggy saves etc. However, after sifting through a lot of posts on various websites without finding any solutions to my particular problem, I figured I'd try my hand here to see if anyone had a fix for my issue.
First off I guess I should list my specs. I'm working with an Alienware M14x running Windows 7 64-bit, my processor is an Intel Core i7-2860QM at 2.5GHz, I have 8 GB of RAM, and my graphics card is NVIDIA GeForce GT 555M running version 306.23.
And I'll start by saying I've already deleted and redownloaded the game several times, verified the integrity of the game cache many times, I've tried forcing the game to start in DirectX 9 instead of 11, and I've updated my drivers.
So from start to finish, the issue I'm having is the game just flat out freezes at the very first black screen with all the lines of white texts. I'll have to close down the non-responding Bioshock 2 via control alt delete and try again. Most of the time I'll get the same result, other times it will actually make it through to the main screen but it will require an update from Windows Live. I'll accept this update, and the loading bar stops half way and freezes the game up (sometimes however it will make it through the entire update). When I close down Bioshock 2 again and reload I only make it to that same initial black screen with white text and then it stops again. I'll also note that I get the same result if I try to do multiplayer instead. And the only thing I can provide is after I attempt to make it through the GFWL update and then I verify my cache after, steam tells me there are 77 files that needed to be reloaded. So yeah, there's my problem, I just flat out can't play this game. If anyone had a similar problem to this and has a fix PLEASE let me know, this is just maddening. Thanks

[Saxcat]

I have the same problem, but I have given up trying to get work... Maybe one day, steam will fix it, who knows...

[Magarac]

Same. Bought the game. Messed about for an hour or two trying to launch it. Deleted it. Never again 2kGames. I know it's not your fault but I will not risk it again.

[Mason]

At least from the looks of it, Infinite won't have gfwl

[ThunderRust]

I pretty much have the same alienware setup as you and have never had an issue other than GFWL wanting to update midgame. also the latest nvidia driver is 306.97. so what you listed is outdated. To update through steam click on steam and select check for video driver update, it should then take you too nvidias website, after you are there put in the specs for your video card and when it finds yours download install it. PS. Bioshock 2 doesnt use DX11 it uses DX10 or DX 9.

[ThunderRust]

Ironicaly I am now having issues with the game

[BiColorLobster]

Thanks for pointing out the outdated driver, got that installed now. And I've been trying to force the game to run in DirectX 9, but that isn't doing anything unfortunately. Hope you have better luck and didn't catch a part of this plague.

[TheFlyingWombat]

AGH DANGIT. I WAS ABLE TO PLAY 30 MINUTES YESTERDAY, AND I TRIED TO LAUNCH IT TODAY AND THE STUPID THING HAS "STOPPED WORKING" 5 TIMES ALREADY.


ANYONE HAVE ANY SOLUTIONS? DON'T BOTHER ASKING ABOUT MY SYSTEM SPECS, IT WORKED YESTERDAY. NOTHING TO MY KNOWLEDGE CHANGED BETWEEN THEN AND NOW.


AGH, I LOVED BIOSHOCK 1, AND I CAN'T WAIT FOR INFINITE, AND I WANT TO PLAY THIS NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HELP!!! :(

[VexFume]

I am having the same issue. You think when everyone is having similar problems they would fix the issue. Steam your letting us all down...

[Star]

I bought this yesterday. I downloaded, installed it and logged into games for windows live. It wanted me to download an update, and so I did. But when I had downloaded it and logged back in, another update came. This kept happening, so I stayed offline after the fourth time. I played the game offline for a few minutes. Today, I was going to try to download the update again. But now the game just crashes when I am trying to log in. I tried verifiying the game files, but it did not help.

[v.mac]

Resolved by this way.

1) After updating Bioshock 2 (if u havent) Delete all saved files from User\Documents\Bioshock2.
2) delete GfWl files from steam\common\bioshock2\support\,
3) instal new version of Games for Windows (maybe can be backwards),
4) log in before starting play and play new game :)

Now - Steam in game can be running and probably you could log in GfWl after starting B2.

That problem must be with Saves after updating B2 from 1,0 to 1,5019.

[depiaf]

Worked for me, just deleting saved files from User\Documents\Bioshock2, didn't need to install new version of GFWL neither to login before launching the game.

[BiColorLobster]

only problem is I'm having this problem without ever having gotten the game to work. hence, I have no save files to begin with.

[Babachum]

cant get past the blackscreen with the copyright stuff on it neither :( redownloaded the game already, deleted gfwl files and installed the new version, logged in and then tried to start b2 again but the same result.

[darth skywalker]

if have to install games for windows, then why the hell steam is needed for? it's so ridiculous. then companies are moaning about "say no to piracy". bah! i just want to play the game that i already paid for! still no response from steam.

[shootout]

You must only check the faults in the properties (right click on the game in the library) - once or twice, then it will works! Donates to my bank-account with the number... its a joke, many fun with the game guys :D