Failed to start game (unknown error)

[Dobro Abdulova]

Bought Torchlight and Orcs must die 2. Both games start at one and the same error. Tried google but did not help. Even written in support, is now waiting for an answer, and it will be delayed for a week. That's the error "Failed to start game (unknown error)", can anyone knows what to do in such a situation?

[Rapis]

I bought Portal 2 and when launching the game it comes up with "Failed to start game (unknown error). It's been over a week since i've had this issue and my Arma dayz combination won't even play.

[Daft Pon-3]

I am having this issue with OMD2 aswell. I contacted steam but i am having no luck

[Guybrush Threepwood™]

I can tell you exactly what valve support will tell you.
They will paste about 10 knowledge base wiki's into an email and tell you to try them and come back.

Then when that doesnt work and you go back to them to tell them the results, they'll insult your intelligence and close the ticket.

Thats generally what happens

[Daft Pon-3]

I figure that is what will happen. I talked with someone from Robot about OMD2 and they do not know what is wrong and they believe it is on steam's end of the problem

[Rapis]

I spoke to someone about it and they reckon that i'd just need to make sure the newest version of steam was working. Load of hogwash! I thought Steam might actually be a company that had great customer service. Obvisouly got my expectaions up too high.

[Fred]

Run through this:
Games do not run after 'Preparing to Launch'

Let me know if it helps.

[Dobro Abdulova]

Decided the problem. Just run the game with a shortcut.

[[BMF]Ω∆Jemb_08∆Ω[FmAh]]

do these examples help with mac?

[Chamber]

i had this problem with DOTA2 since yesterday and still happen until now.

did reinstall DX, vcredist and even delete steam folder (leaving steam.exe and steamapps folder behind) still does not work.
solution for me was start steam with 'run as admin'
i'm using win 8

[Sapo]

Same here, with DOTA 2. It used to work, but since some days ago, I cannot run DOTA2 or any steam game.

In my case, even I start steam as admin, the game does not run. I use windows 7.

[[BMF]Ω∆Jemb_08∆Ω[FmAh]]

Have you met the requirements for the game? If not you need to have the required software for the game.

[Oh Beaneh]

I'm trying to get my ABP Reloaded working, but it has just been staying on the install window for about 2 hours now. I tried cancelling it, and then doing it again, but it just stays at "Installing: Step 1 out of 1". If anyone has a solution to my issue, it will be very much appreciated!

[Fred]

For everyone experiencing issues, create your own thread where you will be guided towards a solution. It is very confusing to help if multiple individuals use a single thread for their issues.

[Bakhul]

Same error here - I have Orcs must die 2 and Torchlight 2 and gets me "Failed to start game (Unknown Error)".

[mr.domo3223444]

im having it to whit team fortress 2