Game crashes on startup

[Shadout]

My game crashes after the "Gameware" screen during startup. No useful error messages.
Ive tried to reinstall, installing the dirextx and vcredist files manually, verify cache and whatever else I've seen suggested.
Anyone know a fix for this specific issue?

I wonder if I'll some day learn my lesson when it comes to Ubisoft :/

[Syrill]

Same problem here...

[Sexy Uncle Coco Puff]

I'm also encountering this issue on my Atom based tablet "HP Stream 7", runs fine on the MS Surface. Granted, the Stream 7 is below the required specs, but it should still run in some capacity as opposed to crashing after the Gameware logo.

[Syrill]

The solution for me was to shut down xfire...

[Pwr-Engy™]

I am having this same issue in the opening cinematic, right when cartman says "We are after the stick of. . ." and thats all she wrote.

[beebarb]

Typical solutions, that may or may not work:
1. Disable entirely or activate the 'game mode' of anti-virus programs and third party firewalls.

The on-access scanning feature of most anti-virus software can cause slowdowns and other issues with games.
The application permissions feature of some third party firewalls can kick in at the worst time, and cause the game to freeze, crash, or unexpectedly minimize.

2. Update or install your graphics driver.

Out of date drivers can cause issues with games released after them. Make sure you keep your drivers up to date.
Just because Windows itself works without a proper graphics driver, doesn't mean a game will. The generic universal Windows graphics driver cannot work for most games.

3. Check your system for malware.

Malware (viruses, trojans, adware, spyware, etc.) can cause unexpected or unusual behavior on infected machines. Be sure to scan your system for malware on a regular basis.
Don't forget to also check for rootkits.

4. Install Windows updates, and enable updates for other Microsoft Software.

Updates to Windows may fix some issues that may cause applications that previously worked to fail.
Enabling updates for other Microsoft software may get Windows Update bugging you to install Silverlight, but it will also enable updates to runtimes that many apps including games depend on.

5. On Windows 8.1 and 10 TP systems, enable Compatibility mode.

It is rare, but under some system configurations, certain games can inexplicably fail under Windows 8.1 or the Windows 10 technical preview. Enabling compatibility mode for these apps may get them working.

6. Xfire users, disable it.

It is not known why, but Xfire is not compatible with South Park: The Stick of Truth. The game will crash either at launch, or randomly in the middle of play if Xfire is running.

7. Disconnect any unused accessories, and double-check gamepad compatibility.

Some PC accessories and cheap gamepads have been known to cause issue with some titles. Disconnecting these items may allow the game to work.

8. Never use a memory cleaner.

'Inactive' memory is not used, nor is it empty. It is there so if you launch an app again shortly after closing it, it will start quicker. If you don't launch the app again, eventually the inactive memory is freed or overwritten.

Needlessly purging this memory will thrash the RAM sticks, reducing their usable life and introducing memory errors.

It is not unexpected for apps and games to start crashing shortly after the use of a memory cleaner.

9. Disable excess background processes.

Use a third party app with a system tray icon? That icon, is a small portion of the app that is eating up resources that could be used by the game.

Unless you really need the background processes, your system tray shouldn't have much more than the clock, volume control, network indicator and your anti-virus and firewall icons when going to play games.

10. Disable the Steam overlay on weak systems.

Though useful, the Steam overlay adds additional stress to the system. Certain hardware configurations may be unable to support the game and the overlay.