[RESOLVED] Critical Error: Game failed to initialize Steam. You must have Steam running (Again..)

[LethalOwl]

This is an old issue others have had in the past and it's resurfacing - I've looked up several solutions, and now need to find even more because none of the following seem to work;

Restarting steam
Reinstalling the game (And deleting ALL existing game files while doing so)
Verifying the integrity of the game cache
Installing compatability modules for older windows versions, as suggested by FAQ post (I'm running W10)
SKIPINTRO and NoStartUp commands to the launch options
(Replaced Launcherexe with the AoE2exe for the NoStartUp)
Deleting the movies from the gamefolder
Launching the game directly from folder (Leads to another critical error)
Opting in/out of betas that may affect it
THE FIX; Ensuring Anti-Virus software wasn't a ♥♥♥♥ and blocking it, which it was. I had to add the main .exe file of AoE2 HD to an exception list.
Anyone else got this problem AND managed to fix it?

[LethalOwl]

Expanded the list of tried solutions since problem was posted.

[LethalOwl]

Bumping this, because I need it resolved. I want my AoE 2 to work again =/

[LethalOwl]

And bumping again. I need this resolved, and quickly.

[LethalOwl]

The issue has been resolved, but thanks anyway. See the bottom of the list of attempted fixes to see my solution, if someone else encounters the same.

[jehowi]

Not resolved. I have it.

[LethalOwl]

Try some of my solutions, see if it helps you. If not, feel free to add your eventual solution here if you find one. Wish you luck.

[Stylin]

my age of empires was working perfectly then i installed the patches for voobly servers.. now i am unable to play age of empires through steam.. anyone have a solution?

[Andrea]

I still can't get it to work.... tried all of these

[Ad Chính]

i just bought the game and now encountering the problem