[Solved] Mac/Steam Failed to start, Missing executable

[nekodojo]

I bought and downloaded the game with Steam, and never saw an "Install" option. It went right from "Downloading" to "PLAY".

I filed this as a support request for ESO but wanted to post here in case anyone else is having the same problem.

I'm getting this error from Steam. (I bought the game through Steam on my Mac)
> Failed to start game (missing executable)

What I have tried so far:
On Steam support site it says to try this
> 1. Completely exit Steam.
> 2. Navigate to your Steam installation folder
> 3. Delete the 'appcache' folder.
> 4. Restart your computer and attempt to launch the game through Steam
This did not help, I see the same error.

> Programs Which May Interfere with Steam
All anti-virus and firewalls are disabled.
Reviewed the list to confirm I don't have any programs shown as conflicting.

> Running Steam as an Administrator
Not applicable to Mac

> Flushing your Steam application files
Tried this, still seeing same error

> Verify Game Cache Files
> 1. Load Steam
> 2. From the Library section, right-click on the game and select Properties from the menu.
> 3. Select the Local files tab and click the Verify integrity of game cache... button.
> 4. Steam will verify the game's files - this process may take several minutes.
> 5. Once the process is completed, the Check Window will automatically exit.
The scan did not find any problems. All files successfully validated


I will also note that after downloading the game in Steam, I saw a "PLAY>" button immediately, and never saw an INSTALL option anywhere. So I assumed that the Steam downloader had either completed the install on its own, or that I would see the installer after clicking PLAY, which did not happen.

I'm frustrated by this error and it seems like both Steam and ESO support has no relevant help for my situation.

BUT, I was able to find the game files in Properties> Local Files> Browse local files> and I see that there is this file
~Library/Application\ Support/Steam/SteamApps/common/Zenimax\ Online/zosSteamStarterMac.app

Anyway, I double-clicked this file to launch it and the Installer started. The install completed successfully and now the launcher/updater is downloading patches.

Is this what I was supposed to do? I'm not sure how I could have found this information on my own.

EDIT: No love, after running all updates, and clicking PLAY, it opens a black window, then gives the error "We're sorry, The Elder Scrolls Online has unexpectedly quit"
After installing, Steam still fails to start the app (same error, missing executable).

[Nokturn]

The Elder Scrolls Online was released to Steam only as the Windows version as of yet. I'm sure they will add Mac support in the near future.

[Chief Chives]

Then why does it show up in the mac games section of the game library?

[nekodojo]

Yes that was my question too. If they support only Steam/Windows then the game should not be offered when searching for Mac games, and Mac users should be warned when buying and attempting to install from Mac clients.

If the intention is to offer both Steam/Windows and Steam/Mac in the future, but not now, ESO should fix the metadata within Steam so it is not listed as Mac.

The fact that there is a Mac start script in the package makes me think that they tried to release both versions at the same time but could not complete the testing.

[nekodojo]

Confirmed by ESO support:
> As it turns out the Steam version of The Elder Scrolls Online is only supported by windows. This does not mean that you will not be able to play the game on your Mac.
> You may download the Mac client from our website once you have redeemed your game registration code.
> Begin the download for your Mac client by clicking here.
> http://elderscrolls-a.akamaihd.net/products/BNA_Launcher/Install_ESO.zip

So yeah, Mac Steam will take your money, download the game, but it won't work via Steam, and you have to download it again from ESO directly in order to play.

Also from ESO support:
> Since you mentioned that the key is not in your library you will have to contact Steam and have them provide the game registration code. You may contact Steam with the following using this link https://support.steampowered.com/newticket.php .

You could do this, and it might work. What I did instead: Install Steam on a Windows machine, log in to your same Steam account, and find the CD Key inside Steam in the normal way. On the Windows machine, it shows the "CD Key" entry under Links in the right side. The Mac Steam client still won't show it no matter what I do. You don't have to install it on Windows, just log in to the Steam client and view the item in the Library.

I think it is carelessness on ESO's part that allows the game to be listed, sold, published and downloaded to Mac Steam users, but it doesn't work. Steam is partly to blame because Steam took my money, but their failure seems to be not catching the failure on ESO's part.

[pantheon0918]

JESUS ♥♥♥♥ this is a disaster !! i tried for the whole night just for getting it to started

[pantheon0918]

Originally posted by nekodojo:

I bought and downloaded the game with Steam, and never saw an "Install" option. It went right from "Downloading" to "PLAY".

I filed this as a support request for ESO but wanted to post here in case anyone else is having the same problem.

I'm getting this error from Steam. (I bought the game through Steam on my Mac)
> Failed to start game (missing executable)

What I have tried so far:
On Steam support site it says to try this
> 1. Completely exit Steam.
> 2. Navigate to your Steam installation folder
> 3. Delete the 'appcache' folder.
> 4. Restart your computer and attempt to launch the game through Steam
This did not help, I see the same error.

> Programs Which May Interfere with Steam
All anti-virus and firewalls are disabled.
Reviewed the list to confirm I don't have any programs shown as conflicting.

> Running Steam as an Administrator
Not applicable to Mac

> Flushing your Steam application files
Tried this, still seeing same error

> Verify Game Cache Files
> 1. Load Steam
> 2. From the Library section, right-click on the game and select Properties from the menu.
> 3. Select the Local files tab and click the Verify integrity of game cache... button.
> 4. Steam will verify the game's files - this process may take several minutes.
> 5. Once the process is completed, the Check Window will automatically exit.
The scan did not find any problems. All files successfully validated


I will also note that after downloading the game in Steam, I saw a "PLAY>" button immediately, and never saw an INSTALL option anywhere. So I assumed that the Steam downloader had either completed the install on its own, or that I would see the installer after clicking PLAY, which did not happen.

I'm frustrated by this error and it seems like both Steam and ESO support has no relevant help for my situation.

BUT, I was able to find the game files in Properties> Local Files> Browse local files> and I see that there is this file
~Library/Application\ Support/Steam/SteamApps/common/Zenimax\ Online/zosSteamStarterMac.app

Anyway, I double-clicked this file to launch it and the Installer started. The install completed successfully and now the launcher/updater is downloading patches.

Is this what I was supposed to do? I'm not sure how I could have found this information on my own.

EDIT: No love, after running all updates, and clicking PLAY, it opens a black window, then gives the error "We're sorry, The Elder Scrolls Online has unexpectedly quit"
After installing, Steam still fails to start the app (same error, missing executable).

they replied with this on the official forum ...

Greetings, @KhajitFurTrader‌. We currently have the PC version of ESO on Steam, but we are looking to bring the Mac OS X version to Steam. As soon as we have more details, we'll provide them here!

[judmerfei]

The same problem on my side.
Now I am trying to get the CD key.
I installed Steam on a Windows machine, loged in to my Steam account.
But I cannot find CD key.
Can someone post screenshots where it supposed to be found? Please.


Nekodojo, does it work for you now?


UPD. Okey, You can see CD key only AFTER you begin instalation on your windows machine.
Problem solved.

[marzan]

Steam didn't work for me either. I finished downloading it but when I played it, the setup quits unexpectedly. I downloaded it from ESO's website as well and I had the same problem. It always crashes.
I then tried it on my iMac and it worked. But why wont it open on my macbook pro? I've turned off the firewall while trying to open it, and that didn't work. The computer is brand new. I'm an admin. Idk why it crashes when I open the install_ESO in my downloads.

[greenygreeny]

if i go into finder i can see an eso application but when i open it and log in it says i have it out dated anyone else with this problem? i found it in
Library>Application Support>Steam>SteamApps>Common>Zenimax Online>The Elder Scrolls Online>game_mac>pubplayerclient>eso