Controller prevents launch of Richard Burns Rally

[dudefaceguy]

I have been having a blast playing racing games with the gyro controls on the Steam Controller. I recently acquired a copy of Richard Burns Rally and was looking forward to trying this legendary title with my new favorite controller as well. However, when I launch RBR from Steam with the controller active, it does not launch. I only get a black screen for a second, then dumped back to the desktop or big picture mode. I have already configured the controller for RBR in Big Picture Mode. Here is what I've found so far:

1. I can launch RBR from Explorer by executing richardburnsrally.exe, but it does not detect any inputs from the Steam Controller.
2. I can launch RBR from Steam if the Steam Controller is not connected.
3. RBR detects input from my Xbox 360 controller, and I can play the came using this method.
4. If I try to launch RBR from Steam with the Steam Controller connected, I get a black screen for a second, and then I am dumped back to the desktop. RBR fails to launch.

The result is that I'm unable to play RBR with the Steam Controller. I am very stumped since I don't have any info other than this. If anyone knows what might be happening, or if there is any way I can get some more information to help troubleshoot the issue, I would be very grateful.

[RambleCan]

Have you tried running Steam as admin?
Also, if in Steam Beta, try normal Steam and vice versa?

[dudefaceguy]

Ah, I have not tried Steam Beta. I'll give it a go. I have tried running Steam as admin, though. No luck. Thanks for the suggestion.

Edit: I tried running Steam and RBR as administrator, but when I launch RBR from Steam, I don't even get the "Run as Administrator" prompt -- it doesn't even get that far. This leads me to believe that it's a Steam issue rather than an issue with RBR, since the RBR executable is not actually running before it crashes.

Edit: I switched to Steam Beta, but it had no effect.

[RambleCan]

If you launch RBR from Steam with Controller turned off, wait for game to load, THEN turn controller on does it still crash the game? Also, when it launches from steam are you able to see the Steam Overlay at all?

[dudefaceguy]

Hah, I just tried that actually. I disconnected the SC, launched RBR, and then re-connected the SC. It didn't register any inputs in RBR, so I hit ALT-Tab to switch to Steam. I was able to use the touchpad to move the mouse around the desktop, so the SC was then connected. When I switched back to RBR, which was already running, it immediately exited.

Yes, I am able to see the Steam overlay using Shift+Tab.

[RambleCan]

Hmm, yeah, that's odd. I'm not sure what else to suggest. It IS a pretty old game though so it might not play nice with new peripherals.

[dudefaceguy]

Yeah, I'm stuck for now. I wish I could get some more information about the crash. I checked the logs in the Steam/logs directory, but I didn't see anything relevant.

I also just tried using one of the stock template controller configs, and also unchecking "allow desktop config in launcher," but there was no change either way. I guess they just don't play nice together!

[RambleCan]

yeah, a shame because the gyro steering is VERY responsive. Dirt Rally is awesome with it.

[dudefaceguy]

That's good to hear, I'll just wait until Dirt Rally goes on sale. I've been playing Xpand Rally, which is well worth $5. Thanks a lot for your help!

[FragmentalStew]

This still happens April 28 2022, btw.

[FragmentalStew]

I found a solution using GloSC https://github.com/Alia5/GlosSI/releases/tag/2.0.6 I just ran the installer (I didn't install ViGEm, but only because I know I already have it installed), and then followed the instructions to create a steam shortcut, and when I run the steam shortcut the controller works, without crashing.

Edit: I haven't tried to get the gyro to work. My guess is that, because it's emulating a 360 controller, the gyro won't work, but I'm not sure. The paddles and analog triggers do work, however.