Error while updating game - (Unknown Error) on Catalina [Workaround/Rant]

[Astilex]

Workaround:

If you access the .app in the games directory it'll run just fine. <<< (Here is the Workaround)
NOTE: Making an Alias to the games directory will make it easier

Rant:

So I've been having an issue with my MBP and its external disks. On macOS Catalina Valve seems to have forgotten to have the client ask for removable disk rights.

The error in the title can be produced in steam with a cold shutdown or reboot when using external disks.

Afaik one cannot add exceptions to the Files and Folders tab on MacOS in the settings.

I've contacted Valve and they said they don't support external drives (Get with the times Valve...)

I've Contacted Apple as well. Somehow I spoke one of the senior developers and he said this would get looked into.

I've taken a shot at Valve support again on a different communication platform to see what the heck happens.

If anyone would like to add to this pile with any other fixes/workarounds I welcome it.

[Leon]

I had the updating Unknown issue, I tried to install games at internal drive, but error still there. by your inspiration, I run game outside steam then run it inside steam client, all games back to live! My game library is on an external drive, it works fine too. thanks for sharing.

BTW, Steam client asks me the permission for desktop and removable volumes, and I grant it. after the error happens, I have a complete fresh reinstall with macOS 10.15.2, until I read your post, I solved my steam issue.

You can manually add steam to "Full Disk Access" by drag the app icon to the unlocked privacy tab in the Security & Privacy. Full Disk Access gives app almost entirely data permission include "Files and Folders" access, notice that, "Full Disk Access" can also allow the apps to access Messages, Mail, and other private data.

[Astilex]

Glad it helped! I found the solution buried in a forum (Might have been Euro Truck Sim)

I had figured I should put this in the MacOS forum as this might be a better place for it.

[flood86]

I'm having this same issue. I'm using an external hard drive. I didn't understand your work around. Any advice on how to make this work?

[Astilex]

Try following this video guide:

YouTube™ Video: Fix issues with Steam/macOS Catalina External Drives 

Views: 5,088

Beginning with macOS Catalina, apps that use external drives are handled differently. Due to this, you'll need to open the application manually first and grant permissions.

Its not mine but I found it and its a good way to visualize the process. If it still does not work let me know.

[Comrade_Meowlowe]

heya! sorry to necropost, but I'm having similar issues trying to launch games that I've installed on an extended storage. I tried doing what was shown in the video except I'm experiencing another issue.
Sometimes when I try and launch the game I get the error message. other times it looks like it's about to launch (icon shows up in the bar at the bottom) but the icon just bounces for awhile without the game launching. Eventually the game stops responding and I have to quit it.
I've only had this issue with steam so far, eg using battle.net has been working fine without any issues.

[Astilex]

Yeah some games will do that. Metro 2033 and Metro Last Light both did that to me when running directly off the external drive. I found if they crashed or you force closed them they "Should" run if not mention it to the developer.

Unfortunatly, I had downgraded to Mojave and eventually moved back to Linux full time. This was one of many reasons I left macOS. I love the OS but it seems companies like Valve don't feel the same way.

This is a problem that Valve needs to fix and they seem bent on not fixing it. As my many emails from them state "We do not support the use of external drives".

Until that stance changes I'm not sure if this will ever get fixed.

Best of luck.

[MoesMoves]

Same issue here! Cannot launch directly from Steam on Mac OS Catalina on an external hard drive steam library.

[Astilex]

Originally posted by WorthlessClericBuild:

heya! sorry to necropost, but I'm having similar issues trying to launch games that I've installed on an extended storage. I tried doing what was shown in the video except I'm experiencing another issue.
Sometimes when I try and launch the game I get the error message. other times it looks like it's about to launch (icon shows up in the bar at the bottom) but the icon just bounces for awhile without the game launching. Eventually the game stops responding and I have to quit it.
I've only had this issue with steam so far, eg using battle.net has been working fine without any issues.

Originally posted by Appelmoessi:

Same issue here! Cannot launch directly from Steam on Mac OS Catalina on an external hard drive steam library.

So work dictated I get back on macOS Catalina and it gave me some time to fiddle around with my MBP setup again. On my end If I run the game from the common folder on my External Drive it will run. After which it will run in steam until you remove the disk.

In in short:

1. Open your external Disk in Finder
2. Find your steam library folder
3. Open the "steamapps" folder
4. find the "common" folder
5. Navigate to the games folder
6. Select your desired game's folder
7. Run the games Binary file aka .app file
8. It "should" run.

Remember a few things:

1. Catalina CANNOT run 32-bit games.
2. If you unplug your External disk Steam will lose rights to run the game and you will need to run everything directly from its folder again.
3. This is Valve's problem. It won't get fixed until they accept the use of external drives.

If you are still having issues running the games do two things for me:

1. Name of the game(s).
2. Step by step guide of what you tried.

Finally I should say I'm not an Apple or Valve Developer just a fellow macOS power user.

Let me know if this helped or not.