In 2019 I bought the game in the Windows Store (German language), and just came around to install it right now.
Installation through the XBOX app went fine, but on startup, it exits after display an image similar to the one at https://images.thimbleweedpark.com/ThimbleweedParkSignKeyArtSept2017.png and then “Bitte Warten” (=“Please wait”) in a pixel font.
The thread at Windows Store PC Version not working (different) suggests this could be an issue of XBOX login. To my understanding, I am correctly logged-in, though.
I don’t know if that was the solution or just coincidence, but after I clicked on “Alle aktualisieren” (=“update all”) in the Microsoft Store app, the game now works.
A wild guess would be that maybe before that update an outdated component stopped the app from connecting to the xbox network.
Regretfully, the issue returned. The game again closes after displaying “Bitte Warten”.
There have been network outages affecting Microsoft services yesterday. Although it seems like your issue happened a little bit earlier I’d suggest trying those things (Xbox login…) again.
If the problem persists send an email to support@thimbleweedpark.com and if you can solve it please post it here (sadly the other thread doesn’t mention any solutions).
Yes, I was also hoping the Microsoft services outages could be the reason for the problem.
As of right now, the issue is still the same, though. I will try again tomorrow.
I am already in contact with support and have tried their suggestions.
Once I am able to start the game, I will post my solution here!
PS: I just tried to update everything in the Microsoft Store and then start the game once more, and now it worked.
In the list of the apps that were updated was XBOX TCUI. Although now immediately after the update it displays January 22nd as “last changed” for that app.
PPS: After a reboot, the game again does not start.
Oh no, this doesn’t sound good, sorry for all the trouble. Do you need the Microsoft Store version to sync savegames with Xbox?
GOG or Steam versions shouldn’t have such issues (Steam of course would require login into Steam account for sync and achievements; GOG will run without any account at all).
That’s weird. Do you have any trouble with your internet connection? Is it stable after a reboot? Is a malware detection active (and blocking something)?
Yes, it is usually very stable Wifi. I also tried hooking up the laptop via LAN cable. Doesn’t make a difference as far as I can tell.
Maybe, but not that I would have perceived anything. I I (briefly) disabled Defender and also tried excluding the c:\xboxgames folder from Microsoft Defender, but it didn’t change anything as far as I could tell.
Is there a way for me to look into the error logs?
I hate Windows Store. Shot in the dark: Redirecting
Thanks for the idea! I tried resetting the store app as explained in the link. Regretfully, no difference.
The key to the issue really seems to be the following (quoting from an email from customer support):
We believe it’s related to […] the Xbox App not talking to the game correctly. So even though you are correctly logged in, they may still not be working together properly.
Thanks to everybody for all the help and good ideas!