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If We Were Here Forever crashes, shuts down, or stays on a black screen when you launch it, work through these eight checks in order. The steps follow recommendations from developer Total Mayhem Games, but the support guidance does not report fix rates or guarantee that any one change will solve every crash. Change one relevant setting at a time so you can tell whether it affects startup.
1. Check that your PC meets the minimum requirements
Start with the published Steam minimums. If your PC falls short—especially if it relies on integrated graphics—the later software checks may not resolve the underlying compatibility issue.
| Requirement | Steam minimum |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10 64-bit |
| Processor | Intel Core i3 4000 series or equivalent |
| Memory | 6 GB RAM |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GTX 750 Ti or equivalent; integrated graphics are unsupported |
| DirectX | Version 11 |
| Network | Broadband internet |
| Storage | 25 GB available space |
| Audio | Working PC-compatible microphone |
These are the game’s published minimum specifications, not a promise of smooth performance on every system that meets them. Steam also lists 8 GB RAM as recommended. See the We Were Here Forever Steam listing for the published requirements.
2. Select the dedicated GPU on a laptop
If your laptop has both integrated graphics and a dedicated GPU, Windows may launch the game on the integrated chip instead. Total Mayhem Games advises selecting the dedicated GPU in Windows app graphics settings for the game. The exact labels can vary by Windows version, but look in Settings for the graphics preference assigned to the game and choose the high-performance or dedicated GPU option if available. This matters particularly because the Steam listing says integrated graphics are unsupported.
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3. Update graphics drivers and Windows
Install current graphics drivers from the relevant GPU manufacturer, then check Windows Update for applicable system updates and restart the PC. The developer includes driver updates in its startup and general troubleshooting advice; neither an update nor a restart is guaranteed to fix a crash.
4. Verify the game files
A damaged or incomplete installation can cause launch problems. Use the file-verification option in the launcher where you own the game: Steam or Epic Games Launcher. Let the check finish, allow the launcher to replace or download files if prompted, and then try launching again.
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5. Install the Media Feature Pack on Windows N
This step applies only if your Windows edition is an N edition. Total Mayhem Games says certain in-game videos require the Media Feature Pack, so install the pack that matches your Windows version and restart before testing the game. It is a conditional media-component check, not a general remedy for every startup crash.
6. Close overlays and possible software conflicts
Temporarily turn off overlays and close background programs that could interfere with the game, its launch, or sound. The developer also recommends unplugging unnecessary USB devices. After testing, re-enable programs and reconnect devices one at a time; if the crash returns, you have a more useful clue about a possible conflict.
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7. Try launching with DirectX 11
Total Mayhem Games says the game normally starts with DirectX 12 and recommends trying DirectX 11 if crashes persist: “The game automatically launches with DirectX12. Try launching with DirectX11 instead.” If Steam does not offer a launch-choice popup, open the game’s Steam properties, find Launch Options, and enter -force-d3d11. Test the launch. If it does not help, remove the option to restore the previous launch behavior. Follow the developer’s crash troubleshooting guidance if you need its instructions.
8. Try the remaining conditional checks
These are additional developer suggestions, not equally relevant fixes for every PC. Try the ones that fit your situation, one at a time:
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- Windows time: Check that the system date, time, and time zone are correct.
- Administrator access: Try running the game as an administrator if permissions appear to be interfering.
- Firewall or antivirus: Check whether security software is blocking the game or its network components, and adjust only as appropriate for your setup.
- Lobby or host role: If the problem occurs around joining or hosting, try switching host or lobby roles.
- Storage drive: The developer’s general checklist suggests installing the game on an SSD. This is an option to consider if the game is on a hard drive, not evidence that an SSD is required or a universal crash fix.
- Network: The crash-specific advice cautions against public networks because protections or bans may block voice servers. Treat this as a network-related check, not an established cause of every startup crash.
The developer’s crash article also mentions deleting lib_burst_generated.dll from the game’s installation folder. Because deleting a game file is more invasive than verifying files or changing a launch option, use only the developer’s exact folder instructions rather than guessing a path. See the official crash article.
Where to start if none of these fixes works
Use the symptom to guide the next check rather than repeating every step: unsupported integrated graphics point back to the hardware check; a Windows N edition makes the Media Feature Pack relevant; and a crash that changes after disabling an overlay or switching DirectX gives you a specific setting to investigate. Total Mayhem Games’ black-screen and instant-shutdown guidance and common solutions cover different launch and loading symptoms. Their recommendations are troubleshooting suggestions, not a diagnosis of your individual PC.
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