Windows 11 24H2 Update: Gaming Chaos for Assassin's Creed Origins

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WindowsForum users, brace yourselves: the latest report from Passionategeekz indicates that the much-awaited Windows 11 24H2 update is wreaking havoc on the gaming world. In the crossfire of this operating system debacle is Ubisoft’s iconic title, "Assassin’s Creed: Origins", which has faced a storm of negative reviews on Steam due to major compatibility issues. Let’s dissect this troubling scenario, understand the root causes, and offer insights for users caught in this technological tug-of-war.

The Windows 11 24H2 Update: What Went Wrong?

Released as part of the iterative feature updates to Windows 11, the 24H2 version was supposed to enhance user experience, tighten security, and provide under-the-hood improvements. Instead, it arrived with a host of game-breaking bugs, hitting Ubisoft titles particularly hard. Among the casualties, "Assassin's Creed: Origins" stands tall as the most severely impacted game. According to reports, players began experiencing frequent crashes, freezing during gameplay, and even black screens at startup after installing the update.

Symptoms Observed in "Assassin's Creed: Origins":​

  • Game Crashes: Sudden termination of the game while in session.
  • Freezing: The game becomes unresponsive during tutorials or missions.
  • Black Screens at Startup: A complete inability to load the game.
  • Performance Issues: Lag and slowdowns, making gameplay almost impossible.
Microsoft has acknowledged the issue, confirming that the update affects the execution of some Ubisoft titles. Ubisoft, on its part, mentioned in developer comments that they are "aware of the situation and working with Microsoft to resolve the problem." For those curious about the back-end of the problem, the issues are likely tied to DirectX API calls or memory handling functions that conflict with how Windows 11 24H2 architecture handles resources post-update.

Steam Sale: From Opportunity to Backlash

Now, here’s where it gets interesting: Ubisoft and Steam decided to run a significant discount on "Assassin’s Creed: Origins" during their Steam Holiday Sale, slashing the game’s price by a jaw-dropping 90%, from 298 Yuan to 29.8 Yuan. Sounds like a steal, right? But there’s a catch—many users who bought the game on sale discovered they couldn’t play it due to the Windows 11 compatibility issues.
Cue the avalanche of negative reviews.

The Fallout:​

  • User Frustration: Players vented their irritation at Ubisoft for offering the game while being fully aware of its problems on Windows 11 24H2.
  • Blame Game: Some users pinned the failure squarely on Microsoft for releasing an unstable update, while others criticized Ubisoft for its lack of urgency in releasing a fix.
  • Steam in the Crosshairs: Players also took to Steam, demanding explanations for promoting a game that clearly doesn’t function properly on a popular operating system.
One reviewer lamented: "Why allow a game with obvious known issues to go on sale? It's an absolute mess. Either roll back Windows 11 to 23H2 or kiss your gaming experience goodbye."
Another frustrated commentator quipped: "Ubisoft has tens of thousands of employees but couldn’t patch the game in 3 months? Really drives home how much of a priority gamers are to them."

Microsoft and Ubisoft's Emergency Measures

As the magnitude of the problem became apparent, Microsoft tried to mitigate the damage by blocking the Windows 11 24H2 update on PCs that already had "Assassin’s Creed: Origins" installed. However, as expected, this fix arrived with a set of conditions:
  • Preconditions for the Block: The block only works if users owned the game before installing the 24H2 update.
  • New Purchases Post-Update: If a user purchases the game after updating to Windows 11 24H2, the game remains unplayable unless the user reverts back to the previous version of Windows (23H2). Rolling back requires a complete OS reinstall, which is a massive inconvenience for most users.
To complicate matters further, other games have also suffered under the 24H2 update. Reports have surfaced about crashes, sluggish performance, and rendering issues on various DirectX 12-supported titles.

So, Who’s Actually to Blame?

The whole debacle has fired up a fierce debate among gamers. Let’s assess the key players:

1. Microsoft’s Role:

Arguably, Microsoft is the root cause here. By releasing an apparently under-tested Windows update, they’ve destabilized a core use case—gaming. With gaming being a critical aspect of Windows’ ecosystem, such a misstep shakes user confidence. Should Microsoft have delayed the release until full testing was complete?

2. Ubisoft’s Responsibility:

Despite the fingers pointed toward Microsoft, Ubisoft’s delayed response leaves something to be desired. Known bugs present a huge problem for the gaming experience, and Ubisoft—aware of the issues since the update was rolled out three months ago—has yet to deliver a hotfix. Should a company of their scale have acted faster?

3. Steam’s Accountability:

Steam, acting as the platform, took flak for hosting a sale featuring the title with unresolved issues. Steam’s Quality Control team could have halted the sale or, at the very least, added a disclaimer.

How Can Affected Gamers Mitigate the Issue?

For those cherishing their "Assassin's Creed" escapades in ancient Egypt but are currently held hostage by the 24H2 update bug, here’s a potential survival guide:

Option 1: Roll Back to Windows 11 23H2

If you’re desperate to play the game, rolling back to the previous version of Windows is your best bet. However, be prepared for:
  • A time-consuming OS reinstallation.
  • Possible loss of data, so ensure backups are made.
  • Reconfiguring personalized settings post-installation.

Option 2: Wait for a Patch

Ubisoft has pledged to work with Microsoft on a solution. However, given the slow response so far, this may not be a quick fix.

Option 3: Downgrade to Windows 10

For gamers who are fed up with Windows 11’s instability altogether, reverting to Windows 10 offers a more stable gaming environment. Windows 10 is fully supported until late 2025, giving some breathing room to re-think upgrade decisions.

Bigger Picture: What This Means for Windows 11 Users

This issue highlights a critical flaw in Microsoft’s Windows update strategy—prioritizing release deadlines over exhaustive testing. Windows is a primary option for PC gamers globally, and cases like these make alternatives like Linux gaming (via Steam Deck or Proton) and even Macs (thanks to Apple Silicon) seem more appealing. Can Windows continue to hold its iron grip on the PC gaming market amidst more such hiccups?

Closing Thoughts

"Assassin’s Creed: Origins" crashing after your treasured holiday purchase is undoubtedly frustrating, but it also serves as a cautionary tale. Gamers, be wary of adopting the latest updates unless absolutely necessary—early adoption often comes with risks. Meanwhile, all eyes are on Microsoft and Ubisoft to patch things over before disgruntled fans lose patience for good.
Sound off below, WindowsForum members: Have you experienced issues with the Windows 11 24H2 update? Should companies prioritize software stability over feature releases? Let us know your thoughts and frustrations right here!

Source: Passionategeekz.com Unable to play on Win11 24H2 and even discounted, “Assassin’s Creed: Origins” was bombarded with negative reviews on Steam
 


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