Windows 11 Update 24H2 Causes Issues for Ubisoft Gamers

In an unfortunate twist for gamers, particularly those who enjoy the expansive worlds of Ubisoft titles, the latest Windows 11 update (version 24H2) has thrown a wrench in the gears of action and adventure. The update has been reported to cause significant issues with popular games, including Star Wars Outlaws, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, leading to unresponsive gameplay and in some cases, a dreaded black screen.

The Fallout from Update 24H2​

According to a recent announcement, Microsoft has recognized that several Ubisoft titles are facing critical functionality issues post-update. These problems manifest primarily when starting, loading, or during active gameplay, causing fans to hold their breath as they hope for quick fixes. The official Microsoft support site explicitly warns that affected games may "stop responding" altogether, making the experience less of an epic saga and more of a frustrating exercise in patience.
In light of these issues, Microsoft has taken the precautionary measure of initiating a compatibility hold on devices that feature the affected games. This means that devices at risk will not be offered the upgrade to Windows 11, version 24H2 through normal channels. If you own any of the following titles, it’s advisable to heed this warning:

• Assassin's Creed Valhalla
• Assassin's Creed Origins
• Assassin's Creed Odyssey
• Star Wars Outlaws
• Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora

Microsoft has explicitly cautioned users against manually installing the update if they play these games, which has certainly sent ripples of unease through the gaming community.

Temporary Solutions and Workarounds​

In an attempt to ease the tumult, Microsoft has issued a temporary workaround for Star Wars Outlaws. While this mitigation should help prevent the game from ceasing to respond, players may still encounter performance glitches. For those who do experience a game freeze, Microsoft suggests the following steps to exit the unresponsive application:

1. Open Task Manager: You can do this by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard or by right-clicking the Start button and selecting Task Manager.
2. Locate the Game: In the Task Manager window, navigate to the Processes tab and find your game. It may be listed under the game's specific title or the game launcher.
3. End the Task: Once you have highlighted the game, click the "End Task" button located at the bottom right of the window.

While this is not a glorious solution, it’s a temporary escape from an otherwise frustrating situation until a permanent fix is rolled out.

The Bigger Picture​

This incident brings to light broader challenges that surface when major software updates are released, particularly regarding game compatibility. As operating systems evolve, the increasingly complex interplay between hardware, system software, and game software demands careful orchestration. Gaming companies like Ubisoft often need to work hand-in-hand with platform holders like Microsoft to ensure gameplay experiences remain enjoyable.
Moreover, this isn't the first time that updates have disrupted gaming experiences. Historically, players have faced issues following significant updates on various platforms, sparking discussions about testing rigor before pushing out systemic changes. Many gamers are left wondering: should there be a grace period for testing compatibility across popular titles before a major operating system update is deployed?

Conclusion: What’s Next?​

It seems that for the time being, players will need to stay informed on any further developments from both Microsoft and Ubisoft. The promise of a joint resolution suggests that the two companies are committed to restoring functionality as swiftly as possible. Gamers, however, are more than just spectators in this situation. Their experiences and frustrations underscore the need for better communication and more streamlined processes between game developers and operating system architects.
So, dust off your lightsabers for now or prepare to take on Viking quests in a future without updates until the storm passes. Let’s hope that the fix arrives soon, allowing fans to return to their favorite titles unimpeded. Keep an eye on gaming forums and official announcements for the latest updates on this pressing issue, as the gaming world waits to see how this constellation of problems can be resolved.

---

Source: Eurogamer.net Star Wars Outlaws, Assassin's Creed Valhalla broken by latest Windows 11 update