Cannot start any game -'unable to load world template' and crash to desktop

skrollins · 04-01-2025, 01:26 AM

Just getting around to playing OOTP 26. I'm trying to start two new saves - one an imported OOTP 25 save, one a fresh live-start for 2025. However, no matter what format I try, even a new fictional league, I run into errors.

The first one, which seems more tied to OOTP 26, is "unable to load world template." This comes up when I attempt to start a new game with real MLB rosters, regardless of which other boxes are checked. It recommends re-installing the game, which I have done multiple times already to no avail.

Second, when I attempt to import my OOTP 25 save, it first tells me the injuries file cannot be read, then has to load an older autosave. However, when it attempts to do so, the game crashes to desktop. I accept this save may be corrupted, however, it still loads fine in OOTP 25 and I was using it without issue right up until OOTP 26 came out.

I have been playing this game for 10+ years eagerly awaiting each new release and have never had issues like this right out the gate, hoping this can be resolved soon. Screenshots attached.

The last desktop crash also indicated the world_default.xml file is faulty, as seen in the first screenshot. The League Creation Wizard is shown because when I attempt to make a new fictional league it is stuck on Step 2 and only shows the background image.

Matt Arnold · 04-01-2025, 06:11 AM

This definitely seems like something did not install correctly, and that some of the data files are missing.

I would suggest that you check the local install (https://forums.ootpdevelopments.com/...0&postcount=10), to make sure everything is installed correctly.

skrollins · 04-01-2025, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt Arnold

This definitely seems like something did not install correctly, and that some of the data files are missing.

I would suggest that you check the local install (https://forums.ootpdevelopments.com/...0&postcount=10), to make sure everything is installed correctly.

Ok so I am using a custom data installation to my bigger SSD, that may be the problem. However, I am confused by this instruction:

Quote:

You may need to manually open your custom data folder, and then copy in files manually from the default game folder installation. On the Troubleshooting tab there are buttons to open the customizable data folder and the default data folder.

I see the "open folder containing customizable data" but not the "default data folder". Also these all appear to be from the same location (D:/SteamLibrary/steamapps/common/Out of the Park Baseball 26).

FWIW, I also installed the game to that D drive.

Fresh re-install didnt do anything. The default data path appears to be the same as I had it before, only in OOTP 25 it is set to /OOTP 25/data

skrollins · 04-01-2025, 04:39 PM

^ Update - changing the data path so it points to the default /data folder seems to have fixed the new game issue, let's see if it lets me import the old save.

skrollins · 04-01-2025, 04:45 PM

Ok, that also allowed me to import the old save, apart from a minor issue where I can't read any of the old emails (I can see them in the inbox but nothing comes up, if I advance a day I can read the new messages.) Not a big deal though, got what I needed.

04-01-2025, 01:26 AM	#1
skrollins Bat Boy Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 12	Cannot start any game -'unable to load world template' and crash to desktop Just getting around to playing OOTP 26. I'm trying to start two new saves - one an imported OOTP 25 save, one a fresh live-start for 2025. However, no matter what format I try, even a new fictional league, I run into errors. The first one, which seems more tied to OOTP 26, is "unable to load world template." This comes up when I attempt to start a new game with real MLB rosters, regardless of which other boxes are checked. It recommends re-installing the game, which I have done multiple times already to no avail. Second, when I attempt to import my OOTP 25 save, it first tells me the injuries file cannot be read, then has to load an older autosave. However, when it attempts to do so, the game crashes to desktop. I accept this save may be corrupted, however, it still loads fine in OOTP 25 and I was using it without issue right up until OOTP 26 came out. I have been playing this game for 10+ years eagerly awaiting each new release and have never had issues like this right out the gate, hoping this can be resolved soon. Screenshots attached. The last desktop crash also indicated the world_default.xml file is faulty, as seen in the first screenshot. The League Creation Wizard is shown because when I attempt to make a new fictional league it is stuck on Step 2 and only shows the background image. Attached Images Last edited by skrollins; 04-01-2025 at 02:16 AM.

04-01-2025, 06:11 AM	#2
Matt Arnold OOTP Developer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Here and there Posts: 16,093	This definitely seems like something did not install correctly, and that some of the data files are missing. I would suggest that you check the local install (https://forums.ootpdevelopments.com/...0&postcount=10), to make sure everything is installed correctly.

04-01-2025, 04:39 PM	#4
skrollins Bat Boy Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 12	^ Update - changing the data path so it points to the default /data folder seems to have fixed the new game issue, let's see if it lets me import the old save.

04-01-2025, 04:45 PM	#5
skrollins Bat Boy Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 12	Ok, that also allowed me to import the old save, apart from a minor issue where I can't read any of the old emails (I can see them in the inbox but nothing comes up, if I advance a day I can read the new messages.) Not a big deal though, got what I needed.