Cuisineer: Fix Black Screen On Launch

If you’re experiencing a frustrating black screen issue when launching the Cuisineer game on your Windows PC, you’re not alone. Many players have reported encountering this problem, and fortunately, the developers are actively working to address it. In the meantime, there’s a temporary fix that seems to be working for some users.

The Issue That Causes The Black Screen

Players have reported that upon launching the Cuisineer game, they are greeted with a black screen and no menu. The game cursor is responsive, but there’s no way to access the menu or start playing. The issue appears to be linked to the locale/region settings on PCs and the associated timezones.

Temporary Solution

The developers have suggested a temporary solution that involves changing your PC’s regional format to English. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Control Panel on your PC.
2. Navigate to “Clock and Regions.”
3. Select “Format.”
4. Change the format to an English setting.

This solution has worked for some players, allowing them to play the game without encountering the black screen issue. However, keep in mind that this is a temporary fix while the development team investigates and addresses the root cause of the problem.

Developer’s Response

The developers have actively engaged with the community, asking for system details and providing updates on the investigation progress. They’ve identified a link between the PC’s locale/region and timezones and are working on a permanent solution.

Additionally, a dev has requested affected players to send their details, including system specs and the player.log file, to the support email (support@marvelousgames.com) or through the official support form.

Community Feedback

Players have shared their experiences with the temporary solution, with some confirming that changing the regional format to English resolved the black screen issue. However, it’s important to note that this is not a universal fix, and the developers are actively working on a comprehensive solution.

Other Troubleshooting Methods

Here’s a list of general troubleshooting methods for resolving a black screen issue when launching games, assuming the problem is not specific to Cuisineer itself:

1. Update Graphics Drivers:
   • Ensure your graphics drivers are current by visiting the official website of your GPU manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and downloading the latest drivers for your graphics card.
2. Verify Game Files:
   • If using a platform like Steam, validate the integrity of game files. Right-click on the game in your library, select “Properties,” go to the “Local Files” tab, and click “Verify Integrity of Game Files.”
3. Check System Requirements:
   • Confirm that your PC meets the minimum system requirements for the game. Inadequate hardware may lead to difficulties in running the game smoothly.
4. Run as Administrator:
   • Right-click on the game’s executable file (usually ending in .exe) and select “Run as Administrator.” This can address potential permission issues causing the black screen.
5. Compatibility Mode:
   • Access the game’s properties, go to the “Compatibility” tab, and try running the game in compatibility mode for an earlier version of Windows.
6. Disable Full-Screen Optimization:
   • In the game’s properties, under the “Compatibility” tab, check “Disable Full-Screen Optimizations.” This can resolve display issues that might be contributing to the black screen.
7. Check Display Settings:
   • Ensure your display settings, including resolution and refresh rate, align with both your monitor and the game. Adjust these settings in the Windows Display options.
8. Disable Overlays and Third-Party Software:
   • Temporarily disable or uninstall overlays and third-party applications (e.g., recording software, Discord overlays) that may interfere with the game’s launch.
9. Update DirectX:
   • Confirm you have the latest version of DirectX installed. Download and install it from the official Microsoft website.
10. Monitor Connection:
    • Inspect cable connections between your computer and monitor. A loose or faulty cable can lead to display issues, including a black screen.
11. Run System File Checker (SFC):
    • Open a command prompt as administrator and execute sfc /scannow to identify and repair corrupted system files.
12. Check for Windows Updates:
    • Keep your operating system up to date by installing the latest Windows updates.
13. Temporarily Disable Antivirus/Firewall:
    • Disable your antivirus or firewall temporarily, as they might be blocking the game. Check if the black screen issue persists.
14. Update Windows Display Drivers:
    • In addition to graphics drivers, ensure that your monitor/display drivers are up to date.
15. Hardware Monitoring Tools:
    • Close or disable hardware monitoring tools before launching the game, as they might conflict with its operation.
16. Test on Another User Account:
    • Create a new user account on your computer and observe if the issue persists. This can help determine if the problem is specific to your user account.
17. Check Event Viewer:
    • Explore the Windows Event Viewer for any error messages related to the game launch. This might provide additional insights into the root cause of the problem.

Remember to restart your computer after implementing changes to ensure they take effect. If the issue persists, consider reaching out to the game’s official support channels or community forums for further assistance.

Conclusion

While the black screen issue in Cuisineer is undoubtedly frustrating, the developers are diligently working on a fix. In the meantime, trying the suggested workaround of changing your PC’s regional format to English may allow you to enjoy the game.

Stay tuned for updates from the development team and continue to engage with the community for the latest information on resolving this issue.

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