Game Freezes When Launched Through Steam [With a config solution]

[Nougatos]

Description:

Launching GTA IV through Steam results in a game freeze, while direct launching using PlayGTAIV.exe proceeds without issue. The preference for Steam launch is to utilize the achievement functionality, particularly utilizing Zolika's steam achievements mod, which purportedly operates exclusively when the game is initiated via Steam.

Should there be an alternative to retain achievement functionality without a Steam launch, any guidance would be highly valued! (Without cheating 😉)

Dependencies installed on my machine:

• .NET Framework 4.8.1

Attempted Resolutions:

1. Version Update:
   • Upgraded from ZolikaPatch v6.9.8.2 to ZolikaPatch v7.35
   • Outcome: No change
2. Configuration Adjustment:
   • Modified IVSDKDotNet/config.ini "PauseExecutionWhenNotInFocus" to "False"
   • Outcome: Marginally prolonged time prior to freezing, with enough time to click on the "GTA IV Play" button
3. Reinstallation:
   • Reinstalled using Downgrader v1.7
   • Outcome: No change
4. Windowed Borderless Mode Activation:
   • ZolikaPatch.ini: "BorderlessWindowed=1"
   • commandline.txt: "-windowed"
   • Outcome: Successful; recognized as a potential solution.

Steps to Avoid the Issue:

• Employing the following steps to run the game in windowed mode appears to mitigate the freezing:
  • Insert "-windowed" in commandline.txt
  • Define "BorderlessWindowed=1" in ZolikaPatch.ini
  • Applicable for both ZolikaPatch v6.9.8.2 and ZolikaPatch v7.35

Steps to Reproduce the Issue:

1. Install a new instance of GTA IV Complete Edition
2. Utilize Downgrader for downgrade:
   • Adopt default or advised settings
   • Options: 1.0.8.0, excluding GFWL, with Radio Sneed, Old Vladivostok, xliveless + ZolikaPatch v6.9.8.2, and Recommended Commandline (without optional -windowed)
3. Install IVSDKDotNet 0.9.2
4. Initiate the game through Steam:
   • On initial launch, potential game freeze at the game selection screen; freeze timing may differ, occasionally allowing for the initiation of a new game or proceeding to the first cinematic's loading.
5. Direct launching using PlayGTAIV.exe functions correctly.

[ClonkAndre]

Sorry, i meant to check on this much sooner. Is this still an issue for you with the latest updates of IV-SDK .NET?
I just tried it and it works. As you reported this bug for version 0.9.2 of IV-SDK .NET, it had to be the old DirectX hook.