In the Origin app, right-click on the gear icon next to the Play button and select "Repair".
I have repaired the game following the patch and it does seem to get past the loading screens now but they still hang there much longer than before. Hopefully this will be fixed properly in a later update 🤞🏻
I will confirm (to a point) what @RJBlain has said.
Repair the game through origin.
First time starting to use a save....use the Load Game instead of the Play button.
Now this is where I differ.
Once in, save your game.
From that point on I have not had to repair before each play, and the "Play" button works as before for the household I am playing. And Load times are about the same as prior to the patch.
Now to see if I can play for the day without crashes with the sound on.....all parts crossed.
