Re: The game wont launch on Steam Deck

Mine also isn't working. For 4 hours now I have tried every fix google, reddit, YouTube and ChatGPT have to offer and nothing works. 

Just spent a load of money on new DLC and can't even get the game to launch. Issue started before purchase though and now I wish I waited 

b9tm1e3ipo6l​  BrownTown182​  Are you running Windows or some Linux distro?  I ask because I see one other comment specifically about Proton, and nothing else about the game not working in Windows.

If you are using Windows though, and assuming the issue hasn't cleared up by the time you read this, I'd like to see dxdiags from both of you.  Click Windows key-R, enter dxdiag in the run box, wait for the scan to finish, click "Save all information," and save the file to your desktop.  From there, you can attach it to a reply using the paper clip (Attachment) icon included with the other formatting buttons.

I don't know, I'm just running it on my steam deck. I'm not particularly tech savvy and if I'm being honest, pressing play should just work. 

I have gone as far as to factory reset my whole deck and only re-install sims and that hasn't even worked either. 

Currently in a battle with EA support to try and get anything done. Will update here if manage to get anywhere with them but I doubt it 

same issue

BrownTown182​  The issue on Steam Decks was flagged:

The game wont launch on Steam Deck | EA Forums - 13106083

If there are updates from the EA side, they'll be posted there.

For the record, your Steam Deck runs Steam OS, which is a Linux distro based on Arch.

L1ondy1​  Are you playing on a Steam Deck, or on a computer that runs Linux, or a computer that runs Windows or macOS?  Please use the above thread for issues on a Steam Deck, but otherwise, let me know in this thread what OS your computer runs.

About time EA fixed their terrible app so it functions on Linux. Every time they update it, everything breaks. If they aren't going to make it work then really Steam should stop claiming that EA games will work on the Deck. They will...until the EA app is updated... then they won't. Been gaming on Linux for years. SIMS4 works beautifully on my Arch based distro running under Proton, but each time the EA App needs to update, everything breaks. One workaround is to force a different steam compatibility tool, force it re download the EA app then switch back to your usual compatibility tool. But as of yesterday that is no longer working for me. I can only conclude that EA are deliberately and maliciously breaking Proton compatibility with their EA app. I cannot comprehend why, perhaps Linux is just too complicated for EA devs?

yes I agree 

i play on a steam deck and have used both desktop and gaming mode to play/try to get sims4 to work. i've already seconded the above thread via replying to that one. i assumed this comment was having my same issue due to how recently it was posted

same with me i finally wanted to play sims 4 again just for it to not work T^T

Same. This issue started for me yesterday. 

1. Switch to Desktop Mode (Steam button -> Power -> Switch to Deskop)

2. Download the EA App with Firefox

3. Launch the Discover Store and search for protontricks and install

4. Launch protontricks and select the game from the list

5. Choose “Select the default wineprefix”

6. On the next scren choose "Run Uninstaller"

7. Click EA App and then choose "Modify/Remove" to unistall it

8. Now choose "Install" and browse to the EA App you downloaded (most likely in Downloads)

9. The EA app window will pop up and choose repair

10. Once the repair is done it will show the login window. I just closed this and went back into Gaming Mode and my game launched fine.

I managed to find a way to get sims4 to run on steam deck flawlessly HOWEVER any DLC purchased though steam will not be on the game even if the EA launcher shows "x amount of DLC" 

If this would work for someone without any/many steam purchased DLC i'll be happy to share instructions. 

For me, I am still waiting for a response to my tickets with both EA and steam 

I watched a YT video on how to download the EA app to the steam deck, and I did it, then when I opened my account within the actual EA app it showed saved data saying my last play time was July of 2025..... I was so irritated. I'm currently gen 6 in my current save (through steam) and I already had to start over due to accidentally deleting all protons and losing every save previously....

not sure if i should keep waiting for them to either address it or do a patch or something. 

i toggled the force start option in the properties on steam then i restarted my deck (for the 50th time today!) and I'm happy to report I AM IN!!!!!! 

Where is this magical button?!

How do you find the toggle? I've looked everywhere and can't find it. Been having issues with Sims 4 and the EA app (which won't even install again, it keeps saying it is installed but it isn't). Literally looking for any tips since we're about to be snowed in for a while xp