u/FatTerrierStudio

https://preview.redd.it/xn47sdppofug1.png?width=808&format=png&auto=webp&s=3f15d5eec070dafaf28bc86b4b66f3a6ed37a1f2

And this is nothing compared to the thousands of lines of code this project will one day have :')

Posting this for anyone who may need it in future, because I searched up solutions and found almost nothing

My game was running perfectly until it wasn't, but not because of a programming error. If you get the same error or one similar, the culprit is likely anti-virus or Windows Smart App Control (SAC) blocking a runtime file. For me this was FileIO.dll

To fix this: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Manage settings (under Virus & threat protection settings) > Add or remove exclusions (under Exclusions) > Add an exclusion > Folder > C:\ProgramData\GameMakerStudio2

Also add an exclusion for C:\Users\[User]\AppData\Local\GameMakerStudio2

AppData is hidden by default on Windows, so if you can't find it: File Explorer > View > Show > Hidden Items OR just copy and paste the path directly (and add your username). You may need to restart GameMaker after this, but I was able to run my game without restarting.

And, finally, if you don't download software from questionable sources, you can disable SAC: search Smart App Control > Off (just know that re-enabling it can be a pain)

Happy developing!