


it replaces the missing files and my game started running again.

What eventually seemed to work for me is deleting all the properties.txt files in the local files (just search for them in the steam spore folder), then letting steam verify the game files (right click game > properties > local files tab > verify integrity of game files). I didn't notice anything during that first playthrough, but after that the game refused to launch. I did the exact same thing you did, bought and installed the game, launched, everything worked just fine. I thought it was worth a reply, maybe it'll help someone. So after having this problem myself and spending hours upon hours trying to find a fix, i finally got the game working again.
