Here’s the crux of the article in video form:
New updates are being added at the bottom of this history……
Original story (published on November 12, 2021), follows:
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition recently arrived to commemorate 10 years since its original launch. This version includes all the content that the game has received for a decade and more.
However, the launch has not been without its problems. Many players are reporting that, after updating to Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition, a black screen issue does not allow them to enjoy it (1, 2, 3, 4).
Black screen issue for those upgrading to Skyrim Anniversary Edition
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition can be acquired in two ways: from scratch or by upgrading Skyrim Special Edition. Those who only update, enjoy a reduced price for the new content (1, 2).
But, apparently, the issues begin to appear to those who upgrade. According to reports, while trying to load their game after the Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition update, they get a black screen.
When the black screen appears after loading the saved game having updated, the only thing that remains is the sound of the game. Players cannot do anything else, as the controls are also locked.
I use Steam on PC. Source
Some players report fearing that their saved games have been corrupted by the update. However, this has to be officially confirmed.
Bethesda is already aware
Bethesda Support team confirmed that they are already aware of this issue. However, there is still no estimated date for the arrival of a fix.
Therefore, it is recommended that players planning to upgrade Skyrim Special Edition to the Anniversary Edition avoid doing so, until there are further updates on the matter.
The reason for the black screen, explained
Modder Joseph Russell reports having discovered the reason for the problems. It seems that the black screen occurs because the scripts of the new Skyrim builds run faster than those of the previous builds.
Additionally, even those who don’t upgrade to Skyrim Anniversary Edition may be affected. This is because everyone is receiving an update that includes the Visual Studio 2019 compiler.
In comparison, previous Skyrim builds integrated Visual Studio 2015. So, the better efficiency of the new compiler causes the conflict.
Some potential workarounds for black screen on Skyrim Anniversary Edition
There are some workarounds that could reportedly help mitigate the problem. You can try disabling the more heavily scripted mods you have installed. For more efficiency, you can try disabling them all.
If that doesn’t work, you can try a similar workaround, but more severe. Basically, it consists of doing a hard reset to Skyrim, downloading all the mods again, doing a hard reset again and then start the game.
If there is any new development in this regard in the coming days, we will update this article, so stay tuned.
Update 1 (November 13)
12:40 pm (IST): Another workaround has been reported that can help mitigate the problem:
This would allow a downgrade from Skyrim Anniversary Edition to the Special Edition, but keeping all the new content.
Update 2 (November 15)
1:40 pm (IST): Bethesda has shared a few measures that affected players can follow.
Update 3 (November 17)
1:40 pm (IST): This black screen issue continues to bug users and now, it is clear that there is seemingly no end in sight as Bethesda Support doesn’t have any new info on the status of the fix.
While the devs continue working on the matter, apart from the measures shared above, the support is also telling the folks to open a ticket for further discussions.
Update 4 (November 18)
11:37 am (IST): Bethesda Support claims that a fix for the black screen issue will be going live soon. However, there’s no ETA yet.
Update 5 (November 22)
2:24 pm (IST): Bethesda now says that the developers plan to release the patch sometime in this upcoming week. However, we don’t know if this update will fix this black screen issue.
Update 6 (November 23)
01:03 pm (IST): Bethesda has confirmed that a new patch was released recently that finally fixes the black screen issue in the game.
Featured image: Bethesda
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