Isn't this the same one he said didn't work?

Yes it is. hahaha

That issue was mainly caused by people not running the game as admin, so not all files could be written. His is straight up corrupting the save file.

i had an issue too, but the answer was really simple for MY issue so i hope you have the same.
What you do is:
1. enter steam,
2. DISconnect the internet to 100%
3. and open the game
and you can always turn the internet back on when its working (IF this works for you) well i hope is does work so, good luck!!!