[2023] Game wont launch - Bad Image error

As you can see that is a Windows error. That DLL is part of Visual C++ so something is wrong in that area.

First go to the Windows control panel and uninstall all instances of Visual C++ 2010 and 2015/17/19/22 - there may be several of each. No need to touch any others.

THEN Install ALL these Microsoft modules:

Download Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Service Pack 1 Redistributable Package MFC Security Update from Official Microsoft Download Center

www.microsoft.com And run the x86 and x64 installers there.

Download Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable Update 3 RC from Official Microsoft Download Center

www.microsoft.com And run the x86 and x64 installers there.

Latest supported Visual C++ Redistributable downloads

This article lists the download links for the latest versions of Visual C++ Redistributable packages. support.microsoft.com And run the x86 and x64 installers there.

THEN run this Windows repair tool:

Use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files - Microsoft Support

Describes how to use the System File Checker tool to troubleshoot missing or corrupted system files in Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 or Windows Vista. support.microsoft.com
If that doesn't help we'll need to do something more drastic!


PS: I see Steam will cease supporting Windows 8.1 next year, so you should consider whether you'll be upgrading to 10 or 11, or getting new hardware that will come with that!