It appears the integrated graphics was interfering. Finally figured out how to completely disable the integrated graphics (disabling in Control Panel wasn't sufficient). Thanks for all the suggestions.

In Nvidia's app I have told it to force using the 5080 and not the integrated solution -- Also not sure why it would work great once or twice and now stop working if that were the case but I obviously don't know much!!

FYI -- same behavior with the --gfx-safe-mode option on the non-steam demo.

Same problem. I attached the log of the non-steam version you provided. I really appreciate the help.

Here you go -- thanks!

Ran once or twice without incident, but now it takes forever to load. Starts slowing at Loading Sprites 50%. At some point (hours later), it will finally load but runs so slowly it is unplayable. I did a few searches and saw other people with a similar problem; however, the suggestions that were ...