So the weirdest thing just happened. I started factorio (Steam Version) and got prompted if I want to install the game rather than launching it. I don't remember uninstalling. Nevertheless there was no better option than to let steam do its thing and all game files were re-downloaded.
I then was prompted by factorio that the game settings file is corrupt so I loaded the defaults.
When trying to load my latest save game, I got the following error:
I remember doing the following since the last time factorio worked as expected:
- updating windows (running on Win 7 x64)
- updating graphics driver (including GForce-Experience Game Settings optimization of factorio) <- my personal suspect
- unrelated web-browsing ;D
The following mods were present in the savegame (most recent versions as of yesterday for each one):
- AAI Signals
- Alien Biomes
- Alien Loot Economy
- base
- Big Bags
- Enhanced Map Colors
- Orbnital Ion Cannon
- Power Armor MK3
- Quick Start
- Upgrade Planner
- Wood Walls
Starting new games or loading other saves works as expected. I'm really confused now.
Edit: I Can't even upload the save here on the forums; there I get "Error parsing server response." as status of the upload.
All the autosaves are from the same map and also unusable with the same error.
Edit 2: I won't even bother trying to host the savefiles somewhere. I looked at them with a hex editor: they are completely filled with zeros... All of them...
Well I guess it's time for a new play-though...