Error: File missing. Please update your data directory. Game will play using simple audience

[ralcipken]

Started getting the error message mentioned in the title after updating yesterday. The message consistently pops up after pressing the "start game" button to play any match in a season, regardless of the current save file. The game plays as normal afterwards, but this message appears ahead of starting each match of a season.

I've tried verifying integrity of game files via Steam and reinstalling the game but neither of these methods have solved the issue. Please let me know how I can resolve this error.

[Matt Arnold]

It's possible if an earlier install ended up pointing the data directory other than the default (where steam would install the files).

The first step is on your league settings, in the Database tab, check what folder is listed for the 3d model base folder. If that does not appear to be the directory where Steam installed your files, you may need to update that.

Otherwise, in the File->Settings, on the expert tab, there's an option to select the data folder. Please check that that points to the location of your steam install.

[ralcipken]

That solved the issue, thank you very much (was an issue with custom directory for data folder)

[jamesbutler2021]

Just adding that I just started getting this today and, for me, it only pops when I go to edit uniforms, I haven't gotten it anywhere else yet. I've checked the database tab locations, stats tab location, and the custom directory setting in the OOTP settings and they are all correct. However, I do use a custom/non-default directory, so wondering if its flagging that incorrectly just because its not the default Steam install location?

Like OP said, it doesn't to be actually broken or messing anything up, but I've never gotten that notification before today. Figured I'd mention it anyways

[Matt Arnold]

Originally Posted by jamesbutler2021

Just adding that I just started getting this today and, for me, it only pops when I go to edit uniforms, I haven't gotten it anywhere else yet. I've checked the database tab locations, stats tab location, and the custom directory setting in the OOTP settings and they are all correct. However, I do use a custom/non-default directory, so wondering if its flagging that incorrectly just because its not the default Steam install location?

Like OP said, it doesn't to be actually broken or messing anything up, but I've never gotten that notification before today. Figured I'd mention it anyways

If you use a custom data directory, we would suggest to copy the files from the data/ballparks folder from the default install over. We have changed some files around at times, so it's likely that your custom directory didn't pick up the update.

[jamesbutler2021]

Originally Posted by Matt Arnold

If you use a custom data directory, we would suggest to copy the files from the data/ballparks folder from the default install over. We have changed some files around at times, so it's likely that your custom directory didn't pick up the update.

That worked, thanks!!

[LloydLungs]

I'd like to bump this thread because I've just started getting this error as well.

However, I do NOT use Steam and have not touched the custom data directory stuff. I've always used the default directory.

This is what I see when I go to League Settings. I do not see any entry for "3d model base" folder, but the highlighted line is "Select custom ballparks folder." Is this the line in question? Should I be altering this, and if so, how?