January 2015 - last edited September 2016
Problem
This is a fairly common problem with the game and is usually caused by a corrupt auto save.
This problem has three symptoms
Once you have the bug, you can't do anything. Even a new game will have the same symptoms.
Solution
This issue is most often caused by a corrupt auto-save (slot_00000001.save). Because of this, I recommend to not rely on it. When the game crashes, it likes to corrupt.
First thing you do after starting a new game is save it under a new name so it's saved to another slot. Save on a regular basis. Use save as and not save to have multiple saves you can go back to.
Also backup your saves folder after every play session to an external drive or just a different space on your hard drive.
Source: Save game was saved with an earlier version
Good Luck
Crin
I don't work or have any association with EA. I give advice to the best of my knowledge and cannot be held responsible for any damage done to your computer/game.
Please only contact me via PM when asked to do so.
Important Threads
November 2015
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please check what version of the game is currently installed on your computer.
You will find this information by looking at the bottom left of the main menu (on the latest build) or running the “version” cheat (on older versions). The current version is 1.12.118.1020.
If you are running an older version, please update your game via Origin.