FIRST OPEN THE STEAM CLIENT (or you get a CTD)

[DARTH VADER]

Steam may get angry when files inside it try to run before it does....
-First Open the Steam Client
-Then open the launcher, choose some settings, close, use the official shortcut to run the game.

You forgot to open Steam before opening the Launcher?
Close Steam->Close Launcher->Open Steam->Open Launcher.

PS. The launcher saves your settings. So, unless you want to change the settings, you may never use the launcher again and play the mod using the official game shortcut only.

[DARTH VADER]

Edited. Bump. Those who anticipate CTD at startup please try it!!!!
You forgot to open Steam before opening the Launcher?
Close Steam->Close Launcher->Open Steam->Open Launcher.

[DARTH VADER]

Updated.