pretty sure windows deleted the exe on me though kept the save data for whatever reason. the game is fun, works without any issues except needing to force windows to let it run and the aforementioned deletion. I think windows defender gave me a warning that it did it, but didn't ask first and I assumed it was the usual message of that the firewall settings need adjusting or something. I had gone and tried to play it again only to find the folder I'd made to hold the exe empty. I had to redownload but like I said, it saved what I had already done which was nice.
I hope no one else has this issue, but I've played tons of fan games and never had this issue. it always made me make sure I wanted to run them but it never got rid of them before, regardless of the engine or maker used. bit of an overreaction I think from the windows defender.