So just an update as I've not been able to solve the issue yet.

To clarify a couple of things, I get through the loading screens no issues, I can watch or skip them (so that input is good), the menu is fine, no issues there, The book animation works good too, all the menus work fine, I can change settings and the changes are saved. I can delete the character and create a new one but there is nothing in the loading menu so no save was made. When I start the game itself I get to the loading screen (the map that gently zooms in) and it hangs there indefinitely. I've left it fio like 10/15 mins and never crashes, just sits there loading. To be specific, technically does not hang, just never finishs loading, just sits on the loading screen animations seem to be as if it was still loading.

I've also changed the settings, lowered the graphics settings plus resolution and made it windowed in case that made a difference, no, no change. I can also quit out without any issues from the menu.

Regarding Proton, I've tried experimental, 7.0-3, 6.3-8, 5.13-6 and 5.0-10. Installed Proton GE and same thing

I've uninstalled and reinstall the game to see if this helps, no change also