As requested by Josh, I've posted my issue here so it doesn't get lost.
My project currently works just fine in-editor and when tested via the in-editor "test" button. However, when I publish the project, the .exe refuses to run, with no Windows dialogue box, or any other form of error prompt. (e.g., when double-clicking the .exe, the cursor gets a "loading" icon very briefly, then nothing happens.)
Notes:
I have attempted numerous options in the publish prompt; various levels of compression, 0 compression, include every fathomable file type, default settings, ticking/unticking the "only include used files" box, etc.
My project is a .Lua project.
I am using the Standard version of Leadwerks 5/Ultra Engine.
My project does include a start.map.
I have verified that "main.lua" is looking for "start.map" and not "start.ultra", just in case.
I have tried moving the exported project to other file locations and running as administrator, just to see if it was some kind of issue of attempting to write a file to an unwritable location.
I have checked the task manager to ensure no background Leadwerks/Ultra process of some kind may have been running, causing it to think it was already open/running.
Included below is my exported project's "data.zip" as Josh requested to diagnose the issue.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/jgdp7yhj9lv49r1p8r6fn/data.zip?rlkey=ldpzc727je9o83e1iefpjmjyp&st=dq5uk3hx&dl=0