Problem with your theory, my game doesn't work with saved games in any form whatsoever, here is the code, I don't see the problem though, I mean I have no idea what is going on, it should work (in theory)
Code:

---

 
function pull_pillar
{
	var fire_counter = 0;
	msg_show("Hold down the fire button for a second", 3);
	wait(2);
	while (mouse_left == on && fire_counter < 70)
	{
		fire_counter += 1;
		wait(1);
	}
	return(fire_counter);
}
function pillar_event
{
   ...
   holddown_button = pull_pillar(); 
   ...
}

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