I don't know if anybody else suggested this but I think adding the option to skip to the safe house whenever a new update is released would save a lot of time for those who've already played the game for the first time, realized that saves don't register on newer versions and I was forced to do everything again from scratch.

Saves from prior versions should work with updated releases. I test this before each release, so I'm not sure why it's not working on your end.
Some have suggested copying your old save folder to make a backup before copying over the new files, then dropping that save folder into the game folder.

Well that's the thing, I copied my save folder from a previous version, yet it didn't register onto the new version.

I'm not sure if it's a Joiplay issue but I still think having the option to skip the hospital area from the beginning to the safe house would save a lot of time from repeating the same tutorial process.

Did you just copy the single save file and transfer it over or did you copy everything over? I found that just transferring the save file worked for me

It was the whole thing, didn't check if just doing a single save file would have worked.

Adding a skip for the tutorial area is a good idea for the future. I'll add it to the list of potential additions.
I'd really prefer to get saves working properly for everyone, though. I'm wondering if it's an operating system thing, seeing as you're using Joiplay.