So I just had this problem start after this Dec 10th update, but a friend of mine has had the problem since he downloaded the game a month or two ago. A “temporary” fix for the problem is to turn off wifi or disconnect from the internet then launch the client. The updater doesn’t run when not connected to the internet and the client launches. Then reconnect and start the game. It usually works for me, but sometimes prevents you from connecting to Black Lion in game. I hope this works for you guys!