Stuck at "Checking the FINAL FANTASY XIV Updater / Launcher Version"

Hi all,
I've had no problems launching the game this morning (12 hours ago), but am facing this problem now.

After I launch the game, the game just gets stuck at this, and nothing happens. I can't even close it (had to do it via task manager).

Been googling for help but nothing seems to work. Is anyone else facing the same issues / can give advice on this ? I confirmed with a friend, and the Boot Ver matches:

2016.12.19.0000.0001

I've tried re-installing, but the same problem occurs, now with an even more outdated boot version.