It's not SE... It's Microsoft. I can't find the link but it was on the FFXIV client as a link that suggested to download and install a certain patch... if you're on windows, you should run windows update cause there were new ones on the 14th. After I installed the patch, the client worked fine.
Info from the testing schedule page on the beta forums:
Regarding an Issue with a Recent Windows Update
We have confirmed an issue with a recent Windows update that took place on Jul. 11, 2013. The following Windows OS versions have been impacted by this issue.
Windows® 7 / Windows® Vista / Windows® XP
If you are currently using the Windows OS and have installed the update in question, the opening cut scene of the FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn (Windows ver.) will not play properly.
* Please note that the issue has no impact on the PlayStation®3 version of FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn.
Please be patient as Microsoft is currently is working on addressing the issue.
Listed below is the current situation of the OS.
Windows® 7
A new Windows update has been released by Microsoft to address the issue. If you have not installed the most recent Windows update, please do so immediately.
While the OS should automatically update itself on the default settings, if your PC is not set to automatically download and install the most recent Windows updates, please visit the following pages to obtain the update.
•NA
•EU
(See Beta Forums For Links To The Update)
Windows® Vista ï¼Windows® XP
Microsoft is currently working on addressing the issue. Please wait for the official announcement by Microsoft regarding the release date of the update.
We will follow-up on this announcement once more information becomes available on the matter.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Edited, Aug 15th 2013 5:42pm by mokatu