Game lock up at loading screen

I think this started to happen when 1.3 came out, when I launch the game it gets to the loading screen and just hangs there, doesn't get to the account log-in screen, I have to restart the game 2-5 times before I can get to the account screen. This occurs with both stand alone version and steam version, both games the files verify.

Alt-f4 still functions so I can terminate the game, it is not a complete lock-up.

Once I get to the account screen the game plays fine.

It is a bit annoying getting into the game, what could be causing the game to hang at the loading screen?

No ideas from support?