when opening the game to run the launcher, it will not show any of the buttons to "run" the game just a blank window
screenshot of launcherSo I think the Launcher has been updated but no one was informed.
You need to go to settings and (Cog, left bottom corner) and select Reset Launcher and then Save Changes.
Now, the next bit you need to be careful. The Launcher is going to ask you to link your Forum account - I have had people do this and then lose the ability to start the game normally.
You can skip this step by clicking the Get Started thing and then click Skip in the bottom right corner. You can also tell it to not ask you again.
it is possible if you set up your forum account that you won't be able to access your steam friends list and your saves. So its your call on that.
BUT I think you can just reset the launcher again if that happens.
GLHF