For those encountering "Updating executables"

[Endymion]

1. Open windows terminal (Command+R, type: cmd, press enter)
2. run command: attrib -s -h -r "YOUR_CIVILIZATION_FOLDER\*.*" /s /d
replace above YOUR_CIVILIZATION_FOLDER to your civilization folder.
If you don't know your game's folder, you can check it in Steam "Properties->Installed Files->Browse"
3. You may need to repeat this sever times after clicking "Play". (Just press Up on your keyboard it will automatically show your last command, then press Enter again)

This is a stupid bug, indeed.

[Slalloy]

thank you. its really worked

[shadowraven742000]

nope, not working for me. Everything I have tried has failed. Went back to Civ IV and not going to bother buy any other Civ games by Firaxis

[Japoncio]

Try this one, it has worked for me and it's very easy

https://support.2k.com/hc/en-us/articles/34890889538707--Civilization-V-Launcher-Removal