Hey Darth, I know I proposed we let things rest but I came up with a way to explain my point of view, that doesn't negate yours and hopefully makes sense to you
Let me put it this way. I don't think anyone would argue that based solely upon analysis of the artwork and title of the game, we could empirically know that romance is in the game. With no other information (eg those update and article quotes) it is a matter of probability, no matter how high or low. It is an assumption, no matter how safe or suspect. While it may be impossible to accurately quantify that probability (not least for the reasons I have been arguing: chiefly that our interpretations of the artwork, title and their connotations will vary and that multiple meanings can be derived from them) I think it fair to say that you consider it more probable than I do. And that's fine.
However, further complicating our argument is the definition of romance. What is romance? The broader the definition we accept the more probable the assumption. For example if it excludes a parameter such as sex the probability increases. If we take a very broad definition such as a feeling of profound intimacy between two people, it becomes highly likely even without the artwork, title or even Larian's statements, as this would be a likely possibility in any story featuring two protagonists that must work together in an interesting cRPG plot.
When I said that based solely on the artwork and title I wouldn't expect any romance as it is commonly understood, I mean that the common conception people have of romance is that it includes a sexual component (I dislike that definition but that is another argument entirely). So I am saying that based solely on the artwork and title, I would not expect the protagonists to have the option to have implied sex in the game, though I would still expect there to be an interesting and potentially intimate relationship.
Can you now see my perspective? I don't refute that the implications and connotations you see in the art and title are there (except your claim relating lipstick and showing skin to romance; though perhaps having elaborated my conception of romance this contention makes more sense to you now in context), I simply disagree with the extent to which they support the overall assumption. Further, I would prefer not to make an assumption at all, especially considering that romantic connotations are far from the only meanings that can be interpreted from the art & title, and that I prefer to take a broad definition of romance that makes speculating about its inclusion seem pointless to me anyway (personally).
My argument with you is essentially that I am challenging how safe you hold this assumption to be, not that you are unreasonable to hold it.
Yet we are also arguing somewhat of a moot point as we both agree in our conclusion that Larian have created an expectation of romance in the game. We need go no further than the quoted updates and RPS article for that. I would however hope that you can now see where I'm coming from, even if we still disagree about the extent of the ramifications of the art and title.
What I am saying is very very simple....Larian intentionally instigated these perceptions about the game, it's part of how they market the game and target their audience. It's VERY safe to say that delivering on the promise of romance is critical for them.....they've made it a critical feature that has to be there should anyone choose to go looking for it in some form or another. They can't just come out and say we assumed wrong because they DELIBERATELY instigated and created those assumptions on purpose. There will be hell if there is no romance in the game.....and it won't be me rising it. Nobody will complain if there's no sex or it the screen goes black or whatever but defining romance is VERY simple....a stated sentiment between the characters that reoccurs at least a couple of times.....given they said they've got like 20 endings iirc it should probably have an influence on the ending too since the end of the journey is all important. You can't just say "well they fought together so that's romance" because again, that's plain bull****.
Larian have painted themselves in a corner regarding romance and not because of the verbal promises there would be romance and it doesn't matter what other interpretations can be derived from the artwork and title and so on because the obvious interpretation just about jumps out and smacks you in the head and that has to be delivered upon. The obvious is obvious is obvious and there's no way out of it.
