It makes sense that Backgrounds here are only used for proficiencies. If you look at what Backgrounds actually do in the PHB, it's largely just flavor anyway - not really any mechanics associated with it. Many of the features are DM-dependent and situational anyway. How often will we be needing passage on a boat in this game? Probably not a lot, and even then it isn't likely to cost any money because that could soft-lock the player in a videogame.
They should still add a Custom background which lets you take any 2 skills and one tool proficiency (if there will be tools).
Depending on the campaign or DM the effects granted by a background could actually be "a lot" for the roleplay. For example an Entertainer being able to get free room and board for entertaining people can be a good way to save the party money and roleplay how the party is covered. And those backgrounds that grant a "contact" can create entire questlines or be an invaluable resource for learning things. It is all in how it is handled and what campaign they are in.
