Because of the corner they've backed themselves into by putting so much focus on origin characters and being able to play them directly.
+ 1
Traditionally there are two types of party based RPGs:
- western RPGs: The main char can be whatever you chose. His/her background is defined by the devs (a bhaalspawn who grew up in candlekeep for BG1+2) but his personality and choices is up to the player.
There are different companions with their own personality and preferences. Depending on your choices they may like or dislike what you do. If they dislike you they may leave you, attack you or work against you. If they like you they may start a relationship with you. If you are not their type (sex, race, age, . . .) they may start a relationship with another companion or a NPC.
- JRPGS: All characters including the main char are very strong pre defined people. You are Cloud from FF7 for example. The story is very scripted and even if you can chose, the choice is limited to things that make sense for this character. The relationship between those characters is often fixed and even when you can chose the options and outcomes are limited.
The lines between these two points have been blurred, but you have to chose if you want your main char to have a strong and consistent personality or you can be whatever you want.
The devs say that BG3 is a lot about player freedom. This is good, but then the origin char concept is really shooting yourself in the foot.
PS:
- No, Dragon Age origin does not count: Translated to DnD, selecting your origin is like selecting a mix of class, race and background.
- The Witcher has a pre defined char and lots of choices, but its not party based.
- When I say "good relationship with companions" I do not automatically mean sex. Is there a game where you can develope a strong friendship with a companion?
Turning the game into a dating sim and at the perty 5 people ask you to sleep with them feels wrong. Its OK that you can do this with your companions, but there should be more to this than "raise their approval rating until they ask you to sleep with them."
Prof. Dr. Dr. Mad S. Tist 
