I thought video game companies these days could do better than a linear arc that ends with you getting laid.
I don't know what gave you that impression. Given that literally nothing has ever done any different.
I'm not sure if companies are simply incapable of making better romances, or they simply don't care to because people eat up the "Linear arc > Get laid" formula. Though given general writing I'd put my money on the former...
Of course, part of the issue is the severe lack of actual attempts to do things. Hopefully BG3 and CP2077 will get companies over the "Look, nudity!" shock value and allow developers to simply get back to actually trying to make better relationship content.
