Since I havent played any Divinity game, I dont know, but my impression is that previous Divinity games did not have romances. At least nobody has mentioned that there are any.
Original Sin 2 had romances. They were, however, far less graphic than BG3. No kisses and the sex scene was just a fade to black.
The success of BG3 would probably tell them that putting romances (and sex) in the shopping window brings in a wider audience and increases community engagement. I would be very surprised if they stepped away from the formula.
It's a curious thing and it will be interesting to see how they go.
BG3 very much felt like they wanted to simply get popularity. Their requesting of use of the IP despite their lack of interest in it (And the fact they immediately dropped the IP once their success was achieved. No DLC, no interest in follow up D&D titles)
Which I think played into their decision regarding companion races and concerns with sex scenes. Hence dropping Helia and just going with a bunch of humans and elves. Trying to get mainstream appeal with their popularity grab game.
With them returning to making things they actually want to make, it's quite possible they go back to their more preferred diversity.
This might come with sex too, especially given that their trailer prominently features human x lizard sex. Indicating that they're not concerned about exotic race sex scenes being a deterrent. (Probably backed up by the fact that the data shows they only need to include 1 traditionally sexy character from each gender, given the landslide popularity of Shadowheart and Astarion compared to the rest of the cast of BG3. Meaning so long as they make a new Shadowheart and Astarion, the rest of their companions can be whatever)
