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Some Fortnite players are experiencing disappointed, and it's not because of the latest virtual happenings. The game's newest mini-season, which brings a Simpsons-themed map, also rolled out a fresh mechanic called pets. It's impossible to deny that these latest pets are cute. However, the associated costs have left many players stunned at this developer's efforts to profit from nearly every aspect of the game.

What Are Companion Pets?

Sidekicks are basically similar to Pokémon, though with some drawbacks. You can give them a name, and they will accompany you throughout a game. They are indestructible, and players can interact with them. Opposing gamers not in the player's squad cannot view sidekicks — and displaying your companions is arguably half the fun of owning them. Pets are able to be outfitted with outfits and emotes, however the debate revolves around their appearance. Each pet's overall design can only be changed one time, at which point that choice becomes final. You can choose a sidekick's fur shade, accent hues, eye colors, markings, and its build size.

A Expensive Personalization System

If you afterward decide that they'd like their pet to look slightly different, you cannot simply further customize its look. You have to buy a new sidekick. Furthermore, sidekicks aren't cheap. Most people are obtaining the banana-themed sidekick, because it is included with this season's battle pass. According to unofficial reports, upcoming sidekicks could be priced at anywhere between 1,000 to 1,500 V-Bucks; for reference, 1,000 V-Bucks costs $8.99 and 2,800 V-Bucks cost $22.99. However, players can rename a sidekick as many times as they want.

Player Reaction and Comparisons

The majority of pets have not been formally released yet, so the pricing may easily be adjusted. But regardless of whether the developer sets sidekicks more affordable, a lot of the anger comes from the reality that players might have to pay for a single type of pet multiple times. For some, the cost structure feels especially unfair when the developer has already introduced companions that ride about inside backpack accessories. Backpack companions lack a restriction on changes and are visible by fellow participants in the match. Back bling buddies cannot be given a name or use gestures, however opposing players are able to occasionally engage with them — and this is more favorable than being invisible altogether.

Lack of special features and limited engagement options have many players experiencing underwhelmed. Why can't you, for example, interact playfully with their stylish fruit-themed pet? A few point out that sidekicks do not always keep up with the player if a game is moving quickly, or observe that the banana pet occupies two slots in the reward system — which reinforces the notion that the company is squeezing the community for money. Greedy is a term that's appearing often in such discussions, with some comparing sidekick pricing to similar intense monetization models in games like EA Sports FC. Additionally, it adds to the issue that certain sidekicks are expected to be more expensive than their outfit counterparts.

"We urge you to do not purchasing Companion Pets," urges one highly-voted community post that advises fellow gamers to figuratively vote with their wallets.

"We understand these pets are adorable," the thread continues, "we realize they're enjoyable. I know we have all been anticipating them. But the monetization focus on display is disgusting and should not be rewarded."

The Broader Context of In-Game Spending

In recent years, Fortnite's events and partnerships have grown in scale and aspiration, but the free-to-play title continues to needs to generate revenue. Therefore, the total quantity of cosmetics users are able to currently purchase has become nearly overwhelming. Beyond standard items like back blings, deployment tools, pickaxes, and gestures, players might possibly spend cash on shoes, music tracks, musical tools, Lego pieces, cars, wheels, vehicle drift colors, seasonal rewards, and a membership. Sidekicks do not just require payment, but also bring in a host of new monetization avenues for the developer. Presumably, players will soon be in a position to pay for things like pet looks, costumes, gestures, and further engagement options.

All of these cosmetics are entirely voluntary and unneeded to have fun with the game, yet gear can still affect your social interactions. Younger players, for instance, at times encounter teasing for using impressive sufficiently cool outfits. A similar situation previously transpired when the developer introduced brand-name shoes, which can range from 600 to 1,000 V-Bucks. That shoe cost model wasn't well received as well, and some players promised that they wouldn't fall prey to the pressure back then. But ultimately, purchasing shoes became normalized. Now, companion pets are further pushing the limits of what a player might be prepared to pay to stand out within the player base.

What's Next for Sidekicks?

Sidekicks are currently a fairly new feature, and they exist a title that updates regularly. A few fans are sharing that they have received a survey that assesses how the community think about pet functionality and pricing, which could potentially mean that the company's plans are still subject to change. But if the game footwear are a sign, companions probably will not get more affordable in general — instead, there may be a broader range of prices to shop.

After all, where certain individuals are raging at Fortnite shop prices, different players are feeling only joy for their new competitive friends.