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A number of Fortnite enthusiasts are feeling disappointed, and this isn't because of recent virtual events. Fortnite's current mini-season, which introduces a Simpsons-themed world, also unveiled a brand-new mechanic called pets. There's no ignore that the new pets are adorable. But, the attached prices have made numerous fans stunned at this company's efforts to profit from nearly every part of the gaming experience.

What Are Sidekicks?

Sidekicks are basically like digital creatures, but with some drawbacks. You can name them, and they will follow your character throughout a match. These sidekicks are indestructible, and you can pet them. Other gamers not in the player's party are unable to see these pets — and displaying one's companions is perhaps a big part of the fun of owning them. Pets are able to be outfitted with costumes and gestures, but the debate revolves around their appearance. Each pet's main design is only able to be altered one time, after which that selection becomes final. You can choose a sidekick's fur shade, secondary colors, eye colors, markings, and its build size.

A Expensive Personalization Mechanism

If you afterward choose that they'd like their pet to look a bit altered, it's not possible to just continue to modify the appearance. You have to buy another companion. Furthermore, these pets are not cheap. The majority of people are obtaining the Peels sidekick, because it is packaged with the current reward track. According to leaks, future sidekicks could cost anywhere between 1,000 to 1,500 V-Bucks; for reference, 1,000 V-Bucks is priced at $8.99 and 2,800 V-Bucks cost $22.99. However, players can change the name of a companion whenever you'd like.

Community Response and Comparisons

The majority of pets haven't been formally released yet, meaning the pricing may well change. But even if the company sets sidekicks cheaper, much of the frustration comes from the fact that gamers might have to pay for a single type of sidekick multiple times. For some, the cost structure seems particularly egregious considering the developer has already introduced companions that are carried around as part of back blings. Backpack pets do not have a restriction on changes and can be seen by fellow players in the match. Back bling buddies can't be given a name or perform gestures, however other players can occasionally engage with them — which is more favorable than being unseen altogether.

Lack of unique features and limited interaction choices have numerous gamers feeling disappointed. Why can't you, such as, play fetch with your fancy fruit-themed pet? Some note that companions do not always keep up with the user if a game is fast-paced, or mention that Peels takes up two spots in the reward system — which reinforces the idea that the company is squeezing players for money. Greedy is a term that's appearing frequently in these discussions, with a number of likening sidekick monetization to similar intense monetization models in titles like EA Sports FC. It also doesn't help that some pets are expected to be pricier than equivalent character skin counterparts.

"We urge you to avoid buy Companion Pets," pleads a popular community post that encourages fellow gamers to proverbially vote with their wallets.

"I know they're adorable," the thread continues, "I know they are fun. We are aware everyone has been anticipating them. But the monetization focus being shown is unacceptable and must not be supported."

The Bigger Context of In-Game Purchases

In recent years, Fortnite's events and partnerships have grown in scale and aspiration, yet the no-cost-to-start title still needs to earn revenue. As such, the total number of items users can now purchase has grown almost overwhelming. Beyond basics like back accessories, gliders, pickaxes, and emotes, you could potentially spend money on footwear, songs, musical tools, Lego pieces, cars, wheels, custom paint jobs, battle passes, and a membership. Companion pets not only require payment, and also bring in a host of new monetization options for the developer. Presumably, users will before long be able to pay for items like sidekick appearances, outfits, emotes, and additional interaction features.

All of these customization items are completely voluntary and not necessary to enjoy the game, yet gear can still affect your social interactions. Younger players, for example, sometimes face teasing for not wearing flashy enough skins. A similar issue previously transpired when the company launched licensed kicks, which may be priced from 600 to 1,000 V-Bucks. That footwear cost model was not popular as well, and a few players promised that they wouldn't succumb to the temptation at the time. But ultimately, purchasing footwear became normalized. Today, companion pets are further pushing the boundaries of what a player could be prepared to spend to stand out amongst the player base.

What is Next for Sidekicks?

Sidekicks are still a relatively recent addition, and they exist a game that changes regularly. Some players are sharing that they've gotten a survey that gauges how the community think about pet mechanics and monetization, and this might potentially indicate that the company's plans are remain fluid. Yet if Fortnite footwear are a sign, companions likely will not get cheaper in general — instead, there may be a wider range of prices to shop.

Ultimately, where certain individuals are expressing anger at the game item costs, different players are experiencing only joy for their new battle royale pals.