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Some Fortnite enthusiasts are experiencing disappointed, and this isn't due to the latest in-game happenings. The game's current mini-season, that introduces a Springfield map, also rolled out a fresh feature known as sidekicks. There's no ignore that these latest pets are cute. However, the associated prices have made numerous fans stunned at the developer's attempts to profit from almost each aspect of the gaming experience.

What Are Companion Pets?

Companions are basically similar to Pokémon, though having a few limitations. You can give them a name, and these pets will follow you throughout a game. These sidekicks are indestructible, and players can pet them. Other gamers not in your squad are unable to see these pets — and showing off your companions is arguably a big part of the enjoyment of having them. Sidekicks can be customized with costumes and emotes, however the debate centers on their looks. A pet's main appearance can only be changed one time, at which point that selection is permanent. Players can select a companion's fur shade, secondary colors, iris tones, markings, and its build size.

A Expensive Personalization Mechanism

If a player later decide that they'd like your sidekick to appear a bit different, you cannot simply further modify the look. You have to buy a new sidekick. Furthermore, these pets are not inexpensive. The majority of people are obtaining the Peels sidekick, since it is packaged in the current reward track. Based on unofficial reports, future pets could be priced at from 1,000 to 1,500 V-Bucks; to put that in perspective, 1,000 V-Bucks costs $8.99 and 2,800 V-Bucks are $22.99. You can change the name of a sidekick as many times as they want.

Community Reaction and Comparisons

The majority of pets haven't been officially launched yet, meaning the cost could well change. But even if the company sets companions cheaper, a lot of the frustration stems from the reality that gamers could need to spend for a single kind of sidekick multiple times. For some, the cost structure feels especially egregious considering the developer has previously introduced pets that ride about as part of back blings. Back bling companions lack a customization limitation and can be seen by other players in the game. Back bling pets cannot be given a name or use emotes, but opposing players are able to occasionally engage with them — and this is more favorable than remaining invisible completely.

Lack of special functions and limited interaction options have many gamers experiencing underwhelmed. For instance, why is it not possible to you, such as, interact playfully with their stylish banana dog? Some point out that companions sometimes fail to stay close with the user if a game is fast-paced, or observe that Peels takes up two spots in the reward system — which reinforces the idea that the developer is squeezing players for money. Greedy is a term that's appearing often in these conversations, with some likening sidekick pricing to other aggressive monetization models in games like popular sports games. It also doesn't help that certain sidekicks are projected to be pricier than their outfit versions.

"We urge you to do not buy Sidekicks," urges one popular online thread that advises other gamers to proverbially express disapproval by not spending.

"We understand they're adorable," the post continues, "I know they are enjoyable. I know we have all been looking forward to them. However the greed on display is disgusting and must not be supported."

The Broader Picture of In-Game Purchases

Over the past few years, Fortnite's special occasions and partnerships have expanded in scope and ambition, yet the no-cost-to-start title continues to must generate revenue. Therefore, the total quantity of cosmetics players are able to currently purchase has grown almost excessive. In addition to standard items like back accessories, gliders, harvesting tools, and gestures, players might potentially spend money on shoes, songs, instruments, building blocks, vehicles, wheels, custom paint jobs, seasonal rewards, and a subscription. Sidekicks do not just require money, and also bring in a host of fresh monetization options for the developer. It is likely, users will soon be in a position to spend for things like pet looks, outfits, gestures, and additional engagement features.

All of these cosmetics are entirely optional and unneeded to have fun with the game, but equipment can nonetheless affect a player's social experience. Younger players, for example, sometimes encounter bullying for using flashy sufficiently cool outfits. A comparable situation also transpired when the company introduced brand-name kicks, which may be priced from 600 to 1,000 V-Bucks. That footwear pricing scheme was not well received either, and some players vowed that they'd avoid fall prey to the temptation back then. However ultimately, buying footwear grew commonplace. Now, sidekicks are additionally testing the boundaries of what a player could be willing to pay to stand out within the player base.

What's Next for Companion Pets?

Sidekicks are still a relatively recent addition, and they're part of a game that updates regularly. A few players are reporting that they've gotten a survey that assesses how people feel about pet mechanics and pricing, and this might potentially indicate that the company's strategy are remain fluid. Yet if Fortnite shoes are any indication, sidekicks probably won't become cheaper in general — instead, there may be a broader selection of prices to shop.

After all, while certain individuals are expressing anger at Fortnite shop prices, different players are experiencing nothing but happiness for their battle royale friends.