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Some Fortnite players are feeling let down, and it's not because of recent virtual happenings. The game's current limited-time event, that introduces a Simpsons-themed world, has also unveiled a fresh mechanic known as pets. It's impossible to ignore that these latest companions are cute. But, the associated prices have made numerous players shocked at this company's attempts to profit from nearly each part of the game.

Understanding Sidekicks?

Sidekicks are essentially similar to Pokémon, though with a few drawbacks. Players can give them a name, and these pets will accompany you during a match. They are immortal, and players can pet them. Opposing gamers outside the player's squad cannot see these pets — and showing off your animal friends is perhaps a big part of the fun of owning them. Pets can be customized with costumes and gestures, but the debate centers on their appearance. A pet's overall design can only be altered one time, after which that selection is permanent. You can select a sidekick's coat color, accent hues, iris tones, markings, and its build size.

A Costly Personalization System

Should a player later choose that you want their sidekick to appear slightly different, it's not possible to simply continue to modify its appearance. You have to buy another companion. And, sidekicks are not inexpensive. The majority of players are obtaining the banana-themed pet, because it's packaged with the current battle pass. According to leaks, future pets may be priced at 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 rename a sidekick as many times as you'd like.

Player Reaction and Comparisons

The majority of pets haven't been officially launched so far, meaning the pricing could easily change. But regardless of whether the company makes companions cheaper, a lot of the frustration stems from the reality that gamers might have to pay for a single type of sidekick multiple times. To certain players, the pricing scheme feels particularly egregious when the developer has previously added companions that ride about as part of backpack accessories. Backpack pets lack a customization limitation and can be seen by other participants in the game. Back bling pets cannot be named or use gestures, but other gamers can sometimes engage with them — and this is better than remaining unseen completely.

The absence of unique functions and restricted engagement choices have numerous gamers experiencing disappointed. For instance, why is it not possible to a player, such as, interact playfully with your fancy fruit-themed pet? A few point out that companions do not always stay close with the user if a match is fast-paced, or observe that the banana pet takes up two spots in the battle pass — and this reinforces the idea that the developer is squeezing players for money. Greedy is a term that's coming up often in these conversations, with a number of likening sidekick pricing to other intense pricing schemes in titles like EA Sports FC. It also doesn't help that certain pets are expected to be more expensive than equivalent outfit versions.

"We urge you to avoid purchasing Sidekicks," pleads a popular online post that encourages other players to figuratively express disapproval by not spending.

"We understand these pets are cute," the post continues, "we realize they are fun. We are aware everyone has been looking forward to them. But the monetization focus on display is disgusting and should not be rewarded."

The Broader Context of In-Game Spending

Over the past few years, Fortnite's special occasions and partnerships have grown in scale and ambition, yet the free-to-play game continues to needs to earn income. As such, the sheer number of cosmetics users can currently buy has grown nearly overwhelming. Beyond standard items like back accessories, deployment tools, harvesting tools, and emotes, you could possibly spend money on footwear, songs, instruments, building blocks, vehicles, wheels, custom paint jobs, battle passes, and a subscription. Sidekicks do not just require payment, but also bring in a host of new revenue avenues for the company. It is likely, users will before long be in a position to spend for items like pet appearances, outfits, gestures, and further interaction options.

All of such customization items are completely voluntary and unneeded to have fun with the game, but gear can nonetheless influence your social experience. Younger players, for instance, at times encounter teasing for not wearing flashy enough outfits. A similar situation previously occurred when the developer launched licensed shoes, which may be priced from 600 to 1,000 V-Bucks. That shoe cost model wasn't well received as well, and a few players promised that they'd avoid fall prey to the pressure at the time. But ultimately, buying footwear became normalized. Today, companion pets are additionally pushing the boundaries of how much a gamer might be willing to pay to be distinctive within the player base.

What is Ahead for Companion Pets?

Sidekicks are still a relatively recent feature, and they're part of a title that updates regularly. A few players are reporting that they have gotten a questionnaire that gauges how people feel about pet functionality and monetization, which could potentially indicate that the company's plans are remain fluid. But if Fortnite footwear are any indication, sidekicks probably won't get more affordable overall — there will just be a broader range of prices to shop.

Ultimately, where certain players are raging at Fortnite shop prices, different players are feeling nothing but happiness for their new battle royale pals.