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Some Fortnite players are experiencing disappointed, and it's not due to recent in-game happenings. Fortnite's newest mini-season, that introduces a Simpsons-themed world, has also unveiled a brand-new mechanic known as sidekicks. It's impossible to ignore that these new companions are adorable. But, the associated prices have left many fans shocked at the developer's attempts to monetize nearly each aspect of the game.

Understanding Companion Pets?

Companions are basically similar to Pokémon, but having some limitations. You can name them, and they will follow your character during a game. These sidekicks are indestructible, and players can interact with them. Other gamers outside the player's squad are unable to view these pets — and showing off your animal friends is arguably a big part of the fun of owning them. Sidekicks are able to be outfitted with outfits and emotes, but the debate revolves around their looks. A sidekick's overall appearance can only be altered once, at which point that selection is permanent. Players can choose a companion's fur shade, accent hues, eye colors, markings, and its body type.

A Costly Customization System

Should a player afterward decide that you want their pet to look slightly altered, it's not possible to simply continue to modify the appearance. Players must purchase a new companion. And, these pets aren't cheap. The majority of people are obtaining the banana-themed sidekick, since it is packaged with this season's reward track. Based on unofficial reports, future pets may 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 sidekick whenever you'd like.

Community Response and Parallels

Most sidekicks have not been formally launched so far, meaning the cost may easily be adjusted. Yet regardless of whether the developer sets companions cheaper, much of the anger comes from the reality that players might have to pay for a one kind of pet more than once. For some, the cost structure seems especially unfair when the developer has previously introduced pets that are carried about inside back blings. Backpack pets do not have a restriction on changes and are visible by fellow players in the game. Back bling buddies can't be given a name or use emotes, but other gamers are able to sometimes engage with them — and this is better than being invisible altogether.

Lack of special functions and restricted engagement options have numerous players feeling disappointed. Why can't you, such as, interact playfully with your stylish fruit-themed pet? Some point out that companions do not always stay close with the player if a match is fast-paced, or mention that the banana pet takes up two spots in the reward system — which reinforces the notion that the developer is pressuring players for revenue. Profit-driven is a word that's appearing often in these conversations, with some likening sidekick pricing to other intense pricing schemes in titles like EA Sports FC. Additionally, it doesn't help that certain sidekicks are projected to be more expensive than their character skin counterparts.

"We urge you to avoid purchasing Companion Pets," pleads one highly-voted online thread that advises fellow gamers to proverbially vote with their wallets.

"We understand they're cute," the post continues, "I know they're fun. We are aware everyone has been looking forward to them. But the monetization focus on display is unacceptable and should not be supported."

A Broader Picture of Virtual Spending

In recent years, Fortnite's special occasions and collaborations have grown in scale and ambition, yet the no-cost-to-start game continues to must earn revenue. As such, the sheer number of items players are able to now purchase has become almost excessive. In addition to standard items like back blings, gliders, pickaxes, and emotes, you could possibly spend cash on footwear, songs, musical tools, building blocks, vehicles, wheels, custom paint jobs, seasonal rewards, and a membership. Companion pets not only require money, and also introduce a range of new monetization options for the company. It is likely, users will soon be in a position to spend for things like sidekick looks, costumes, emotes, and additional engagement features.

Every one of such cosmetics are entirely voluntary and not necessary to enjoy the experience, yet equipment can nonetheless affect your community experience. Kids, for example, at times face teasing for not wearing flashy enough skins. A similar issue previously occurred when the company introduced licensed kicks, which may be priced from 600 to 1,000 V-Bucks. The footwear pricing scheme wasn't well received as well, and a few players vowed that they'd avoid succumb to the temptation at the time. However ultimately, buying footwear grew commonplace. Now, sidekicks are additionally pushing the limits of what a gamer could be willing to spend to stand out amongst the crowd.

What's Next for Sidekicks?

Sidekicks are still a relatively recent addition, and they're part of a title that changes frequently. Some players are reporting that they've gotten a survey that assesses how the community think about sidekick functionality and monetization, and this might potentially mean that the company's strategy are remain fluid. But if the game footwear are any indication, companions probably won't get more affordable overall — there will just be a wider range of costs to choose from.

After all, while certain individuals are expressing anger at the game item costs, others are feeling only joy for their new battle royale friends.