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Some Fortnite players are feeling let down, and it's not because of recent in-game events. The game's current mini-season, that introduces a Simpsons-themed world, also unveiled a brand-new feature known as pets. There's no ignore that the new companions are cute. However, the associated costs have made numerous fans stunned at this developer's attempts to profit from almost each aspect of the game.

What Are Companion Pets?

Sidekicks are basically similar to digital creatures, though with some drawbacks. You can give them a name, and these pets will accompany your character during a game. These sidekicks are indestructible, and players can interact with them. Opposing gamers outside your party are unable to view sidekicks — and showing off your companions is perhaps a big part of the enjoyment of having them. Pets can be customized with costumes and gestures, however the debate centers on their appearance. Each sidekick's overall appearance can only be altered once, at which point that selection becomes permanent. You can select a companion's coat color, accent hues, iris tones, markings, and their body type.

The Expensive Customization Mechanism

Should you later decide that you want their pet to look a bit altered, you cannot just continue to customize the appearance. You have to purchase a new companion. And, these pets are not inexpensive. The majority of players are getting the banana-themed pet, since it's packaged with the current battle pass. Based on leaks, upcoming 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 are $22.99. However, players can change the name of a sidekick whenever they want.

Player Reaction and Comparisons

The majority of pets have not been formally released yet, meaning the cost could easily be adjusted. But even if the developer makes companions cheaper, much of the anger stems from the reality that players could have to pay for a one kind of pet multiple times. To certain players, the cost structure seems particularly unfair considering the developer has already added pets that are carried around as part of back blings. Back bling pets do not have a customization limitation and can be seen by fellow participants in the match. Backpack pets cannot be given a name or perform gestures, however other players are able to sometimes interact with them — and this is better than being invisible altogether.

Lack of unique features and restricted engagement choices have numerous gamers experiencing disappointed. For instance, why is it not possible to you, for example, play fetch with your stylish banana dog? Some note that companions do not always stay close with the user if a game is moving quickly, or mention that Peels occupies two slots in the battle pass — which supports the notion that the developer is squeezing the community for revenue. Greedy is a word that's coming up frequently in these conversations, with some likening sidekick pricing to similar aggressive pricing schemes in games like EA Sports FC. It also doesn't help that certain sidekicks are projected to be pricier than their outfit counterparts.

"PLEASE do not buy Sidekicks," pleads one highly-voted community post that encourages other gamers to figuratively express disapproval by not spending.

"We understand they're adorable," the thread adds, "I know they are enjoyable. I know everyone has been looking forward to them. However the monetization focus on display is disgusting and must not be rewarded."

A Bigger Picture of In-Game Spending

Over the past few years, the game's events and collaborations have grown in scope and aspiration, yet the no-cost-to-start title still needs to generate income. Therefore, the sheer number of items players are able to currently purchase has grown nearly excessive. In addition to basics like back blings, gliders, pickaxes, and emotes, you could possibly use money on footwear, songs, musical tools, building blocks, cars, tires, vehicle drift colors, battle passes, and a membership. Companion pets not only require payment, but also introduce a range of fresh monetization options for the developer. Presumably, users will before long be able to spend for things like sidekick appearances, costumes, emotes, and additional engagement options.

Every one of such customization items are completely voluntary and not necessary to enjoy the game, yet equipment can nonetheless influence your social interactions. Kids, for example, at times encounter teasing for not wearing impressive enough outfits. A similar situation also transpired when the developer launched licensed shoes, which may be priced from 600 to 1,000 V-Bucks. That footwear cost model wasn't popular as well, and some players promised that they'd avoid succumb to the temptation back then. However in the end, buying footwear became normalized. Today, companion pets are additionally testing the limits of how much a gamer could be prepared to spend to stand out amongst the crowd.

What's Next for Sidekicks?

Sidekicks are still a fairly new feature, and they exist a title that updates frequently. Some fans are sharing that they have gotten a questionnaire that gauges how people feel about sidekick mechanics and pricing, which could possibly indicate that the developer's plans are still subject to change. Yet if Fortnite shoes are a sign, sidekicks probably won't become cheaper overall — instead, there may be a broader range of prices to shop.

After all, while some players are expressing anger at Fortnite item costs, others are experiencing nothing but happiness for their new competitive friends.