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A number of battle royale enthusiasts are experiencing let down, and this isn't due to recent virtual happenings. Fortnite's current mini-season, that introduces a Simpsons-themed world, also unveiled a fresh mechanic known as sidekicks. There's no ignore that the new pets are cute. However, the attached costs have left many players shocked at the company's efforts to monetize almost each part of the gaming experience.

What Are Companion Pets?

Sidekicks are basically like digital creatures, though with a few limitations. Players can name them, and these pets will accompany your character during a game. They are immortal, and you can interact with them. Opposing gamers outside your squad cannot view these pets — and showing off your companions is arguably a big part of the enjoyment of having them. Sidekicks are able to be outfitted with outfits and emotes, however the controversy revolves around their appearance. A pet's overall design is only able to be changed once, after which that choice is final. Players can select a sidekick's coat color, accent hues, eye colors, pattern, and its body type.

A Expensive Personalization System

If a player afterward choose that you want your sidekick to appear slightly altered, it's not possible to just further modify its look. Players must purchase a new companion. And, these pets aren't inexpensive. Most players are obtaining the banana-themed sidekick, because it is included in this season's reward track. Based on leaks, future pets may be priced at from 1,000 to 1,500 V-Bucks; for reference, 1,000 V-Bucks costs $8.99 and 2,800 V-Bucks are $22.99. You can rename a companion as many times as you'd like.

Player Reaction and Comparisons

Most pets haven't been officially launched yet, meaning the pricing could well change. Yet even if the company sets sidekicks more affordable, much of the frustration comes from the fact that gamers could need to pay for a one kind of sidekick more than once. For some, the pricing scheme seems particularly egregious when the game has already added pets that are carried about as part of backpack accessories. Back bling companions do not have a customization limitation and are visible by fellow players in the game. Back bling pets can't be named or perform emotes, however opposing players can sometimes engage with them — and this is more favorable than being invisible altogether.

The absence of unique features and limited interaction options have numerous gamers feeling underwhelmed. Why can't a player, for example, interact playfully with their stylish fruit-themed pet? Some point out that companions sometimes fail to stay close with the user if a match is moving quickly, or mention that Peels takes up two slots in the battle pass — which reinforces the idea that the company is pressuring players for revenue. Greedy is a word that's appearing frequently in these discussions, with some likening pet pricing to similar aggressive pricing schemes in games like popular sports games. Additionally, it adds to the issue that some sidekicks are projected to be pricier than equivalent outfit counterparts.

"PLEASE do not buy Companion Pets," pleads one popular online post that encourages fellow players to proverbially vote with their wallets.

"We understand these pets are adorable," the post continues, "I know they are fun. We are aware everyone has been anticipating them. But the monetization focus on display is unacceptable and must not be rewarded."

A Broader Picture of In-Game Spending

Over the past few years, Fortnite's events and collaborations have expanded in scale and ambition, yet the no-cost-to-start title continues to must generate revenue. As such, the total quantity of cosmetics users are able to now buy has become nearly excessive. In addition to standard items like back blings, deployment tools, harvesting tools, and gestures, players might possibly use money on footwear, music tracks, musical tools, Lego pieces, vehicles, wheels, vehicle drift colors, seasonal rewards, and a subscription. Sidekicks do not just require payment, and also introduce a host of new revenue options for the company. It is likely, users will soon be able to pay for things like pet appearances, costumes, emotes, and further interaction options.

Every one of such customization items are completely voluntary and unneeded to enjoy the game, yet equipment can nonetheless influence a player's community experience. Younger players, for instance, at times face bullying for not wearing impressive enough outfits. A comparable issue also transpired when the developer launched brand-name kicks, which can range from 600 to 1,000 V-Bucks. That footwear pricing scheme was not popular as well, and a few players promised that they wouldn't fall prey to the temptation back then. But ultimately, purchasing footwear grew commonplace. Now, sidekicks are further testing the limits of how much a gamer might be willing to spend to be distinctive amongst the player base.

What's Ahead for Companion Pets?

Pets are still a fairly recent feature, and they exist a game that changes regularly. Some fans are reporting that they've received a survey that assesses how people feel about sidekick mechanics and monetization, and this might potentially indicate that the company's plans are still fluid. But if the game footwear are any indication, companions likely won't get cheaper in general — instead, there may be a wider range of prices to choose from.

Ultimately, while some individuals are raging at Fortnite item costs, others are experiencing only happiness for their new battle royale pals.