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A number of Fortnite players are experiencing disappointed, and this isn't because of recent in-game events. Fortnite's current mini-season, that introduces a Simpsons-themed map, has also rolled out a fresh mechanic called pets. It's impossible to ignore that the new companions are adorable. However, the attached prices have left numerous fans stunned at this developer's attempts to profit from nearly each aspect of the gaming experience.

What Are Sidekicks?

Companions are basically similar to digital creatures, but having some limitations. Players can give them a name, and these pets will follow your character throughout a match. These sidekicks are immortal, and players can interact with them. Opposing players outside the player's squad are unable to view these pets — and displaying one's animal friends is perhaps half the enjoyment of having them. Pets can be outfitted with outfits and gestures, however the controversy revolves around their appearance. Each sidekick's overall appearance is only able to be changed once, at which point that choice is final. Players can select a sidekick's coat color, accent hues, iris tones, markings, and its body type.

The Expensive Customization System

Should you later choose that they'd like your pet to appear slightly altered, you cannot just further customize its look. You have to buy a new sidekick. And, these pets are not inexpensive. Most people are obtaining the banana-themed pet, because it's packaged in the current reward track. According to leaks, future sidekicks could 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. However, players can rename a companion whenever they want.

Community Response and Comparisons

Most sidekicks have not been formally launched yet, so the pricing could easily change. But even if the company makes sidekicks cheaper, a lot of the anger comes from the reality that players could have to pay for a one type of sidekick more than once. For some, the pricing scheme seems particularly egregious considering the game has already added pets that are carried about as part of back blings. Back bling companions do not have a restriction on changes and can be seen by other participants in the game. Backpack pets can't be named or perform gestures, but other players are able to sometimes interact with them — and this is more favorable than remaining invisible completely.

The absence of special features and restricted interaction choices have numerous players feeling underwhelmed. For instance, why is it not possible to you, such as, interact playfully with their fancy banana dog? Some note that companions sometimes fail to keep up with the player if a match is moving quickly, or observe that the banana pet occupies two slots in the reward system — and this reinforces the idea that the developer is pressuring players for money. Profit-driven is a word that's appearing often in such conversations, with a number of likening sidekick monetization to other aggressive monetization models in games like EA Sports FC. Additionally, it doesn't help that certain pets are projected to be more expensive than equivalent outfit counterparts.

"PLEASE do not buy Companion Pets," urges a highly-voted online thread that encourages other gamers to proverbially vote with their wallets.

"I know these pets are adorable," the thread adds, "we realize they are fun. We are aware everyone has been anticipating them. But the greed being shown is disgusting and must not be supported."

A Bigger Picture of Virtual Spending

Over the past few years, Fortnite's events and partnerships have expanded in scale and aspiration, yet the no-cost-to-start game continues to needs to generate revenue. Therefore, the sheer number of cosmetics players can currently buy has become almost excessive. Beyond basics like back accessories, gliders, pickaxes, and gestures, players might possibly spend money on shoes, music tracks, musical tools, Lego pieces, cars, tires, custom paint jobs, battle passes, and a subscription. Sidekicks not only cost money, but also introduce a host of new revenue options for the developer. Presumably, players will soon be able to pay for things like sidekick appearances, costumes, gestures, and further interaction features.

All of these cosmetics are completely optional and not necessary to have fun with the game, yet equipment can still affect a player's social experience. Kids, for instance, sometimes encounter teasing for using impressive sufficiently cool outfits. A similar issue previously occurred when the company introduced brand-name kicks, which may be priced from 600 to 1,000 V-Bucks. The footwear pricing scheme wasn't popular either, and a few fans vowed that they'd avoid fall prey to the temptation back then. But in the end, purchasing shoes grew normalized. Today, sidekicks are further pushing the limits of what a player could be prepared to pay to stand out amongst the crowd.

What is Next for Companion Pets?

Pets are still a relatively new feature, and they exist a title that changes frequently. A few fans are reporting that they have received a questionnaire that gauges how people think about sidekick functionality and pricing, and this might potentially mean that the developer's strategy are still subject to change. But if the game shoes are a sign, sidekicks probably won't get cheaper overall — there will just be a wider range of prices to choose from.

After all, where some players are expressing anger at Fortnite item costs, different players are experiencing only joy for their battle royale friends.