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A number of Fortnite enthusiasts are experiencing disappointed, and this isn't due to the latest in-game events. The game's newest mini-season, that brings a Simpsons-themed world, has also unveiled a brand-new feature called sidekicks. There's no ignore that the latest companions are cute. But, the associated prices have left numerous fans stunned at this company's efforts to monetize nearly every part of the gaming experience.

What Are Sidekicks?

Companions are basically similar to digital creatures, but with a few limitations. Players can name them, and they will accompany your character throughout a game. These sidekicks are indestructible, and you can pet them. Opposing players not in your squad are unable to see these pets — and showing off your companions is perhaps half the fun of having them. Pets are able to be customized with costumes and emotes, however the debate revolves around their appearance. Each pet's overall design is only able to be altered one time, at which point that selection becomes final. Players can choose a companion's coat color, secondary colors, eye colors, pattern, and their body type.

A Expensive Personalization System

If you later decide that you want their sidekick to look slightly different, you cannot simply continue to customize its look. You have to buy another companion. And, sidekicks aren't inexpensive. Most people are obtaining the Peels sidekick, since it is included in the current reward track. According to leaks, future pets may cost anywhere between 1,000 to 1,500 V-Bucks; to put that in perspective, 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 companion whenever you'd like.

Community Response and Comparisons

Most pets have not been formally released so far, meaning the pricing could easily change. But even if the company makes sidekicks more affordable, a lot of the anger stems from the reality that players might need to spend for a one type of sidekick more than once. To certain players, the cost structure seems particularly egregious when the game has previously added companions that are carried around inside backpack accessories. Backpack companions do not have a customization limitation and are visible by fellow participants in the game. Back bling buddies cannot be given a name or perform emotes, however other players can occasionally engage with them — which is more favorable than remaining unseen altogether.

The absence of special functions and limited engagement choices have many gamers feeling underwhelmed. Why can't you, for example, play fetch with your stylish banana dog? A few point out that companions do not always keep up with the player if a match is moving quickly, or mention that the banana pet occupies two slots in the reward system — which supports the notion that the developer is pressuring players for money. Greedy is a word that's appearing frequently in such conversations, with some comparing pet pricing to other aggressive monetization models in games like EA Sports FC. Additionally, it doesn't help that some pets are expected to be more expensive than equivalent character skin counterparts.

"We urge you to avoid buy Sidekicks," urges one highly-voted community post that encourages other players to figuratively vote with their wallets.

"We understand these pets are cute," the thread continues, "we realize they are enjoyable. I know we have all been looking forward to them. But the monetization focus on display is unacceptable and must not be supported."

The Broader Picture of Virtual Purchases

In recent years, the game's special occasions and collaborations have expanded in scale and ambition, yet the free-to-play title continues to must generate income. As such, the sheer number of cosmetics users can now purchase has grown almost excessive. In addition to standard items like back accessories, gliders, pickaxes, and gestures, you could possibly spend money on footwear, songs, musical tools, Lego pieces, vehicles, wheels, custom paint jobs, battle passes, and a subscription. Sidekicks not only cost money, but also bring in a host of fresh revenue avenues for the developer. It is likely, players will before long be able to spend for items like pet looks, costumes, gestures, and further engagement options.

All of these customization items are completely voluntary and not necessary to enjoy the game, yet gear can nonetheless affect a player's community interactions. Younger players, for example, sometimes face bullying for not wearing impressive sufficiently cool outfits. A comparable situation previously transpired when the company launched brand-name kicks, which may be priced from 600 to 1,000 V-Bucks. The footwear cost model wasn't well received as well, and some players promised that they wouldn't succumb to the temptation at the time. But ultimately, purchasing footwear became commonplace. Now, sidekicks are further pushing the boundaries of what a gamer could be willing to pay to stand out within the crowd.

What is Next for Companion Pets?

Pets are currently a fairly recent addition, and they're part of a title that changes frequently. A few fans are sharing that they have received a survey that assesses how people feel about sidekick mechanics and monetization, and this might potentially mean that the developer's strategy are still subject to change. But if the game footwear are any indication, companions probably will not become more affordable in general — instead, there may be a wider selection of prices to shop.

After all, where some individuals are expressing anger at the game item costs, others are feeling nothing but happiness for their competitive pals.