Fortnite Game Community Express Frustration Over New Sidekick Pets and Alleged Monetization Tactics

A number of battle royale players are feeling let down, and this isn't due to the latest virtual events. The game's newest limited-time event, which brings a Simpsons-themed map, has also unveiled a brand-new feature known as pets. There's no ignore that these new companions are cute. But, the attached prices have made numerous fans shocked at this company's attempts to profit from almost each aspect of the gaming experience.

What Are Sidekicks?

Companions are basically similar to digital creatures, but with a few limitations. Players can give them a name, and they will accompany you during a game. These sidekicks are immortal, and players can pet them. Opposing players not in your party are unable to see these pets — and showing off one's companions is perhaps half the enjoyment of owning them. Sidekicks are able to be outfitted with costumes and gestures, however the debate centers on their appearance. A sidekick's overall design is only able to be altered once, after which that choice is permanent. Players can select a sidekick's fur shade, secondary colors, iris tones, pattern, and their build size.

The Expensive Personalization System

If you afterward decide that you want their sidekick to look slightly altered, you cannot just continue to customize the appearance. Players must buy another sidekick. Furthermore, these pets aren't cheap. Most players are getting the banana-themed sidekick, because it's included in this season's reward track. Based on leaks, upcoming sidekicks may be priced at 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 are $22.99. You can change the name of a companion as many times as they want.

Player Reaction and Parallels

The majority of sidekicks have not been formally released so far, so the cost could easily change. But regardless of whether the developer sets sidekicks cheaper, much of the anger comes from the fact that gamers might need to pay for a one kind of sidekick more than once. For some, the cost structure feels particularly egregious considering the game has previously introduced companions that ride around as part of back blings. Backpack pets lack a restriction on changes and can be seen by other participants in the game. Backpack buddies cannot be given a name or perform gestures, but opposing gamers can occasionally engage with them — and this is more favorable than remaining invisible altogether.

Lack of unique functions and limited engagement options have many players feeling underwhelmed. Why can't a player, for example, play fetch with your stylish banana dog? Some note that sidekicks sometimes fail to keep up with the user if a match is fast-paced, or mention that the banana pet takes up two slots in the reward system — which supports the notion that the developer is squeezing players for money. Profit-driven is a term that's coming up often in these conversations, with some likening sidekick monetization to other intense pricing schemes in titles like EA Sports FC. Additionally, it doesn't help that some pets are projected to be more expensive than equivalent outfit versions.

"We urge you to do not purchasing Sidekicks," pleads a popular community post that encourages fellow players to proverbially express disapproval by not spending.

"I know they're cute," the thread adds, "I know they are fun. I know everyone has been anticipating them. However the greed on display is disgusting and must not be supported."

The Broader Context of Virtual Spending

In recent years, the game's special occasions and partnerships have expanded in scale and aspiration, but the free-to-play game continues to needs to earn income. As such, the total number of items players can currently buy has grown nearly overwhelming. Beyond basics like back blings, gliders, harvesting tools, and emotes, players might possibly use money on footwear, music tracks, musical tools, Lego pieces, vehicles, wheels, vehicle drift colors, seasonal rewards, and a subscription. Companion pets not only cost money, and also bring in a host of fresh revenue avenues for the company. It is likely, players will before long be in a position to spend for items like pet appearances, costumes, emotes, and additional engagement features.

Every one of such cosmetics are completely voluntary and not necessary to enjoy the game, but equipment can nonetheless influence your community interactions. Younger players, for instance, sometimes face teasing for not wearing impressive sufficiently cool skins. A similar issue previously occurred when the company launched licensed shoes, which may be priced from 600 to 1,000 V-Bucks. The shoe pricing scheme was not well received either, and some players promised that they'd avoid fall prey to the temptation back then. However ultimately, purchasing shoes grew commonplace. Today, sidekicks are further pushing the boundaries of what a gamer could be willing to spend to stand out within the player base.

What is Next for Companion Pets?

Sidekicks are currently a relatively recent addition, and they're part of a title that updates regularly. Some fans are sharing that they've received a questionnaire that assesses how the community feel about pet functionality and pricing, and this might potentially mean that the developer's plans are remain subject to change. But if Fortnite footwear are a sign, companions probably won't become more affordable in general — instead, there may be a broader range of prices to choose from.

Ultimately, while certain individuals are expressing anger at Fortnite shop prices, others are experiencing only happiness for their battle royale pals.