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A number of Fortnite enthusiasts are feeling disappointed, and this isn't because of the latest virtual events. The game's newest mini-season, that brings a Springfield map, has also unveiled a brand-new feature called pets. There's no deny that these latest pets are cute. However, the associated costs have left many fans stunned at the company's attempts to profit from nearly every aspect of the game.

Understanding Sidekicks?

Sidekicks are essentially like digital creatures, but with some limitations. Players can name them, and these pets will follow you throughout a game. They are immortal, and players can interact with them. Opposing players outside the player's party cannot see these pets — and displaying one's companions is arguably half the enjoyment of having them. Sidekicks can be outfitted with costumes and gestures, however the debate centers on their appearance. A pet's overall appearance is only able to be altered one time, at which point that selection becomes final. Players can choose a companion's fur shade, accent hues, iris tones, pattern, and its body type.

A Expensive Customization Mechanism

Should a player later decide that they'd like their pet to appear slightly different, it's not possible to just continue to modify the appearance. You have to purchase a new companion. And, these pets aren't inexpensive. The majority of people are obtaining the banana-themed sidekick, since it is included in this season's reward track. According to unofficial reports, 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 cost $22.99. However, players can rename a sidekick as many times as they want.

Player Response and Parallels

Most pets haven't been formally launched so far, meaning the pricing could easily change. But even if the developer makes sidekicks more affordable, much of the anger comes from the fact that players could have to pay for a single type of sidekick multiple times. For some, the cost structure feels especially unfair considering the developer has previously added pets that are carried about as part of backpack accessories. Back bling companions do not have a restriction on changes and can be seen by other players in the game. Backpack buddies can't be given a name or perform gestures, but other players can sometimes engage with them — and this is more favorable than being unseen altogether.

The absence of unique functions and limited engagement options have many gamers experiencing underwhelmed. Why can't you, such as, play fetch with your fancy banana dog? Some note that companions do not always keep up with the user if a match is fast-paced, or observe that the banana pet takes up two slots in the battle pass — and this reinforces the idea that the company is squeezing the community for revenue. Profit-driven is a term that's appearing frequently in these conversations, with a number of comparing sidekick pricing to other intense monetization models in games like popular sports games. Additionally, it doesn't help that some pets are projected to be more expensive than their character skin versions.

"PLEASE do not purchasing Sidekicks," urges one highly-voted online post that encourages other players to proverbially vote with their wallets.

"I know these pets are cute," the thread continues, "I know they are enjoyable. We are aware everyone has been anticipating them. But the monetization focus being shown is unacceptable and must not be rewarded."

The Bigger Picture of In-Game Purchases

Over the past few years, Fortnite's events and partnerships have grown in scope and aspiration, yet the no-cost-to-start title still needs to generate revenue. As such, the sheer number of items users are able to currently buy has grown nearly overwhelming. Beyond basics like back accessories, gliders, pickaxes, and emotes, players might potentially use cash on footwear, music tracks, instruments, Lego pieces, cars, tires, vehicle drift colors, seasonal rewards, and a membership. Companion pets do not just require money, but also bring in a host of new monetization avenues for the company. It is likely, players will before long be in a position to pay for items like sidekick looks, outfits, gestures, and additional interaction features.

Every one of such customization items are completely voluntary and not necessary to enjoy the game, but gear can nonetheless influence a player's community interactions. Younger players, for example, sometimes face teasing for using impressive enough skins. A similar issue previously transpired when the developer introduced licensed kicks, which may be priced from 600 to 1,000 V-Bucks. The footwear pricing scheme wasn't well received either, and some fans vowed that they'd avoid succumb to the temptation at the time. However in the end, buying shoes grew normalized. Now, sidekicks are additionally testing the boundaries of what a player could be prepared to pay to stand out within the player base.

What's Next for Sidekicks?

Pets are still a fairly new addition, and they're part of a game that updates regularly. Some fans are sharing that they've received a survey that gauges how the community feel about pet functionality and pricing, which could possibly mean that the company's plans are still fluid. But if Fortnite shoes are any indication, sidekicks likely will not get cheaper in general — there will just be a broader selection of costs to shop.

Ultimately, where some individuals are expressing anger at the game shop prices, others are feeling nothing but happiness for their new competitive friends.