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A number of Fortnite enthusiasts are experiencing let down, and it's not because of recent virtual happenings. The game's current limited-time event, which brings a Springfield map, also rolled out a brand-new mechanic called sidekicks. There's no deny that the new pets are adorable. But, the associated costs have left numerous fans stunned at the developer's efforts to profit from almost every aspect of the gaming experience.

Understanding Companion Pets?

Sidekicks are basically similar to Pokémon, though having some limitations. Players can name them, and these pets will accompany you during a game. These sidekicks are immortal, and players can interact with them. Opposing players outside the player's squad are unable to view sidekicks — and showing off your animal friends is perhaps half the fun of owning them. Pets are able to be customized with costumes and emotes, but the controversy revolves around their appearance. A sidekick's overall design can only be altered once, after which that selection becomes final. You can choose a sidekick's coat color, accent hues, iris tones, markings, and their body type.

The Costly Customization Mechanism

If you later choose that they'd like your pet to look slightly different, you cannot simply continue to modify its appearance. Players must purchase a new sidekick. And, sidekicks aren't cheap. The majority of people are obtaining the Peels sidekick, because it's included with this season's reward track. Based on leaks, future sidekicks may cost 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 change the name of a sidekick as many times as they want.

Community Reaction and Comparisons

The majority of sidekicks have not been officially released yet, so the pricing could easily change. But regardless of whether the developer sets companions more affordable, much of the anger stems from the reality that gamers could need to pay for a one kind of pet multiple times. For some, the cost structure feels particularly egregious considering the game has previously introduced pets that ride around as part of backpack accessories. Backpack companions do not have a customization limitation and are visible by fellow players in the match. Back bling buddies can't be named or perform emotes, however other players are able to sometimes interact with them — which is better than being invisible altogether.

The absence of special features and limited engagement options have numerous players experiencing disappointed. Why can't a player, for example, interact playfully with their fancy fruit-themed pet? A few point out that sidekicks do not always keep up with the player if a game is fast-paced, or observe that Peels occupies two slots in the battle pass — which supports the notion that the company is squeezing the community for money. Profit-driven is a term that's appearing often in these discussions, with a number of likening sidekick monetization to similar intense monetization models in titles like EA Sports FC. It also adds to the issue that certain pets are projected to be more expensive than equivalent outfit counterparts.

"We urge you to avoid purchasing Companion Pets," urges one highly-voted community thread that advises fellow players to figuratively vote with their wallets.

"We understand they're cute," the post adds, "I know they're enjoyable. We are aware we have all been looking forward to them. However the greed on display is unacceptable and must not be rewarded."

The Bigger Picture of In-Game Spending

Over the past few years, Fortnite's events and partnerships have expanded in scale and aspiration, but the free-to-play game still must earn income. As such, the sheer quantity of items players are able to currently buy has grown almost overwhelming. In addition to basics like back blings, gliders, pickaxes, and emotes, players might possibly spend cash on footwear, music tracks, musical tools, Lego pieces, cars, tires, custom paint jobs, battle passes, and a membership. Sidekicks do not just cost money, and also bring in a range of new monetization avenues for the company. It is likely, users will soon be in a position to spend for items like pet looks, outfits, gestures, and further engagement options.

Every one of these cosmetics are completely voluntary and not necessary to have fun with the experience, yet equipment can still affect a player's community interactions. Kids, for instance, sometimes face bullying for not wearing flashy sufficiently cool skins. A similar issue also occurred when the company introduced licensed kicks, which can range from 600 to 1,000 V-Bucks. The shoe cost model wasn't well received either, and some fans vowed that they wouldn't succumb to the temptation at the time. But ultimately, buying footwear grew normalized. Today, sidekicks are additionally pushing the limits of how much a player could be willing to spend to be distinctive amongst the crowd.

What is Next for Sidekicks?

Sidekicks are currently a relatively new feature, and they're part of a title that changes frequently. Some players are sharing that they have gotten a questionnaire that gauges how the community think about sidekick mechanics and monetization, and this might possibly mean that the company's plans are remain subject to change. But if Fortnite shoes are a sign, sidekicks likely won't become cheaper in general — instead, there may be a wider selection of costs to shop.

Ultimately, while certain individuals are raging at Fortnite shop prices, others are feeling only happiness for their new battle royale friends.