Fortnite Fans Voice Frustration Over Latest Sidekick Pets and Alleged Monetization Tactics

A number of battle royale enthusiasts are experiencing disappointed, and this isn't due to recent virtual happenings. Fortnite's newest mini-season, that brings a Springfield world, also unveiled a brand-new feature called sidekicks. It's impossible to deny that the new pets are adorable. But, the associated prices have made many players stunned at the developer's efforts to monetize nearly each aspect of the game.

What Are Companion Pets?

Sidekicks are basically similar to digital creatures, though having a few limitations. You can name them, and these pets will follow your character throughout a match. These sidekicks are indestructible, and players can pet them. Opposing gamers outside your squad are unable to see sidekicks — and showing off your animal friends is arguably a big part of the fun of owning them. Sidekicks can be customized with outfits and gestures, but the controversy centers on their looks. Each sidekick's main appearance can only be altered once, at which point that selection becomes permanent. Players can choose a companion's fur shade, accent hues, eye colors, markings, and their build size.

The Costly Customization System

If you afterward decide that they'd like your pet to look a bit altered, it's not possible to just continue to modify the appearance. You have to purchase another companion. And, sidekicks aren't cheap. Most players are obtaining the banana-themed pet, because it is packaged in the current reward track. According to unofficial reports, upcoming pets could cost anywhere between 1,000 to 1,500 V-Bucks; for reference, 1,000 V-Bucks costs $8.99 and 2,800 V-Bucks cost $22.99. You can rename a companion as many times as they want.

Player Response and Comparisons

Most pets have not been formally launched yet, so the cost could well be adjusted. Yet even if the developer makes companions cheaper, much of the anger stems from the reality that players could need to spend for a single kind of sidekick multiple times. For some, the cost structure feels particularly egregious considering the game has previously added companions that are carried about as part of backpack accessories. Backpack companions lack a restriction on changes and are visible by fellow participants in the match. Back bling buddies can't be named or perform emotes, however other gamers are able to sometimes interact with them — and this is more favorable than remaining invisible completely.

The absence of unique features and restricted engagement options have numerous gamers feeling disappointed. For instance, why is it not possible to a player, such as, play fetch with your fancy fruit-themed pet? Some point out that sidekicks sometimes fail to keep up with the player if a match is moving quickly, or mention that Peels takes up two slots in the battle pass — which supports the notion that the developer is squeezing players for money. Greedy is a word that's coming up frequently in such conversations, with some comparing pet monetization to similar intense monetization models in games like popular sports games. It also doesn't help that some sidekicks are expected to be pricier than equivalent outfit counterparts.

"We urge you to avoid purchasing Companion Pets," pleads a popular online thread that encourages other players to figuratively express disapproval by not spending.

"I know they're adorable," the thread adds, "I know they are enjoyable. I know everyone has been looking forward to them. However the greed being shown is disgusting and must not be rewarded."

The Broader Context of In-Game Spending

Over the past few years, the game's special occasions and collaborations have expanded in scope and aspiration, but the no-cost-to-start game continues to needs to generate revenue. Therefore, the total number of items players are able to currently buy has grown nearly overwhelming. In addition to basics like back blings, gliders, harvesting tools, and gestures, you could potentially use money on shoes, songs, musical tools, Lego pieces, vehicles, tires, custom paint jobs, seasonal rewards, and a membership. Sidekicks not only cost payment, but also introduce a range of new revenue options for the company. Presumably, players will soon be in a position to spend for things like sidekick looks, costumes, emotes, and further interaction options.

Every one of these cosmetics are completely optional and unneeded to have fun with the game, but gear can still influence a player's community experience. Kids, for example, at times face teasing for not wearing impressive sufficiently cool skins. A comparable issue also occurred when the company launched licensed shoes, which may be priced from 600 to 1,000 V-Bucks. The footwear cost model was not popular as well, and some players vowed that they'd avoid succumb to the temptation at the time. But in the end, buying shoes grew commonplace. Now, sidekicks are additionally pushing the limits of how much a gamer might be prepared to spend to be distinctive within the player base.

What's Ahead for Companion Pets?

Sidekicks are still a relatively new feature, and they're part of a title that changes frequently. A few players are sharing that they have gotten a survey that assesses how people think about pet mechanics and pricing, and this might possibly indicate that the developer's strategy are remain fluid. But if the game footwear are a sign, sidekicks probably won't become cheaper overall — instead, there may be a broader range of costs to shop.

After all, where some individuals are expressing anger at Fortnite shop prices, others are experiencing nothing but happiness for their new competitive pals.