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Some Fortnite players are feeling disappointed, and this isn't due to the latest virtual happenings. The game's current limited-time event, that introduces a Simpsons-themed map, also unveiled a fresh mechanic called sidekicks. It's impossible to deny that the latest companions are adorable. However, the attached costs have left numerous fans shocked at this developer's attempts to monetize nearly each part of the game.

What Are Companion Pets?

Sidekicks are essentially similar to Pokémon, though having a few limitations. You can name them, and they will accompany you during a match. They are indestructible, and players can pet them. Other players not in your party are unable to view these pets — and showing off your companions is arguably half the enjoyment of having them. Sidekicks can be outfitted with outfits and gestures, however the debate revolves around their looks. A pet's main appearance is only able to be altered once, at which point that selection becomes permanent. Players can select a sidekick's fur shade, secondary colors, iris tones, markings, and their build size.

A Costly Personalization Mechanism

Should a player afterward choose that they'd like your sidekick to appear a bit altered, you cannot just continue to customize the look. Players must purchase another sidekick. And, these pets aren't cheap. Most players are getting the Peels sidekick, since it is packaged with the current reward track. According to unofficial reports, upcoming pets may cost 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. You can change the name of a sidekick as many times as they want.

Player Response and Comparisons

The majority of pets have not been formally launched yet, so the pricing could easily change. But even if the developer makes companions more affordable, much of the frustration comes from the fact that gamers might have to pay for a one kind of sidekick more than once. To certain players, the cost structure feels especially unfair considering the game has already introduced companions that ride about inside back blings. Back bling companions do not have a customization limitation and can be seen by fellow participants in the match. Back bling buddies can't be given a name or use gestures, however opposing gamers can sometimes engage with them — and this is more favorable than remaining unseen altogether.

Lack of special functions and limited engagement choices have numerous gamers experiencing disappointed. Why can't a player, such as, play fetch with their stylish fruit-themed pet? A few point out that sidekicks do not always stay close with the player if a game is moving quickly, or observe that the banana pet occupies two slots in the battle pass — which reinforces the idea that the company is pressuring the community for revenue. Greedy is a term that's coming up frequently in these discussions, with some comparing pet monetization to other aggressive monetization models in games like popular sports games. It also doesn't help that certain sidekicks are expected to be more expensive than equivalent character skin counterparts.

"PLEASE avoid buy Sidekicks," urges a highly-voted online thread that advises fellow gamers to figuratively vote with their wallets.

"I know they're adorable," the post adds, "I know they are enjoyable. I know we have all been looking forward to them. But the monetization focus on display is disgusting and should not be supported."

The Broader Context of In-Game Purchases

In recent years, the game's events and collaborations have grown in scale and aspiration, yet the free-to-play game continues to must generate revenue. Therefore, the total number of items players are able to now purchase has grown nearly excessive. Beyond standard items like back blings, gliders, harvesting tools, and emotes, players might potentially use cash on shoes, music tracks, instruments, Lego pieces, cars, wheels, custom paint jobs, seasonal rewards, and a membership. Sidekicks do not just cost money, but also bring in a host of fresh monetization avenues for the developer. It is likely, users will soon be in a position to spend for items like pet looks, outfits, emotes, and additional engagement features.

Every one of such customization items are entirely voluntary and unneeded to have fun with the game, yet gear can still affect your social experience. Younger players, for instance, at times encounter bullying for not wearing flashy sufficiently cool outfits. A similar issue previously occurred when the developer introduced brand-name shoes, which can range from 600 to 1,000 V-Bucks. That footwear cost model wasn't well received either, and some fans vowed that they'd avoid fall prey to the pressure at the time. But ultimately, purchasing footwear grew commonplace. Now, companion pets are further pushing the boundaries of what a gamer could be willing to pay to stand out within the player base.

What's Ahead for Sidekicks?

Sidekicks are currently a relatively recent feature, and they exist a title that changes regularly. A few players are sharing that they have gotten a questionnaire that gauges how people feel about sidekick functionality and pricing, which could potentially mean that the developer's strategy are remain subject to change. But if Fortnite shoes are any indication, companions probably will not become more affordable overall — there will just be a broader selection of costs to choose from.

After all, while certain players are expressing anger at the game shop prices, different players are feeling nothing but happiness for their battle royale pals.