Some battle royale players are experiencing let down, and it's not due to recent in-game events. Fortnite's newest limited-time event, that introduces a Simpsons-themed map, has also rolled out a fresh feature called pets. It's impossible to ignore that these new pets are cute. However, the associated costs have made many players shocked at the company's attempts to monetize almost every part of the gaming experience.
Sidekicks are basically like digital creatures, but having some drawbacks. You can give them a name, and these pets will accompany your character during a game. These sidekicks are indestructible, and players can pet them. Other players not in the player's squad cannot see sidekicks — and showing off one's companions is arguably a big part of the enjoyment of owning them. Pets are able to be customized with costumes and gestures, but the controversy revolves around their looks. Each sidekick's main appearance can only be changed once, after which that selection is final. You can select a sidekick's fur shade, accent hues, iris tones, markings, and its build size.
Should a player afterward choose that they'd like their sidekick to look slightly altered, it's not possible to just further customize its appearance. Players must purchase another companion. And, these pets are not cheap. Most players are getting the Peels sidekick, since it is included in the current battle pass. According to unofficial reports, future sidekicks could be priced at from 1,000 to 1,500 V-Bucks; for reference, 1,000 V-Bucks is priced at $8.99 and 2,800 V-Bucks cost $22.99. However, players can rename a companion whenever they want.
The majority of sidekicks have not been formally released so far, meaning the pricing could well be adjusted. But regardless of whether the company sets sidekicks more affordable, much of the frustration comes from the fact that players might have to spend for a single type of sidekick multiple times. To certain players, the cost structure seems especially egregious considering the game has previously introduced pets that are carried about inside backpack accessories. Back bling pets do not have a customization limitation and are visible by fellow players in the game. Back bling buddies cannot be given a name or perform gestures, however other players can sometimes interact with them — and this is more favorable than remaining invisible completely.
Lack of unique functions and restricted interaction options have many gamers feeling disappointed. Why can't you, for example, interact playfully with their fancy fruit-themed pet? Some note that companions sometimes fail to stay close with the player if a game is fast-paced, or observe that the banana pet takes up two spots in the reward system — and this supports the idea that the developer is squeezing the community for money. Greedy is a word that's appearing often in such discussions, with some likening sidekick monetization to similar aggressive pricing schemes in games like popular sports games. Additionally, it adds to the issue that some sidekicks are projected to be pricier than equivalent character skin counterparts.
"PLEASE do not buy Companion Pets," pleads one highly-voted community post that encourages fellow gamers to figuratively vote with their wallets.
"I know these pets are cute," the thread continues, "we realize they are fun. We are aware we have all been looking forward to them. But the greed on display is unacceptable and must not be supported."
Over the past few years, the game's special occasions and partnerships have expanded in scale and ambition, but the free-to-play game still needs to earn income. As such, the total number of items players can now purchase has become almost excessive. In addition to basics like back accessories, deployment tools, pickaxes, and emotes, players might possibly spend cash on footwear, songs, musical tools, building blocks, vehicles, wheels, custom paint jobs, seasonal rewards, and a membership. Sidekicks do not just require payment, and also introduce a range of fresh monetization avenues for the company. Presumably, users will soon be able to pay for things like sidekick appearances, costumes, emotes, and further interaction features.
Every one of such cosmetics are entirely optional and not necessary to enjoy the game, but equipment can still influence your social experience. Younger players, for example, at times face bullying for not wearing impressive enough outfits. A comparable issue also occurred when the company introduced licensed kicks, which may be priced from 600 to 1,000 V-Bucks. The shoe cost model wasn't well received as well, and a few players vowed that they wouldn't succumb to the pressure at the time. However in the end, buying shoes grew commonplace. Today, companion pets are further pushing the boundaries of how much a gamer might be willing to spend to be distinctive within the crowd.
Sidekicks are still a relatively new feature, and they exist a title that updates frequently. Some fans are reporting that they have received a questionnaire that assesses how people think about pet functionality and pricing, and this might possibly mean that the company's plans are remain subject to change. But if Fortnite footwear are a sign, sidekicks probably won't get cheaper overall — instead, there may be a wider range of prices to shop.
Ultimately, while some individuals are raging at the game shop prices, others are feeling only happiness for their competitive friends.
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