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Some battle royale players are feeling disappointed, and this isn't because of the latest virtual events. Fortnite's newest limited-time event, which brings a Springfield map, has also rolled out a brand-new feature known as sidekicks. It's impossible to ignore that the new pets are adorable. But, the attached prices have made numerous fans shocked at the developer's efforts to monetize almost every aspect of the gaming experience.

What Are Companion Pets?

Companions are basically like digital creatures, though with a few limitations. Players can name them, and these pets will follow your character during a game. They are immortal, and players can interact with them. Opposing players outside the player's squad are unable to view sidekicks — and showing off one's companions is arguably a big part of the enjoyment of owning them. Pets are able to be outfitted with costumes and gestures, however the debate revolves around their looks. A sidekick's main design is only able to be altered once, after which that selection becomes permanent. You can choose a sidekick's coat color, accent hues, eye colors, markings, and their body type.

The Expensive Customization Mechanism

Should you afterward decide that they'd like their pet to look slightly altered, you cannot simply further customize the appearance. Players must buy a new companion. And, sidekicks aren't inexpensive. The majority of players are obtaining the banana-themed sidekick, since it is included in this season's battle pass. According to unofficial reports, future pets could cost from 1,000 to 1,500 V-Bucks; to put that in perspective, 1,000 V-Bucks is priced at $8.99 and 2,800 V-Bucks are $22.99. You can change the name of a sidekick whenever you'd like.

Community Reaction and Parallels

Most sidekicks have not been formally launched so far, so the cost may well be adjusted. But regardless of whether the company sets companions more affordable, much of the anger stems from the fact that gamers could have to spend for a one kind of pet more than once. For some, the pricing scheme feels especially egregious considering the developer has already added pets that ride about as part of back blings. Backpack companions do not have a customization limitation and are visible by other players in the game. Back bling buddies cannot be named or use emotes, however other gamers can sometimes interact with them — and this is better than being unseen completely.

Lack of special functions and limited engagement options have numerous players feeling underwhelmed. Why can't a player, such as, play fetch with their fancy banana dog? A few note that sidekicks sometimes fail to keep up with the player if a match is fast-paced, or observe that Peels takes up two spots in the battle pass — which reinforces the notion that the developer is squeezing players for money. Profit-driven is a term that's appearing frequently in these conversations, with a number of likening sidekick monetization to similar intense pricing schemes in games like popular sports games. Additionally, it doesn't help that certain pets are projected to be pricier than equivalent character skin versions.

"PLEASE do not buy Companion Pets," pleads one highly-voted online thread that advises other players to figuratively vote with their wallets.

"We understand they're cute," the thread continues, "we realize they are fun. We are aware everyone has been looking forward to them. But the monetization focus being shown is disgusting and should not be rewarded."

A Broader Picture of Virtual Spending

In recent years, Fortnite's events and collaborations have grown in scale and ambition, but the no-cost-to-start title still must generate revenue. Therefore, the total number of cosmetics users can now purchase has become nearly excessive. Beyond basics like back accessories, gliders, pickaxes, and emotes, players might possibly spend money on shoes, songs, musical tools, Lego pieces, vehicles, wheels, custom paint jobs, seasonal rewards, and a subscription. Sidekicks do not just cost money, but also introduce a range of new monetization avenues for the company. Presumably, users will soon be in a position to spend for things like pet appearances, outfits, gestures, and additional engagement features.

Every one of such customization items are completely voluntary and not necessary to have fun with the game, yet equipment can nonetheless influence your community interactions. Younger players, for example, sometimes face teasing for not wearing impressive enough skins. A similar situation previously occurred when the company introduced licensed shoes, which may be priced from 600 to 1,000 V-Bucks. That footwear pricing scheme wasn't popular as well, and some players promised that they wouldn't succumb to the pressure at the time. But in the end, purchasing footwear became commonplace. Today, companion pets are further testing the limits of what a player could be willing to spend to stand out amongst the crowd.

What is Ahead for Sidekicks?

Sidekicks are still a relatively recent feature, and they're part of a title that changes frequently. A few fans are sharing that they have gotten a questionnaire that gauges how people feel about sidekick functionality and pricing, which could potentially indicate that the developer's strategy are remain fluid. But if the game shoes are any indication, companions probably won't become more affordable overall — instead, there may be a wider range of costs to choose from.

After all, while some individuals are raging at Fortnite shop prices, others are feeling nothing but joy for their battle royale pals.