Fortnite Game Fans Express Frustration Over Latest Sidekick Pets and Alleged Greed

A number of battle royale players are experiencing let down, and it's not because of recent virtual events. The game's current limited-time event, which introduces a Springfield map, also unveiled a fresh mechanic called pets. There's no deny that these latest pets are cute. However, the associated costs have left numerous players shocked at the developer's efforts to monetize nearly each part of the gaming experience.

What Are Sidekicks?

Sidekicks are basically like Pokémon, though having some drawbacks. Players can give them a name, and they will accompany you throughout a game. They are immortal, and you can interact with them. Other gamers not in your squad cannot view sidekicks — and displaying your companions is arguably a big part of the fun of owning them. Sidekicks can be outfitted with costumes and emotes, but the debate revolves around their looks. A sidekick's main design can only be altered one time, at which point that choice is permanent. You can choose a sidekick's coat color, accent hues, iris tones, markings, and its body type.

The Costly Customization System

If you later choose that you want their sidekick to appear slightly altered, you cannot simply continue to customize the look. You have to buy a new sidekick. And, sidekicks aren't cheap. The majority of people are obtaining the banana-themed pet, because it is included in this season's battle pass. According to unofficial reports, upcoming sidekicks may cost anywhere between 1,000 to 1,500 V-Bucks; for reference, 1,000 V-Bucks is priced at $8.99 and 2,800 V-Bucks are $22.99. However, players can rename a sidekick whenever you'd like.

Community Reaction and Comparisons

The majority of sidekicks have not been formally released yet, meaning the pricing could well be adjusted. Yet regardless of whether the company sets companions more affordable, much of the anger stems from the fact that players might have to spend for a one type of pet multiple times. To certain players, the cost structure feels particularly unfair when the game has already introduced companions that ride about as part of backpack accessories. Back bling pets do not have a customization limitation and are visible by fellow players in the game. Back bling pets cannot be given a name or use emotes, but other players can occasionally interact with them — and this is more favorable than remaining unseen altogether.

Lack of unique features and limited interaction options have numerous gamers experiencing underwhelmed. For instance, why is it not possible to you, for example, interact playfully with their stylish banana dog? A few point out that sidekicks do not always keep up with the player if a match is fast-paced, or mention that the banana pet takes up two spots in the reward system — and this supports the idea that the company is squeezing players for revenue. Profit-driven is a word that's coming up frequently in such discussions, with some comparing pet monetization to similar aggressive pricing schemes in titles like popular sports games. It also doesn't help that certain sidekicks are expected to be more expensive than their character skin counterparts.

"PLEASE do not buy Companion Pets," pleads a popular online post that advises fellow gamers to figuratively vote with their wallets.

"We understand these pets are adorable," the post continues, "I know they are fun. I know everyone has been anticipating them. However the monetization focus being shown is unacceptable and should not be supported."

A Bigger Context of In-Game Spending

In recent years, the game's events and collaborations have grown in scope and ambition, but the no-cost-to-start game continues to needs to generate revenue. As such, the total number of items players can now buy has become almost overwhelming. In addition to standard items like back accessories, deployment tools, harvesting tools, and gestures, you could possibly spend cash on footwear, music tracks, instruments, Lego pieces, cars, tires, custom paint jobs, seasonal rewards, and a membership. Sidekicks not only cost money, and also introduce a range of new revenue options for the company. Presumably, users will soon be able to spend for things like pet appearances, costumes, gestures, and further interaction features.

Every one of these customization items are entirely voluntary and not necessary to enjoy the experience, but equipment can still affect a player's social experience. Kids, for example, at times encounter bullying for using impressive sufficiently cool skins. A comparable situation previously transpired when the developer introduced licensed shoes, which may be priced from 600 to 1,000 V-Bucks. The footwear cost model wasn't popular either, and some players promised that they wouldn't fall prey to the pressure at the time. However in the end, buying shoes became normalized. Today, companion pets are further pushing the limits of what a player might be prepared to spend to be distinctive within the player base.

What's Next for Sidekicks?

Pets are still a fairly new addition, and they're part of a game that updates frequently. Some fans are sharing that they've gotten a survey that gauges how people feel about pet mechanics and monetization, which could potentially mean that the developer's plans are still fluid. Yet if Fortnite footwear are any indication, sidekicks probably will not become more affordable overall — instead, there may be a wider selection of prices to shop.

After all, where certain players are raging at Fortnite shop prices, others are experiencing nothing but happiness for their new battle royale friends.