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Some battle royale players are experiencing let down, and this isn't due to the latest in-game events. Fortnite's newest limited-time event, which brings a Simpsons-themed world, also unveiled a fresh feature known as sidekicks. There's no deny that the latest pets are adorable. But, the attached prices have left many fans stunned at the developer's attempts to monetize nearly each aspect of the game.

What Are Companion Pets?

Companions are basically similar to Pokémon, but with a few limitations. You can name them, and these pets will follow you throughout a game. They are immortal, and you can interact with them. Other players not in the player's party cannot see sidekicks — and showing off one's animal friends is perhaps half the fun of having them. Pets are able to be outfitted with costumes and gestures, however the debate centers on their appearance. A pet's overall appearance is only able to be altered one time, at which point that selection becomes permanent. You can choose a sidekick's coat color, secondary colors, iris tones, pattern, and its build size.

A Expensive Personalization System

Should you later decide that you want their pet to look a bit different, it's not possible to just continue to modify the look. Players must buy another sidekick. Furthermore, sidekicks aren't inexpensive. The majority of players are getting the Peels pet, since it's included in this season's reward track. 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 costs $8.99 and 2,800 V-Bucks cost $22.99. However, players can change the name of a sidekick whenever you'd like.

Community Response and Comparisons

Most pets have not been formally launched yet, meaning the pricing could easily be adjusted. But regardless of whether the developer makes companions more affordable, much of the anger comes from the reality that players might have to spend for a single kind of sidekick more than once. To certain players, the pricing scheme seems particularly egregious when the developer has already introduced companions that are carried around inside back blings. Backpack companions lack a customization limitation and are visible by fellow players in the game. Back bling pets can't be given a name or perform gestures, however other players are able to occasionally engage with them — and this is better than being unseen completely.

Lack of unique features and restricted interaction options have many gamers feeling underwhelmed. For instance, why is it not possible to a player, such as, interact playfully with their stylish banana dog? A few point out that sidekicks do not always keep up with the user if a game is moving quickly, or observe that the banana pet occupies two slots in the battle pass — and this reinforces the idea that the developer is pressuring the community for money. Profit-driven is a word that's coming up frequently in these discussions, with a number of comparing sidekick pricing to other aggressive monetization models in titles like EA Sports FC. Additionally, it adds to the issue that some sidekicks are expected to be pricier than their character skin versions.

"We urge you to do not purchasing Companion Pets," pleads a highly-voted online thread that advises other players to figuratively vote with their wallets.

"I know these pets are cute," the post adds, "I know they're fun. We are aware everyone has been anticipating them. However the monetization focus being shown is unacceptable and must not be supported."

The Bigger Context of Virtual Spending

Over the past few years, Fortnite's special occasions and partnerships have expanded in scope and aspiration, yet the free-to-play game still needs to earn revenue. As such, the total number of items players can now buy has grown nearly overwhelming. In addition to standard items like back blings, gliders, pickaxes, and gestures, players might potentially use cash on footwear, songs, instruments, Lego pieces, cars, tires, vehicle drift colors, seasonal rewards, and a subscription. Companion pets not only cost payment, but also introduce a range of new monetization options for the developer. It is likely, users will soon be able to spend for things like pet appearances, outfits, emotes, and further engagement features.

All of such customization items are entirely optional and not necessary to enjoy the experience, but equipment can nonetheless affect your social experience. Younger players, for instance, at times face bullying for using impressive enough outfits. A comparable situation also transpired when the company launched licensed kicks, which may be priced from 600 to 1,000 V-Bucks. That footwear cost model wasn't well received either, and some fans vowed that they'd avoid succumb to the pressure back then. However in the end, purchasing shoes became normalized. Now, companion pets are additionally pushing the boundaries of how much a player could be willing to pay to be distinctive amongst the crowd.

What's Next for Companion Pets?

Pets are still a fairly new addition, and they're part of a title that changes regularly. Some fans are sharing that they've gotten a survey that assesses how people feel about pet functionality and pricing, and this might potentially mean that the company's strategy are still fluid. But if Fortnite footwear are a sign, companions likely will not become cheaper overall — instead, there may be a broader range of prices to choose from.

Ultimately, while certain individuals are raging at Fortnite shop prices, others are feeling only happiness for their new battle royale pals.