Fortnite Fans Voice Displeasure Over Latest Companion Creatures and Alleged Greed

A number of Fortnite players are feeling let down, and this isn't due to recent virtual events. The game's current limited-time event, that introduces a Simpsons-themed map, has also unveiled a brand-new feature called sidekicks. It's impossible to ignore that these new pets are cute. However, the associated prices have left numerous fans shocked at this developer's efforts to monetize nearly every part of the gaming experience.

What Are Sidekicks?

Companions are essentially similar to Pokémon, though with some drawbacks. Players can name them, and these pets will follow your character during a match. They are indestructible, and players can interact with them. Opposing players outside the player's party cannot view sidekicks — and showing off your companions is arguably a big part of the enjoyment of owning them. Sidekicks are able to be customized with outfits and emotes, but the controversy centers on their looks. Each pet's main design is only able to be altered once, at which point that selection becomes permanent. You can choose a companion's coat color, accent hues, iris tones, pattern, and their build size.

The Costly Customization System

If you later choose that they'd like your pet to appear slightly altered, you cannot just continue to customize the look. Players must purchase another companion. Furthermore, these pets aren't inexpensive. The majority of players are getting the Peels pet, because it is packaged with this season's reward track. Based on unofficial reports, future pets could cost anywhere between 1,000 to 1,500 V-Bucks; to put that in perspective, 1,000 V-Bucks costs $8.99 and 2,800 V-Bucks are $22.99. However, players can change the name of a companion as many times as you'd like.

Community Reaction and Parallels

Most sidekicks have not been formally released yet, meaning the pricing could easily change. But regardless of whether the developer makes sidekicks more affordable, a lot of the frustration stems from the reality that players could have to pay for a one type of pet more than once. To certain players, the cost structure seems particularly egregious when the developer has previously introduced companions that are carried about inside backpack accessories. Back bling companions lack a customization limitation and can be seen by other participants in the match. Back bling pets can't be named or use emotes, however opposing gamers can sometimes interact with them — and this is more favorable than remaining invisible completely.

Lack of special functions and limited engagement options have numerous gamers feeling underwhelmed. Why can't you, for example, play fetch with their fancy fruit-themed pet? Some note that companions sometimes fail to keep up with the user if a match is moving quickly, or mention that the banana pet occupies two spots in the battle pass — and this reinforces the notion that the developer is squeezing the community for money. Profit-driven is a term that's coming up frequently in these conversations, with a number of likening sidekick monetization to similar intense monetization models in games like popular sports games. Additionally, it adds to the issue that some pets are expected to be more expensive than their outfit versions.

"PLEASE do not buy Sidekicks," urges one popular community thread that encourages fellow gamers to proverbially vote with their wallets.

"I know they're adorable," the post continues, "I know they're enjoyable. We are aware everyone has been anticipating them. However the greed on display is disgusting and must not be supported."

The Broader Picture of Virtual Spending

In recent years, the game's events and partnerships have grown in scope and ambition, yet the free-to-play game still needs to generate income. Therefore, the sheer quantity of cosmetics users are able to currently purchase has grown nearly overwhelming. In addition to basics like back blings, deployment tools, pickaxes, and gestures, you could potentially use cash on footwear, songs, instruments, building blocks, vehicles, tires, vehicle drift colors, seasonal rewards, and a subscription. Companion pets do not just cost money, but also introduce a range of new monetization options for the company. It is likely, players will before long be able to spend for things like sidekick appearances, costumes, emotes, and further engagement options.

Every one of these cosmetics are completely optional and not necessary to enjoy the experience, but gear can nonetheless affect your community experience. Younger players, for instance, at times face bullying for using flashy sufficiently cool outfits. A similar situation previously occurred when the developer introduced licensed shoes, which may be priced from 600 to 1,000 V-Bucks. The footwear cost model was not popular either, and some players promised that they'd avoid fall prey to the pressure back then. But in the end, purchasing shoes became commonplace. Now, companion pets are further pushing the limits of how much a player might be willing to pay to be distinctive within the crowd.

What is Next for Sidekicks?

Pets are still a relatively recent addition, and they exist a title that updates frequently. Some fans are sharing that they have gotten a survey that gauges how the community feel about sidekick mechanics and pricing, which could possibly indicate that the developer's strategy are still fluid. But if Fortnite footwear are a sign, companions probably will not get cheaper overall — instead, there may be a wider selection of prices to choose from.

Ultimately, where some players are expressing anger at Fortnite shop prices, others are feeling nothing but happiness for their battle royale pals.