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A number of Fortnite enthusiasts are experiencing let down, and this isn't because of the latest in-game events. Fortnite's newest limited-time event, that introduces a Simpsons-themed map, has also rolled out a fresh mechanic called pets. It's impossible to deny that the latest pets are cute. However, the attached costs have made many fans shocked at this company's efforts to monetize nearly every part of the gaming experience.

Understanding Companion Pets?

Sidekicks are essentially similar to digital creatures, but having some limitations. Players can give them a name, and these pets will follow your character throughout a game. They are indestructible, and players can interact with them. Other players not in the player's party are unable to view sidekicks — and showing off one's animal friends is perhaps a big part of the fun of having them. Sidekicks are able to be customized with outfits and emotes, but the debate centers on their appearance. Each sidekick's overall appearance can only be changed once, after which that choice becomes permanent. Players can select a sidekick's fur shade, accent hues, iris tones, pattern, and its body type.

A Expensive Customization System

If you later decide that you want your sidekick to look a bit different, you cannot just further modify its appearance. You have to purchase a new companion. Furthermore, these pets aren't inexpensive. The majority of people are getting the banana-themed pet, since it's included in the current reward track. Based on unofficial reports, future pets may 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. You can change the name of a companion as many times as you'd like.

Community Reaction and Parallels

The majority of pets have not been formally launched yet, so the cost may well change. Yet regardless of whether the developer makes sidekicks more affordable, a lot of the frustration comes from the reality that players might need to pay for a one type of sidekick multiple times. To certain players, the pricing scheme feels particularly egregious when the game has previously added pets that ride about as part of backpack accessories. Back bling companions do not have a restriction on changes and can be seen by fellow players in the match. Backpack buddies cannot be given a name or use gestures, but other players are able to sometimes interact with them — and this is more favorable than remaining unseen completely.

Lack of unique features and limited interaction options have many players feeling underwhelmed. For instance, why is it not possible to a player, such as, interact playfully with your stylish fruit-themed pet? Some point out that companions sometimes fail to stay close with the user if a match is fast-paced, or mention that Peels takes up two slots in the reward system — and this reinforces the idea that the developer is squeezing the community for revenue. Profit-driven is a word that's appearing often in these discussions, with some likening pet monetization to other intense monetization models in games like popular sports games. Additionally, it doesn't help that some pets are expected to be pricier than their character skin counterparts.

"PLEASE avoid purchasing Companion Pets," pleads one highly-voted online thread that advises other gamers to proverbially express disapproval by not spending.

"We understand these pets are adorable," the thread continues, "we realize they're fun. I know we have all been anticipating them. But the monetization focus on display is unacceptable and must not be supported."

A Bigger Context of In-Game Spending

In recent years, Fortnite's special occasions and collaborations have grown in scope and aspiration, but the no-cost-to-start game still must earn income. Therefore, the sheer number of cosmetics players are able to currently buy has become almost excessive. In addition to basics like back accessories, gliders, pickaxes, and gestures, players might potentially spend cash on footwear, songs, musical tools, Lego pieces, vehicles, wheels, custom paint jobs, seasonal rewards, and a membership. Sidekicks not only cost payment, but also introduce a host of new revenue options for the company. Presumably, users will before long be able to spend for things like sidekick looks, costumes, emotes, and additional interaction options.

All of these customization items are entirely voluntary and not necessary to have fun with the experience, but equipment can still affect a player's social experience. Younger players, for instance, at times face teasing for using impressive sufficiently cool outfits. A similar issue also transpired when the company launched brand-name shoes, which can range from 600 to 1,000 V-Bucks. That shoe cost model wasn't popular either, and a few fans vowed that they wouldn't succumb to the temptation at the time. However in the end, purchasing shoes became commonplace. Today, sidekicks are further pushing the limits of what a player might be prepared to spend to be distinctive within the crowd.

What is Ahead for Sidekicks?

Pets are currently a fairly recent addition, and they're part of a title that changes regularly. A few fans are sharing that they've gotten a questionnaire that gauges how the community think about sidekick functionality and pricing, which could potentially indicate that the developer's strategy are remain fluid. Yet if the game footwear are any indication, companions likely will not get more affordable overall — there will just be a wider selection of costs to choose from.

After all, where certain players are expressing anger at Fortnite item costs, others are feeling only joy for their battle royale pals.