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Some battle royale players are feeling let down, and this isn't due to the latest in-game happenings. The game's newest mini-season, that introduces a Simpsons-themed map, also unveiled a brand-new mechanic called pets. There's no ignore that the latest companions are adorable. But, the associated costs have left numerous players shocked at the developer's efforts to profit from nearly every part of the game.

Understanding Companion Pets?

Companions are basically like Pokémon, though having a few limitations. You can give them a name, and they will accompany your character throughout a game. They are indestructible, and you can pet them. Opposing players outside the player's party cannot see sidekicks — and displaying your companions is arguably a big part of the enjoyment of having them. Pets are able to be customized with costumes and emotes, but the controversy centers on their appearance. A pet's main design is only able to be changed one time, at which point that choice becomes permanent. Players can choose a sidekick's coat color, accent hues, eye colors, pattern, and their body type.

The Costly Customization Mechanism

Should a player later choose that they'd like your sidekick to appear slightly altered, it's not possible to just further customize its appearance. You have to purchase another sidekick. And, sidekicks aren't inexpensive. Most players are getting the banana-themed sidekick, since it is packaged with this season's battle pass. Based on leaks, future pets could be priced at 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. However, players can change the name of a companion whenever they want.

Community Response and Parallels

The majority of sidekicks haven't been officially released so far, meaning the pricing could easily be adjusted. But regardless of whether the developer sets companions cheaper, much of the anger stems from the fact that players might have to pay for a one type of pet multiple times. To certain players, the pricing scheme feels particularly unfair considering the game has previously introduced companions that are carried about inside back blings. Backpack companions lack a restriction on changes and are visible by other players in the match. Backpack buddies cannot be given a name or perform gestures, but other players are able to sometimes engage with them — and this is better than being unseen completely.

Lack of special features and restricted engagement options have numerous players experiencing disappointed. For instance, why is it not possible to a player, for example, play fetch with their fancy banana dog? Some point out that sidekicks sometimes fail to stay close with the user if a game is fast-paced, or mention that the banana pet takes up two spots in the reward system — and this supports the notion that the company is squeezing the community for revenue. Profit-driven is a word that's coming up frequently in these conversations, with a number of comparing pet monetization to other aggressive pricing schemes in games like EA Sports FC. Additionally, it doesn't help that some sidekicks are expected to be more expensive than equivalent outfit versions.

"We urge you to avoid purchasing Sidekicks," urges one popular online post that advises other players to figuratively express disapproval by not spending.

"We understand they're adorable," the thread adds, "I know they're fun. I know everyone has been looking forward to them. However the monetization focus being shown is disgusting and must not be rewarded."

A Bigger Context of In-Game Spending

Over the past few years, Fortnite's special occasions and partnerships have grown in scale and aspiration, but the no-cost-to-start game still must generate income. As such, the total number of cosmetics users are able to currently purchase has grown almost overwhelming. In addition to standard items like back accessories, gliders, pickaxes, and gestures, players might possibly spend cash on footwear, music tracks, instruments, Lego pieces, vehicles, tires, custom paint jobs, seasonal rewards, and a subscription. Companion pets do not just require money, but also introduce a range of new revenue options for the developer. Presumably, players will soon be in a position to pay for things like sidekick appearances, costumes, emotes, and further engagement features.

Every one of such cosmetics are completely voluntary and not necessary to have fun with the experience, yet equipment can still influence a player's social interactions. Kids, for example, sometimes face teasing for using flashy enough outfits. A similar issue previously occurred when the company introduced brand-name kicks, which can range from 600 to 1,000 V-Bucks. The footwear pricing scheme wasn't popular either, and a few fans promised that they'd avoid succumb to the pressure at the time. However in the end, purchasing shoes grew normalized. Now, companion pets are additionally pushing the limits of what a gamer might be prepared to pay to stand out within the crowd.

What is Next for Sidekicks?

Pets are still a relatively recent feature, and they exist a game that changes regularly. A few fans are reporting that they have received a questionnaire that gauges how the community think about sidekick functionality and pricing, which could possibly indicate that the company's plans are still fluid. But if the game shoes are a sign, sidekicks probably will not get more affordable in general — there will just be a wider selection of prices to choose from.

Ultimately, where some players are expressing anger at the game shop prices, different players are experiencing nothing but happiness for their competitive friends.