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Some battle royale enthusiasts are experiencing let down, and it's not because of recent virtual events. Fortnite's current mini-season, which brings a Simpsons-themed world, has also rolled out a fresh mechanic called sidekicks. There's no ignore that the new companions are cute. However, the associated costs have left many players stunned at this developer's attempts to monetize almost every part of the game.

Understanding Sidekicks?

Sidekicks are basically like digital creatures, but having some limitations. You can give them a name, and these pets will accompany you throughout a match. These sidekicks are indestructible, and you can pet them. Opposing gamers outside your squad are unable to view sidekicks — and showing off one's animal friends is arguably a big part of the fun of owning them. Pets can be outfitted with outfits and gestures, however the debate centers on their looks. A sidekick's overall appearance is only able to be altered one time, after which that choice becomes permanent. You can select a companion's coat color, accent hues, iris tones, markings, and its build size.

A Costly Personalization System

If a player later choose that you want your sidekick to look slightly different, it's not possible to just continue to customize its look. You have to buy a new companion. And, these pets aren't inexpensive. The majority of players are getting the banana-themed sidekick, since it's packaged in the current reward track. Based on unofficial reports, upcoming sidekicks could cost anywhere between 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 rename a sidekick whenever you'd like.

Community Reaction and Comparisons

Most sidekicks haven't been formally launched yet, so the cost could easily be adjusted. But regardless of whether the company sets sidekicks cheaper, much of the anger stems from the reality that players might need to pay for a one kind of sidekick multiple times. For some, the cost structure feels especially unfair considering the developer has already added companions that ride about inside back blings. Backpack pets do not have a restriction on changes and can be seen by fellow participants in the game. Backpack buddies cannot be given a name or perform emotes, but other players are able to sometimes engage with them — and this is better than being unseen altogether.

The absence of special features and limited engagement options have numerous gamers experiencing disappointed. For instance, why is it not possible to you, such as, play fetch with their fancy banana dog? A few point out that companions sometimes fail to keep up with the player if a game is fast-paced, or mention that Peels takes up two slots in the reward system — and this reinforces the idea that the company is squeezing the community for money. Profit-driven is a term that's appearing often in such conversations, with some likening pet monetization to other intense pricing schemes in titles like EA Sports FC. Additionally, it adds to the issue that certain sidekicks are projected to be more expensive than equivalent character skin counterparts.

"PLEASE do not buy Sidekicks," pleads one popular online thread that advises other players to figuratively express disapproval by not spending.

"We understand they're cute," the post continues, "I know they are fun. We are aware everyone has been anticipating them. But the monetization focus on display is disgusting and must not be supported."

A Broader Picture of Virtual Spending

In recent years, the game's events and partnerships have expanded in scale and aspiration, yet the no-cost-to-start title still needs to earn revenue. As such, the sheer quantity of items users can currently buy has grown almost overwhelming. Beyond basics like back blings, gliders, harvesting tools, and emotes, you could potentially use money on footwear, songs, instruments, building blocks, vehicles, tires, vehicle drift colors, seasonal rewards, and a subscription. Sidekicks not only cost money, and also bring in a range of fresh monetization options for the company. Presumably, users will soon be able to spend for things like sidekick looks, outfits, gestures, and further engagement features.

All of such cosmetics are entirely optional and unneeded to enjoy the experience, yet gear can nonetheless affect your community experience. Younger players, for instance, at times encounter teasing for not wearing flashy sufficiently cool outfits. A comparable issue previously transpired when the developer launched licensed kicks, which can range from 600 to 1,000 V-Bucks. The shoe pricing scheme was not popular either, and some fans vowed that they'd avoid succumb to the pressure back then. However in the end, purchasing footwear grew normalized. Now, companion pets are further testing the boundaries of what a gamer might be willing to pay to be distinctive within the crowd.

What is Ahead for Sidekicks?

Pets are still a fairly recent addition, and they're part of a title that updates frequently. A few players are sharing that they've gotten a questionnaire that gauges how the community feel about sidekick functionality and pricing, which could possibly indicate that the developer's strategy are still fluid. But if the game shoes are a sign, companions likely won't become cheaper in general — instead, there may be a wider selection of prices to shop.

After all, while certain individuals are expressing anger at Fortnite item costs, others are feeling nothing but happiness for their battle royale pals.