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Some Fortnite enthusiasts are experiencing disappointed, and this isn't because of the latest virtual happenings. Fortnite's newest mini-season, which brings a Springfield world, has also unveiled a brand-new feature known as pets. It's impossible to deny that these new pets are cute. However, the attached prices have left many fans stunned at the company's attempts to monetize nearly every part of the game.

What Are Companion Pets?

Sidekicks are basically like Pokémon, but with some drawbacks. Players can name them, and these pets will accompany you during a match. These sidekicks are immortal, and players can interact with them. Other gamers outside your squad are unable to see sidekicks — and showing off your 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 looks. A pet's main design is only able to be altered one time, after which that choice is final. You can choose a sidekick's fur shade, secondary colors, eye colors, pattern, and its build size.

The Expensive Customization Mechanism

If you later decide that they'd like their sidekick to look a bit altered, you cannot just further modify the appearance. You have to purchase another companion. Furthermore, these pets are not cheap. Most players are obtaining the banana-themed pet, since it's included in this season's battle pass. Based on leaks, upcoming sidekicks may be priced at anywhere between 1,000 to 1,500 V-Bucks; for reference, 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 as many times as they want.

Player Reaction and Comparisons

The majority of sidekicks haven't been officially released so far, so the pricing may easily be adjusted. But even if the developer makes companions cheaper, much of the frustration comes from the fact that gamers might have to spend for a one type of pet more than once. For some, the pricing scheme seems particularly unfair considering the game has already added pets that are carried around inside back blings. Backpack pets do not have a restriction on changes and are visible by other participants in the match. Backpack pets can't be given a name or perform gestures, but opposing gamers can sometimes engage with them — which is better than remaining invisible altogether.

The absence of unique functions and limited engagement options have numerous players experiencing underwhelmed. For instance, why is it not possible to you, for example, play fetch with their stylish 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 reinforces the notion that the developer is pressuring players for money. Greedy is a term that's appearing often in these conversations, with a number of likening pet monetization to similar aggressive monetization models in titles like EA Sports FC. Additionally, it adds to the issue that certain sidekicks are expected to be more expensive than equivalent character skin versions.

"We urge you to do not buy Sidekicks," urges a highly-voted online post that advises other gamers to figuratively vote with their wallets.

"I know these pets are adorable," the thread adds, "we realize they're enjoyable. We are aware everyone has been looking forward to them. But the monetization focus on display is unacceptable and should not be supported."

The Broader Picture of Virtual Purchases

In recent years, the game's events and partnerships have grown in scope and ambition, but the no-cost-to-start game still must earn income. Therefore, the total number of cosmetics users can now buy has become almost excessive. In addition to basics like back accessories, gliders, harvesting tools, and gestures, players might possibly spend cash on shoes, music tracks, instruments, Lego pieces, vehicles, wheels, custom paint jobs, battle passes, and a subscription. Sidekicks not only cost payment, but also introduce a range of new monetization avenues for the company. Presumably, players will soon be in a position to pay for things like pet looks, costumes, emotes, and additional engagement features.

Every one of such cosmetics are entirely voluntary and unneeded to have fun with the game, yet gear can still affect a player's social experience. Kids, for example, at times encounter bullying for using impressive sufficiently cool skins. A comparable situation previously occurred when the developer introduced licensed kicks, which may be priced from 600 to 1,000 V-Bucks. The footwear cost model was not well received either, and some fans vowed that they'd avoid succumb to the temptation back then. But ultimately, purchasing footwear became commonplace. Now, companion pets are additionally testing the boundaries of how much a player might be willing to pay to stand out within the player base.

What is Ahead for Companion Pets?

Sidekicks are still a relatively recent addition, and they're part of a title that updates frequently. Some players are reporting that they've gotten a questionnaire that assesses how the community think about pet mechanics and monetization, and this might possibly mean that the developer's strategy are remain fluid. But if the game shoes are a sign, companions likely will not get more affordable overall — instead, there may be a broader selection of prices to shop.

After all, where certain individuals are expressing anger at Fortnite shop prices, others are feeling nothing but joy for their new battle royale pals.