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A number of Fortnite enthusiasts are feeling disappointed, and it's not because of the latest virtual happenings. The game's newest limited-time event, which brings a Simpsons-themed map, has also rolled out a fresh mechanic known as pets. It's impossible to ignore that these latest companions are adorable. However, the associated costs have left many players shocked at this developer's efforts to profit from almost each aspect of the game.

What Are Companion Pets?

Companions are basically similar to Pokémon, though having some drawbacks. Players can name them, and these pets will follow your character during a match. These sidekicks are indestructible, and you can interact with them. Opposing players not in your party cannot see these pets — and showing off one's animal friends is perhaps half the enjoyment of having them. Sidekicks can be customized with outfits and emotes, however the debate revolves around their looks. Each sidekick's main appearance is only able to be changed once, at which point that choice becomes final. Players can choose a companion's coat color, secondary colors, eye colors, markings, and their build size.

A Expensive Customization Mechanism

Should you afterward choose that you want their sidekick to look slightly altered, it's not possible to just further customize its appearance. You have to buy a new sidekick. Furthermore, these pets are not inexpensive. Most players are getting the Peels pet, because it is included in this season's reward track. According to unofficial reports, upcoming sidekicks could cost from 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 you'd like.

Community Response and Comparisons

The majority of sidekicks haven't been formally launched so far, meaning the cost may well change. Yet even if the developer makes sidekicks cheaper, much of the anger stems from the fact that players could need to spend for a one type of sidekick multiple times. For some, the cost structure feels especially egregious considering the game has already added pets that are carried about inside back blings. Backpack companions lack a customization limitation and can be seen by other players in the match. Back bling buddies can't be named or use gestures, however other gamers are able to occasionally interact with them — and this is more favorable than remaining invisible completely.

Lack of special features and restricted interaction options have many gamers experiencing underwhelmed. Why can't you, for example, interact playfully with your fancy banana dog? A few note that sidekicks do not always stay close with the player if a game is moving quickly, or mention that Peels occupies two slots in the battle pass — which supports the notion that the developer is pressuring players for money. Profit-driven is a word that's coming up often in these discussions, with some likening pet pricing to other intense monetization models in games like popular sports games. It also doesn't help that certain pets are expected to be more expensive than their outfit versions.

"We urge you to do not buy Companion Pets," pleads a popular online thread that encourages fellow players to proverbially vote with their wallets.

"I know they're cute," the thread continues, "we realize they're fun. We are aware we have all been looking forward to them. But the monetization focus on display is unacceptable and must not be supported."

The Broader Picture of Virtual Spending

Over the past few years, Fortnite's special occasions and collaborations have expanded in scale and aspiration, yet the no-cost-to-start title still must earn revenue. Therefore, the sheer number of cosmetics players can now purchase has become nearly excessive. In addition to standard items like back blings, deployment tools, harvesting tools, and emotes, you could potentially spend money on footwear, music tracks, instruments, Lego pieces, cars, wheels, custom paint jobs, seasonal rewards, and a membership. Sidekicks not only require money, and also bring in a range of new monetization options for the developer. It is likely, users will before long be able to spend for things like pet appearances, costumes, gestures, and further engagement options.

All of these customization items are entirely voluntary and not necessary to have fun with the game, but equipment can still influence your community interactions. Kids, for example, sometimes encounter bullying for using impressive enough outfits. A similar issue previously occurred when the company launched licensed kicks, which can range from 600 to 1,000 V-Bucks. The footwear pricing scheme was not popular either, and a few fans promised that they'd avoid succumb to the temptation back then. But in the end, buying shoes became commonplace. Today, sidekicks are further pushing the boundaries of what a gamer might be prepared to spend to stand out within the player base.

What is Next for Companion Pets?

Sidekicks are currently a fairly new addition, and they're part of a title that changes frequently. A few fans are sharing that they've gotten a questionnaire that assesses how the community think about pet mechanics and monetization, and this might potentially mean that the company's plans are remain fluid. Yet if Fortnite shoes are any indication, companions likely will not get more affordable in general — instead, there may be a broader selection of prices to shop.

Ultimately, while certain players are raging at the game shop prices, different players are feeling nothing but joy for their new battle royale friends.