🔗 Share this article

A number of battle royale players are experiencing disappointed, and it's not because of recent in-game happenings. The game's newest limited-time event, which introduces a Simpsons-themed world, has also rolled out a fresh mechanic known as sidekicks. There's no deny that the latest companions are adorable. But, the attached costs have made numerous fans stunned at the developer's efforts to profit from nearly each aspect of the game.

What Are Sidekicks?

Sidekicks are basically similar to Pokémon, but with some limitations. You can give them a name, and they will accompany your character during a match. These sidekicks are indestructible, and you can pet them. Other gamers not in the player's squad are unable to see sidekicks — and showing off one's animal friends is perhaps a big part of the enjoyment of owning them. Sidekicks are able to be customized with costumes and emotes, but the controversy centers on their appearance. Each sidekick's main design can only be changed once, after which that selection becomes final. You can select a companion's fur shade, accent hues, eye colors, markings, and its body type.

A Expensive Personalization System

Should a player later decide that they'd like their sidekick to appear slightly altered, you cannot simply continue to modify its appearance. Players must purchase a new sidekick. Furthermore, sidekicks are not inexpensive. Most players are obtaining the Peels pet, since it's included in this season's battle pass. Based on leaks, future sidekicks could cost from 1,000 to 1,500 V-Bucks; for reference, 1,000 V-Bucks costs $8.99 and 2,800 V-Bucks cost $22.99. You can rename a sidekick as many times as you'd like.

Player Reaction and Comparisons

The majority of pets have not been officially launched so far, so the cost may well be adjusted. Yet even if the developer makes companions more affordable, a lot of the anger stems from the fact that players might have to pay for a single type of pet more than once. For some, the cost structure feels especially egregious considering the game has previously added companions that ride around inside back blings. Back bling companions lack a customization limitation and are visible by fellow participants in the game. Backpack buddies cannot be given a name or use gestures, however opposing players can occasionally engage with them — and this is more favorable than remaining invisible completely.

Lack of unique features and restricted engagement choices have numerous gamers experiencing disappointed. For instance, why is it not possible to a player, such as, interact playfully with your fancy fruit-themed pet? A few note that sidekicks sometimes fail to stay close with the player if a match is fast-paced, or observe that the banana pet occupies two spots in the reward system — which supports the notion that the company is pressuring players for money. Profit-driven is a word that's coming up frequently in such discussions, with a number of comparing sidekick pricing to other intense pricing schemes in games like EA Sports FC. Additionally, it doesn't help that some sidekicks are projected to be pricier than their outfit counterparts.

"We urge you to do not buy Sidekicks," pleads a popular community post that advises other players to figuratively vote with their wallets.

"We understand these pets are cute," the thread continues, "I know they're enjoyable. I know we have all been anticipating them. But the monetization focus being shown is unacceptable and should not be supported."

A Broader Picture of Virtual Spending

In recent years, the game's events and partnerships have expanded in scope and aspiration, yet the free-to-play game still must earn income. As such, the sheer quantity of cosmetics players are able to now purchase has grown almost excessive. In addition to standard items like back blings, gliders, pickaxes, and emotes, you could possibly spend cash on shoes, music tracks, musical tools, building blocks, cars, wheels, custom paint jobs, battle passes, and a membership. Companion pets do not just require payment, but also bring in a range of new monetization avenues for the company. It is likely, users will before long be able to spend for things like pet looks, costumes, emotes, and additional interaction options.

All of these cosmetics are entirely voluntary and unneeded to have fun with the experience, but equipment can nonetheless influence a player's community interactions. Younger players, for instance, at times encounter bullying for not wearing impressive sufficiently cool skins. A comparable issue previously transpired when the developer introduced licensed shoes, which may be priced from 600 to 1,000 V-Bucks. The footwear pricing scheme wasn't well received as well, and some fans vowed that they wouldn't fall prey to the temptation at the time. But ultimately, purchasing footwear became commonplace. Now, companion pets are further testing the boundaries of what a gamer might be willing to pay to be distinctive within the player base.

What's Next for Sidekicks?

Sidekicks are still a fairly recent addition, and they exist a game that updates regularly. A few players are reporting that they have received a survey that assesses how people think about sidekick mechanics and monetization, which could potentially mean that the developer's strategy are remain subject to change. But if the game shoes are a sign, companions likely won't become more affordable overall — instead, there may be a wider selection of costs to choose from.

After all, while certain individuals are expressing anger at Fortnite shop prices, different players are experiencing nothing but joy for their new battle royale friends.