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Some battle royale players are experiencing disappointed, and this isn't because of the latest in-game events. The game's newest limited-time event, which introduces a Simpsons-themed map, has also rolled out a brand-new mechanic known as pets. There's no ignore that these new pets are adorable. But, the attached prices have left many players stunned at this company's attempts to monetize nearly every aspect of the gaming experience.

Understanding Sidekicks?

Sidekicks are basically like Pokémon, but with some limitations. Players can give them a name, and these pets will accompany you throughout a match. They are immortal, and you can interact with them. Other players not in your squad cannot see sidekicks — and showing off your animal friends is perhaps half the enjoyment of owning them. Pets can be customized with outfits and gestures, but the debate centers on their appearance. A pet's main design can only be changed one time, after which that choice is final. Players can select a sidekick's coat color, accent hues, eye colors, markings, and their build size.

The Expensive Customization System

Should a player later choose that they'd like their pet to look slightly different, you cannot just continue to customize its look. You have to purchase another companion. Furthermore, these pets are not inexpensive. Most people are getting the banana-themed sidekick, since it's included with this season's battle pass. According to unofficial reports, future pets 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 cost $22.99. You can change the name of a companion as many times as they want.

Player Response and Comparisons

Most sidekicks have not been formally launched yet, meaning the pricing may easily be adjusted. But regardless of whether the developer sets companions more affordable, a lot of the frustration stems from the reality that players could have to spend for a single kind of sidekick multiple times. For some, the cost structure seems especially unfair considering the developer has already added pets that are carried about as part of back blings. Back bling pets lack a restriction on changes and are visible by other players in the match. Back bling buddies can't be named or use emotes, however other players can sometimes interact with them — and this is more favorable than remaining unseen completely.

Lack of special features and limited engagement choices have many players feeling disappointed. For instance, why is it not possible to you, such as, play fetch with your stylish fruit-themed pet? A few note that sidekicks sometimes fail to keep up with the player if a game is moving quickly, or observe that Peels occupies two spots in the battle pass — and this reinforces the idea that the company is squeezing the community for money. Profit-driven is a word that's appearing often in these discussions, with a number of likening sidekick pricing to other intense pricing schemes in games like EA Sports FC. It also adds to the issue that certain sidekicks are projected to be more expensive than equivalent character skin versions.

"PLEASE avoid buy Companion Pets," urges a highly-voted online thread that encourages other players to figuratively express disapproval by not spending.

"I know these pets are cute," the post continues, "we realize they are fun. I know we have all been anticipating them. However the monetization focus being shown is unacceptable and must not be rewarded."

A Broader Picture of In-Game Spending

In recent years, the game's special occasions and collaborations have expanded in scale and ambition, yet the free-to-play game still needs to earn revenue. Therefore, the sheer number of items users are able to now purchase has grown nearly overwhelming. In addition to basics like back accessories, gliders, harvesting tools, and gestures, players might possibly use money on shoes, music tracks, musical tools, Lego pieces, vehicles, wheels, vehicle drift colors, seasonal rewards, and a membership. Companion pets do not just require payment, and also introduce a range of fresh revenue avenues for the company. Presumably, players will before long be in a position to pay for items like sidekick appearances, costumes, emotes, and further engagement features.

All of such cosmetics are entirely voluntary and unneeded to enjoy the game, but gear can still affect a player's social experience. Kids, for example, at times face teasing for using flashy enough outfits. A similar situation also transpired when the developer launched brand-name kicks, which can range from 600 to 1,000 V-Bucks. The shoe pricing scheme wasn't popular either, and some players vowed that they'd avoid fall prey to the temptation back then. But ultimately, purchasing footwear grew commonplace. Now, companion pets are additionally pushing the boundaries of how much a gamer could be prepared to spend to be distinctive amongst the player base.

What's Next for Companion Pets?

Pets are currently a relatively new addition, and they exist a title that updates frequently. Some fans are reporting that they have received a survey that gauges how the community feel about sidekick functionality and monetization, and this might potentially mean that the company's strategy are remain subject to change. But if the game footwear are any indication, sidekicks likely won't get more affordable overall — instead, there may be a broader selection of prices to choose from.

Ultimately, where some players are expressing anger at the game item costs, different players are experiencing only happiness for their new battle royale pals.