Fortnite players are up in arms after Epic Games introduced new sidekick pets at prices that have been described as "absolutely insane" by the gaming community. The virtual companions, which offer purely cosmetic benefits, are costing players more than some real-world pet expenses.
The Price Tag That Shocked Gamers
Recent additions to the Fortnite item shop have left players stunned, with sidekick pets carrying price tags reaching up to 4,500 V-Bucks. When converted to real currency, this amounts to approximately £28-£32 - a sum that many argue could cover initial veterinary costs or supplies for an actual pet.
One particularly controversial bundle offers three pets for 7,200 V-Bucks, pushing the cost even higher and drawing sharp criticism from both casual players and dedicated fans alike.
Community Backlash Reaches Boiling Point
The gaming community has erupted across social media platforms and forums, with players expressing their frustration at what they perceive as increasingly aggressive monetisation tactics.
Key complaints from players include:
- Prices exceeding the cost of full game expansions
- Lack of gameplay benefits for the high cost
- Growing concern about the direction of Fortnite's pricing strategy
- Comparisons to real-world pet costs making the virtual prices seem unreasonable
A Pattern of Pricing Concerns
This isn't the first time Epic Games has faced criticism over its pricing strategy. However, the sidekick pet controversy represents a significant escalation in player discontent. Many long-time supporters feel the game is moving toward pricing models that alienate the average player in favour of "whales" - industry term for high-spending players.
Several gaming influencers and content creators have joined the conversation, with some suggesting that the community should vote with their wallets and avoid purchasing the controversial items.
The Bigger Picture for Free-to-Play Games
This situation highlights the ongoing tension in the free-to-play gaming model between generating revenue and maintaining player goodwill. As development costs rise and player expectations increase, companies like Epic Games face challenging decisions about how to monetise their products without damaging their relationship with the community.
Whether this backlash will lead to pricing adjustments remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Fortnite players are making their voices heard about what they consider fair value in the virtual marketplace.
