What's Happening?
Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, has initiated a survey to gather player feedback on the controversial customization restrictions of its new pet-like feature, Sidekicks. Currently, players must lock
in their Sidekick's appearance upon acquisition, with no option to alter it later. This has led to dissatisfaction among players who wish to change their Sidekick's basic features, such as color and shape, without purchasing a new one. The survey aims to assess player sentiment on this issue, offering a range of responses from 'strongly dislike' to 'strongly like'. The introduction of Sidekicks, which are available for purchase in the Fortnite item shop, has sparked debate over the necessity of buying multiple versions to access different appearances.
Why It's Important?
The feedback from this survey could influence Epic Games' future decisions regarding in-game purchases and customization options. The current model, which requires players to buy multiple versions of the same Sidekick for different appearances, has been criticized as a potential cash grab. This issue highlights the broader debate over monetization strategies in free-to-play games, where cosmetic items often serve as a significant revenue stream. The outcome of this survey could impact player satisfaction and retention, as well as set a precedent for how similar features are handled in the future. Players who feel their feedback is valued may be more likely to continue engaging with the game.
What's Next?
Epic Games is expected to review the survey results and consider potential adjustments to the Sidekick customization system. Depending on player feedback, the company may decide to offer more flexible customization options or maintain the current model. The upcoming release of additional Sidekicks in the item shop on November 7 will also provide further data on player purchasing behavior. The response to these new offerings could influence Epic's strategy moving forward, particularly if sales are affected by the ongoing backlash.
