Lately, Fortnite players have taken to sharing memes that jokingly comment on the high cost of the game’s latest cosmetic addition, the “Kicks”. It’s a creative way for them to voice their concerns about what they perceive as an unsettling trend of rising prices for virtual goodies. This concern comes as no surprise, considering how much effort Fortnite’s developers have poured into keeping the game’s content fresh and exciting over the past few years. Besides introducing new skins, jam tracks, and other enticing items, they’ve recently rolled out Kicks, hinting at a possible influx of future additions to the in-game shop.
Alongside these new items, Fortnite has reworked how players obtain V-Bucks, its in-game currency, a change that has stirred some dissatisfaction within the community. In 2023, the process of collecting V-Bucks became more challenging, and this was compounded by price hikes in various countries. Fans feel like they’re now paying more across the board but receiving less value in return. For many, Kicks are seen as yet another example of this issue.
An amusing meme shared by a user known as THE-IMPOSSIBLEreddit on the FortniteBR subreddit captures the community’s growing unease about these pricing changes and what new cosmetic items might mean for Fortnite’s future. The meme cheekily imagines a future where outfits for Fortnite characters might range from 850 to a whopping 2,000 V-Bucks, spent on things like gloves, glasses, and hats. It’s a sentiment shared by many players in the subreddit, who are worried that these price hikes will continue if the developers find more items to monetize.
Even with some players enthusiastic about the game’s fresh cosmetic options, there’s still a looming worry about what these could signify for the game’s direction. Players have long enjoyed Fortnite’s selection of skins and emotes and occasionally, the addition of vehicles and other unique items. The Kicks line available in the shop, priced between 600 to 1,000 V-Bucks, could signal the arrival of even more recognizable, and likely more expensive, digital attire.
Fortnite has consistently delivered a rich selection of skins, each with its unique design and rarity, and while prices vary, fans seem to have accepted this as the norm. The demand for distinctive appearances makes paying for such items feel a bit more justified. However, the sentiment in the shared meme and among many players is that the Kicks, given their cost, don’t offer enough to justify their price. Until something changes, the community might remain hesitant about additional cosmetics being introduced to the store.
Fortnite continues to offer a wide array of experiences: from battling it out in Battle Royale and Zero Build modes to engaging in concerts and live events, or exploring countless player-created games. Its destructible environments make every game unique, encouraging players to team up in their quest for a Victory Royale, whether they opt for the classic build mode or the builder-free Fortnite Zero Build. With so many ways to play, Fortnite remains accessible across various platforms, offering cross-play and cross-save options, ensuring it caters to the diverse preferences of its vast player base.