The concept of “rent-a-friend” for gaming has recently been gaining popularity, with apps like Ganknow: Gamers for Hire and Lita – The Ultimate Game LFG Team Finder leading the way in countries like the Philippines.
By allowing people to pay for a gaming companion, these platforms open doors for players seeking camaraderie and skill-building, while creating a whole new market where streamers, students, and gamers can make a living doing what they’re good at.
Some users reportedly earn as much as ₱60,000 per month.
Gaming Side Hustles: Why Rent-a-Friend is a GG in the Philippines
In the Philippines, platforms like Gank and Lita have tapped into the demand for rentable gaming friends. Many Filipinos are already familiar with using digital services for side hustles, and these apps add a fresh spin by letting users earn from their gaming expertise. What makes this model so appealing is the flexibility it offers—creators and gamers can set their own hourly or session rates, starting as low as ₱50 and scaling up based on demand, skills, and popularity.
The service has become particularly popular among students and young professionals looking for flexible work. Renting out gaming sessions can fit well around studies or other jobs, offering a fulfilling way to make money while doing something they genuinely enjoy. For those who have honed their gaming skills or built a loyal online following, the earning potential can grow significantly, making this an exciting side hustle or even a full-time opportunity.
Not Just Games: Making Friends, Staying Safe, and Learning Skills
Renting a friend in gaming is also a social lifeline. For people who may not have a lot of friends in the gaming world or those in niche communities, this service can make it easier to find gaming buddies. New players gain confidence in a more supportive environment, especially if they want to avoid the pressure of public matchmaking.
Some companies are even adding features like language learning or skill-building within gameplay, transforming playtime into a social and productive experience. Parents can also use these services to ensure their children’s online safety. By hiring a trusted gamer pal, parents have a level of control over who interacts with their child in an online game. If a parent is busy or at work and their child wants to play, they can “e-baby-sit” by hiring a trusted gamer pal to both accompany and protect their child. This solution gives parents peace of mind, knowing a reliable person is monitoring interactions and helping their child with positive, constructive gaming experiences.
Press Start on a Growing Industry: The World of Paid Gaming Companions
The global market for rentable gaming friends is already vast and continues to grow. Beyond Gank and Lita, popular platforms like ePal (formerly eGirl.gg), PlayePal, and Buuz cater to millions of gamers worldwide looking to monetize their skills. For example:
- ePal offers a global network of gaming companions for a range of games, allowing users to choose based on skill levels, gaming expertise, and even personality traits.
- PlayePal allows users to hire experienced gamers with verified skills, which is popular among competitive players seeking high-quality, reliable teammates.
- Buuz and Kwakoo provide similar rentable friend services, often for games like Apex Legends and Dota 2, creating personality-driven connections for smoother, more enjoyable gaming sessions.
These platforms make it easy for gamers to become paid companions, often requiring only a quick sign-up and profile creation. Some people even use freelancing sites like Fiverr and Upwork to market themselves as paid gaming pals or coaches, adding even more flexibility to this growing market.
Gamers, Streamers, and Creators: Turning Playtime into Paychecks
For Filipino content creators and students, apps like Gank, Lita, and ePal open new income opportunities. Experienced players and streamers who have invested time in building their skills can now share their knowledge for a fee. With platforms allowing flexibility in setting rates and work schedules, users can tailor their earnings to match their expertise and availability. While starting rates may be as low as ₱50 per session, some players have managed to turn this into a lucrative endeavor, earning as much as ₱60,000 a month.
This model provides an ideal side job for students, allowing them to make money while having fun and doing what they love. And with platforms introducing features like language practice or skill learning into sessions, this form of work can also be educational.
From Solo Queue to Squad Goals: How Rentable Gaming Pals are Changing the Game
Rentable gaming companionship doesn’t replace the depth of long-term friendships, but it’s an accessible way to experience camaraderie, mentorship, and skill-building—all within the familiar world of gaming.
If managed well, rentable gaming friends can enhance gaming culture by supporting those who want to socialize, improve their gaming abilities, or connect with others in meaningful ways.
This model opens up new avenues not only for income but also for meaningful social and educational experiences. It’s a flexible, innovative solution that resonates with the Philippines’ tech-savvy culture, proving that gaming can be more than just a pastime. It can be a gateway to connection, learning, safety, and a source of livelihood in the digital age.
