Previously, Tencent Games had published a special report “The Surprising Appearance of the World of Warcraft VIP Group: Cost of Admission 1.5 million RMB, 30 Members Joined”; it was from this preliminary report that we got our first glimpse into the new industry of “gaming companions”.
These so-called “gaming companions” apparently provide accompaniment and support to video gamers playing online games; specific services provided by these gaming companions include forming groups to duplicate [items and equipment], performing tasks, getting armor and equipment, and playing DotA (Defense of the Ancients) as well as other services. Gaming companions can be separated into two types: online and offline.
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An investigation by this reporter has revealed that at present there are over 600 merchants on Taobao (Chinese e-merchant portal) that provide gaming companion services, surreptitiously called “little sister play companions”.
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The fees to hire these “video game companions” range from 1 to 500 RMB, whether on an hourly basis or per service. Hourly fees tend to charge a universal price of 20 RMB per hour. Specific professional services include serving as a “League of Legends” or “Defence of the Ancients” training partner.
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In one of these particular online stores that provide gaming companion services, we can read one of the detailed descriptions for what exactly a “gaming companions” provides.
This online merchant advertised they had many different varieties of “gaming companions” available; as well, if video gamers want the services of a particular girl, they must first book her beforehand.
The player and the “little sister play companion” primarily communicate through a peer-to-peer software [like Skype]; not only do they provide 1-on-1 service, but the player can also bring a friend.
Simultaneously, the retailer states that a winning formula is not guaranteed through the use of these services. “The objective for these young women is to provide a happy and comfortable gaming environment; these magnificent ladies can help propel your game forward but can not guarantee success. DotA is a 5 player game; with the addition of this beautiful girl, the two of you won’t be enough to stem the tide of heaven.”
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In searching online for gaming companions, there are many job listings advertising for these positions that have been published lately. Of these, there is one from a profession game companion company that claims to have hired a great number of gaming companions of which its prime requirement to act in such a role for this company is: “…to be good at one or many games, and possess a computer capable of running these games, and a good headset (headphones and microphone).”
This company even separates its prospective “gaming companions” into different categories, listed as the following:
1. Voice type: Female applicants are required to have a sweet and warm voice, men want women with a magnetic or inspirational quality; must possess standard Putonghua level of speaking.
2. Skill type: for every type of game, there are different skill levels that provide for its own highly qualified players.
3. Appearance type: categories by each applicant’s special physical traits and manners.
4. Overall ability: if two or all three requirements for #1, 2 or 3 are all satisfied, the applicant must still possess an outstanding personal characteristic or trait.
Regarding game companion service, some comments have stated that they can satisfy certain elements for popular games. However, users must still be wary of being caught in a dispute or be swindled by these game companions, and also be vigilant of game companions that use this service as a cover for illegal sex services.