Power-washing, pool-cleaning and mowing: Why millions are playing games about mundane jobs
Power-washing, pool-cleaning and mowing: Why millions are playing games about mundane jobs
The Rise of Mundane Job Simulators
PowerWash Simulator, which immerses players in the act of cleaning diverse virtual settings, has sold over 17 million copies since its 2021 debut. The game’s sequel, released in 2025, recently earned nominations for two Bafta Games Awards. These titles are part of a growing trend in gaming that focuses on repetitive, everyday tasks as a source of entertainment.
A Soothing Escape from Stress
Kirsty Rigden, CEO of Brighton-based FuturLab, describes the game as an attempt to replicate the laid-back essence of Graham Norton’s talk shows. “The goal is to create a game that feels as comforting as a chat with a familiar face,” she explains. While this may seem odd for a game studio, Rigden highlights the appeal of low-intensity, enjoyable activities. “It’s about doing something that doesn’t overwhelm you but still feels rewarding,” she adds.
“Graham Norton doesn’t make you feel stupid, but you also don’t have to think too hard,” Rigden told BBC News. “It engages the right amount of brain and at the end of it you go, ‘Oh, that was really pleasant’.”
Other Games in the Genre
Tasks like mowing lawns or operating machinery are also central to games like Lawn Mowing Simulator, which lets players manage a UK-based landscaping business using real-world licensed equipment. A new version is set to expand the experience to American trailer parks and town hall gardens. Developers like David Harper of Skyhook Games note that such games serve as a refuge from daily pressures. “It’s about the satisfaction of starting with chaos and ending with order,” he says.
Influencers and Streaming Popularity
The calming rhythm of these games has drawn attention from creators on platforms like YouTube and Twitch. A 2021 video of US content creator Markiplier playing PowerWash Simulator has amassed over nine million views. Comedian and game journalist Ellie Gibson, who holds the Guinness World Record for the longest session in the game (24 hours, six minutes, and 33 seconds), describes the experience as akin to activities like coloring or knitting. “You get the finished result of a clean monster truck, rather than a scarf,” she jokes.
Research Validates the Calming Effect
The genre’s appeal has even sparked academic interest. An Oxford University study explored whether games like PowerWash Simulator impact players’ well-being. In March 2023, more than 8,600 participants logged their moods every 10 minutes while playing a modified version of the game. The results showed that 72% of players reported feeling more positive after engaging with the simulation.
Player Testimonials and Broader Impact
Rigden and Harper both mention that the games have become a source of comfort for many. “Hearing how our game has helped our players with their anxiety and mental health has been really rewarding to us,” Harper says. Rigden adds that players have shared stories of using the games to cope during challenging periods, including cancer treatments. “It’s really lovely and uplifting,” she reflects.