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
Video games have long offered escapism, but a new wave of titles is focusing on the quiet joy of everyday tasks. PowerWash Simulator, for instance, lets players don cleaning gear and hose down virtual locations until they gleam. The game, which launched in 2021, has sold over 17 million copies. Its 2025 sequel recently earned a place on the Bafta Games Awards shortlist, joining a growing genre of “mundane job simulations” that prioritize repetition over adrenaline.
The Genre’s Appeal
Kirsty Rigden, CEO of Brighton-based FuturLab, describes the series as “the Graham Norton of video games.” While this may sound odd for a gaming studio, she argues that the genre taps into a demand for calming, low-intensity entertainment. “It doesn’t make you feel stupid, but you also don’t need to think too hard,” she explained to BBC News. “It engages the right amount of brain, and at the end, you go, ‘Oh, that was really pleasant.'”
“We want to make the Graham Norton of video games,” says Kirsty Rigden, chief executive of FuturLab. “Graham Norton doesn’t make you feel stupid, but you also don’t have to think too hard. It engages the right amount of brain and at the end of it you go, ‘Oh, that was really pleasant’.”
The Calming Mechanic
The repetitive rhythm of these games—whether scrubbing a roller disco or mowing a field—mirrors the meditative appeal of mundane routines. Rigden notes that this style resonates with modern audiences, who often feel overwhelmed by life’s pressures. “With the game, you’re able to focus on one thing, which blocks out all the other distractions,” she said. “It’s a pure form of meditation.”
Expanding the Trend
While PowerWash Simulator remains a standout, other titles like Lawn Mowing Simulator are also capturing attention. The game lets players manage a lawn care business using real-world licensed equipment, with a sequel set to explore American trailer parks and town hall gardens. David Harper, founder of Liverpool-based Skyhook Games, adds that players often use such games as an escape from daily stress. “It’s about the satisfaction of starting with something untidy, learning the skills to bring order, then looking back at a job well done,” he said.
Community and Impact
The relaxing pace of these simulations has made them a favorite among streamers, who can chat with viewers without intense focus. A 2021 video of US creator Markiplier playing PowerWash Simulator now has over nine million views. Comedian Ellie Gibson, a games journalist, streamed the game after a friend suggested it, eventually setting a Guinness World Record for the longest continuous play session—24 hours, six minutes, and 33 seconds.
“You get the finished result of a clean monster truck, rather than a scarf,” Gibson said, describing the game’s soothing nature. Her experience included a “nightmarish” early morning segment where bright colors created a “very psychedelic” effect, but she found the process calming.
Both Rigden and Harper report that players have shared how these games helped them cope with challenges. “Hearing how our game has helped our players with their anxiety and mental health has been really rewarding,” said Harper. Rigden noted even more personal stories, including support during cancer treatments. “It’s really lovely and uplifting,” she added.
Academic Validation
An Oxford University study explored whether these games could influence well-being. In March 2023, over 8,600 players logged their mood every 10 minutes while using a custom version of PowerWash Simulator. The findings revealed that 72% of participants experienced a mood lift, highlighting the genre’s potential as a therapeutic tool.
