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
PowerWash Simulator immerses players in the task of cleaning various in-game environments, transforming everyday chores into a visually engaging activity. The game, first released in 2021, has amassed over 17 million sales, showcasing a growing appetite for repetitive, calming tasks in virtual form. Its 2025 sequel recently received two Bafta Games Award nominations, joining a wave of titles that fall under the “mundane job simulation” genre. These games offer a unique blend of routine and satisfaction, appealing to players seeking solace in simple, structured activities.
Developers argue that such games provide a meditative escape, allowing players to focus on one task at a time. Kirsty Rigden, CEO of Brighton-based FuturLab, which created PowerWash Simulator, likens the experience to Graham Norton’s talkshow. “The goal is to create a video game experience akin to Graham Norton’s talkshow,” she said. “It doesn’t demand intense mental effort but delivers a sense of calm and accomplishment.” This approach resonates with modern audiences, many of whom feel overwhelmed by daily pressures. Rigden notes that the game’s repetitive nature acts as a form of distraction, offering a pure, stress-free retreat.
“Graham Norton doesn’t make you feel stupid, but you also don’t have to think too hard,” Rigden explained. “It engages the right amount of brain and at the end of it you go, ‘Oh, that was really pleasant’.”
The genre’s appeal lies in its soothing mechanics, where players methodically tackle tasks like power-washing a roller disco or mowing a countryside field. FuturLab’s series isn’t the only example—Skyhook Games, based in Liverpool, has developed Lawn Mowing Simulator, which lets users manage a lawn care business using real-world licensed equipment. A new expansion promises to introduce players to American trailer parks and town hall gardens, further expanding the scope of these simulations.
Social media has amplified the trend, with influencers sharing content about cleaning routines and mundane activities. The relaxing pace of these games suits content creators, who can engage audiences without intense focus. For instance, a 2021 video of US creator Markiplier playing PowerWash Simulator has garnered over nine million views. Comedian Ellie Gibson, a Twitch streamer, began showcasing the game after a friend suggested it. She holds a Guinness World Record for the longest continuous play session—24 hours, six minutes, and 33 seconds—and describes the experience as akin to the mindfulness of coloring books or knitting. “The only difference,” she said, “is you get a clean monster truck instead of a scarf.”
Both Rigden and David Harper, managing director of Skyhook Games, highlight the emotional impact of their creations. “Hearing how our game has helped players with anxiety and mental health has been really rewarding,” Harper remarked. Rigden added that many users have shared how the games supported them during challenging times, such as cancer treatments. “It’s really lovely and uplifting,” she said.
A study by Oxford University explored whether these games could improve well-being. In March 2023, over 8,600 players logged their moods every 10 minutes while interacting with a modified version of PowerWash Simulator. The results showed that 72% of participants reported a mood lift during gameplay, reinforcing the genre’s role as a therapeutic tool for modern players.