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 that mimic everyday tasks have gained unexpected traction, offering players a chance to engage with activities like power-washing, pool maintenance, and lawn care. Among these, PowerWash Simulator has emerged as a standout title, with its sequel recently earning two Bafta Games Awards nominations. The game’s appeal lies in its ability to transform routine chores into a meditative, repetitive experience that resonates with a growing audience.
The Rise of Mundane Job Simulations
Developed by Brighton-based FuturLab, the original PowerWash Simulator launched in 2021 and has since sold over 17 million copies. Its premise—cleaning virtual spaces until they gleam—is simple yet oddly satisfying. The studio’s chief executive, Kirsty Rigden, describes the genre as the “Graham Norton of video games,” emphasizing its role in providing calm rather than excitement.
“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’.”
Such games thrive on their soothing mechanics, allowing players to focus on a single task without distraction. This aligns with the current climate, where stress and burnout have made players seek solace in low-intensity activities. Rigden noted that the genre taps into a “pure form of meditation,” letting users escape into the simplicity of transforming dirt into cleanliness.
From YouTube to Gaming
The concept was inspired by Rigden’s fascination with YouTube videos showcasing power-washing enthusiasts. Social media platforms, filled with content creators documenting cleaning routines, have further fueled the trend. Lawn Mowing Simulator, for instance, lets players manage a lawnmowing business using real-world equipment, with a sequel set to explore American landscapes like trailer parks and town hall gardens.
David Harper, founder of Liverpool-based Skyhook Games, highlighted the game’s role as a mental respite. “It’s basically about the satisfaction of starting with something untidy, learning the skills to bring order to the scene, then looking back at a job well done,” he said. The laid-back appeal of these games has made them popular with streamers, who can chat with audiences while engaging in tasks like mowing lawns or scrubbing playgrounds.
“You get the finished result of a clean monster truck, rather than a scarf,” Gibson added, comparing the game’s calming effect to activities like coloring or knitting.
The genre’s popularity has even reached academic circles. In 2023, an Oxford University study tracked the mood of over 8,600 players as they engaged with a custom build of PowerWash Simulator. Results showed that 72% of participants reported feeling more uplifted after playing. Players have shared personal stories of how these games have eased anxiety or provided comfort during challenging times, from cancer treatments to everyday stressors.
