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
Millions of players are finding solace in games that mimic everyday chores, from scrubbing driveways to trimming grass. Among these, PowerWash Simulator has stood out, allowing users to don cleaning equipment and tackle virtual messes until they gleam with perfection. Launched in 2021, the game has sold over 17 million copies, and its sequel, released this year, recently received recognition at the Bafta Games Awards. These titles belong to a growing trend of “mundane job simulations,” which offer repetitive, calming tasks as a form of digital respite.
The Appeal of Simple Repetition
Kirsty Rigden, CEO of Brighton-based FuturLab, which developed PowerWash Simulator, described the game as the “Graham Norton of video games.” This analogy captures the essence of the genre: a laid-back experience that doesn’t demand intense focus but provides a gentle, engaging rhythm. “It’s not about high stakes or fast-paced action,” she said. “It’s about the comfort of knowing you’re doing something meaningful without overthinking it.”
“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 popularity stems from its ability to mirror real-life routines, offering players a sense of control and accomplishment. In PowerWash Simulator, for instance, tasks involve systematically cleaning one area after another, a process that feels both methodical and meditative. Rigden noted that this repetitive structure resonates with modern audiences, who often seek relief from the chaos of daily life.
A Digital Escape for Stress Relief
David Harper, founder of Liverpool-based Skyhook Games, emphasized the game’s role as a mental refuge. “Players use it to escape the pressures of real-world responsibilities,” he said. The experience of transforming a cluttered space into order—whether through power washing or mowing—provides a sense of mastery that many find satisfying. This has made the games a favorite among content creators, who often stream the process without needing to over-explain.
Ellie Gibson, a comedian and games journalist, shared her own journey with PowerWash Simulator. After a friend suggested it, she began streaming the game, eventually setting a Guinness World Record for the longest continuous play session—24 hours, six minutes, and 33 seconds. “The game’s bright colors can be overwhelming at times,” she admitted, recalling a particularly surreal moment while cleaning a playground at dawn. “It felt like a psychedelic trip, but in a good way.”
Such experiences highlight the genre’s unique blend of relaxation and achievement. “It’s like the satisfaction of coloring books or knitting,” Gibson said. “The difference is you get to see the final result—a clean monster truck instead of a scarf.”
From Hobbies to Healing
The calming effect of these games has extended beyond entertainment, with players reporting positive impacts on their mental health. Harper noted that many have shared how the games helped them manage anxiety, while Rigden mentioned support from individuals enduring challenging treatments like cancer. “It’s really lovely and uplifting,” Rigden said.
A study by Oxford University further explored the therapeutic potential of these titles. In 2023, over 8,600 participants logged their moods every 10 minutes while playing a modified version of PowerWash Simulator. The findings revealed that 72% of players experienced a mood lift during the process, reinforcing the genre’s role as a subtle form of stress relief.
