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 chores are gaining traction, offering players a chance to relive tasks like power washing, pool maintenance, and lawn care in a virtual setting. The original PowerWash Simulator, launched in 2021, has sold over 17 million copies worldwide. Its 2025 sequel recently received two Bafta Games Awards nominations, highlighting the growing appeal of this genre. These games fall under the category of “mundane job simulations,” which focus on repetitive, low-stakes activities that feel oddly satisfying.
A Unique Approach to Leisure
Kirsty Rigden, CEO of Brighton-based FuturLab, described the game as aiming to be “the Graham Norton of video games.” While the analogy may seem unexpected, it underscores the studio’s goal: to create a calming, easygoing experience that doesn’t demand intense focus. “Graham Norton doesn’t make you feel stupid, but you also don’t have to think too hard,” Rigden explained to BBC News. “It engages the right amount of brain and at the end of it, you go, ‘Oh, that was really pleasant.'”
Repetition as a Therapeutic Tool
One defining trait of mundane job simulators is their repetitive, meditative nature. In PowerWash Simulator, players systematically clean one area after another, from fun houses to roller discos, following a “rinse and repeat” rhythm. Rigden noted that this style resonates with people in a stressed world, providing a focused escape from daily chaos. “With the game, you’re able to focus on one thing, which blocks out all other distractions,” she said. “It’s a pure form of meditation.”
Social Media and Real-World Inspiration
The concept wasn’t born in a vacuum. Rigden’s initial inspiration came from YouTube videos showcasing people power washing, highlighting the “simplicity of seeing dirt turn to cleanliness.” Social media platforms are now filled with influencers who share content about cleaning and tidying, further fueling the trend. While FuturLab’s series is prominent, other games like Lawn Mowing Simulator also tap into this niche, featuring real-world lawnmowers and scenarios such as “trailer parks and town hall gardens” in its upcoming sequel.
Players as Escapists and Therapists
David Harper, co-founder of Liverpool-based Skyhook Games, said many players use such games as an “escape” from life’s pressures. “It’s about the satisfaction of starting with something untidy, learning the skills to bring order, and then looking back at a job well done,” he remarked. The genre’s relaxed vibe also appeals to content creators, with Twitch streamers often engaging viewers without needing to focus intently on the gameplay. A 2021 video of US creator Markiplier playing PowerWash Simulator has amassed over nine million views, proving its popularity.
From Streamers to Scientific Study
Comedian and games journalist Ellie Gibson, who holds the Guinness World Record for the longest time spent playing PowerWash Simulator—24 hours, six minutes, and 33 seconds—shared her experience of the game’s “calming and soothing” effect. She likened it to the peace found in coloring books or knitting, though with a more tangible reward: a clean monster truck instead of a finished scarf. Both Rigden and Harper have noted that players often reach out to share how these games helped them manage anxiety or endure challenging periods like cancer treatments. “Hearing how our game has helped our players with their mental health has been really rewarding,” said Harper. Meanwhile, Rigden called the feedback “lovely and uplifting.”
A Study in Wellbeing
The phenomenon has even drawn academic attention. An Oxford University study explored whether these games impact wellbeing, asking over 8,600 players to track their mood every 10 minutes while playing a custom version of PowerWash Simulator. The findings revealed that 72% of participants reported feeling more uplifted after gameplay, reinforcing the genre’s role as a subtle stress reliever.