Power-washing, pool-cleaning and mowing: Why millions are playing games about mundane jobs

Why Millions Are Finding Joy in Simulating Everyday Tasks

PowerWash Simulator has become a surprising hit, drawing players into the task of cleaning virtual spaces with hoses and tools until they gleam. Since its 2021 release, the game has sold over 17 million copies. Its 2025 sequel recently received two Bafta Games Award nominations, joining a growing trend of games that focus on repetitive, routine activities.

Mundane job simulations offer players a chance to engage with tasks that seem unexciting at first glance. These games, like PowerWash Simulator, let users tackle chores such as cleaning, mowing, or landscaping with a focus on simplicity and satisfaction. “We aim to create the Graham Norton of video games,” says Kirsty Rigden, CEO of Brighton-based FuturLab, the studio behind the title. Norton, known for his affable style, doesn’t push boundaries but provides comfort—a trait Rigden believes resonates with modern audiences.

“Graham Norton doesn’t make you feel stupid, but you also don’t have to think too hard,” Rigden added. “It engages the right amount of brain and leaves you feeling pleasantly relaxed.”

The soothing rhythm of these games appeals to those seeking calm. In PowerWash Simulator, players repeat the cycle of cleaning one area after another, from funhouses to roller discos. Rigden argues this mirrors how people cope with stress, offering a focused escape from daily chaos. “It’s a pure form of meditation,” she said, highlighting the game’s ability to block distractions.

Similar games have gained traction, including Lawn Mowing Simulator, which lets players manage a British countryside lawn care business with real-world licensed equipment. A new version is set to expand the experience to American trailer parks and town hall gardens. David Harper, founder of Liverpool-based Skyhook Games, noted that players often use such titles to unwind. “It’s about turning a messy space into something orderly,” he explained, emphasizing the therapeutic satisfaction of the process.

Social media has amplified the genre’s popularity. Influencers with large followings share content showcasing cleaning routines, while games like PowerWash Simulator allow creators to engage audiences without intense focus. A 2021 video of US content creator Markiplier playing the game has amassed over nine million views. Comedian and games journalist Ellie Gibson, who streams the game on Twitch, described its calming effect. “It’s like the feeling people get from coloring books or knitting,” she said, though with a twist: “You end up with a clean monster truck instead of a scarf.”

Players have shared how these games provide emotional relief. Harper mentioned receiving messages from users about how the games helped with anxiety and mental health. Rigden, meanwhile, highlighted stories from fans enduring challenges like cancer treatments. “It’s really lovely and uplifting,” she said, underscoring the genre’s unexpected impact.

Oxford University conducted a study to explore the link between video games and wellbeing, using PowerWash Simulator as a test. Over 8,600 participants tracked their mood every 10 minutes via pop-up prompts during a custom version of the game. The findings revealed that 72% of players reported feeling more positive after playing, reinforcing the genre’s value as a form of digital mindfulness.