Power-washing, pool-cleaning and mowing: Why millions are playing games about mundane jobs
Why Mere Mundanity Has Become a Gaming Trend
Amidst a surge in gaming genres centered around everyday tasks, titles like PowerWash Simulator have captured the imagination of millions. The game lets players don cleaning equipment and transform grimy virtual spaces into gleaming, spotless environments. Though its premise may seem unconventional, the original title launched in 2021 has amassed over 17 million sales. Its 2025 sequel recently earned two Bafta Games Award nominations, joining a growing trend of simulations that focus on repetitive, low-stakes activities.
Simulations as Stress Relief
According to Kirsty Rigden, CEO of Brighton-based FuturLab, the studio aims to create the “Graham Norton of video games”—a calming, unassuming experience that doesn’t demand intense focus. “It’s about the pleasure of doing something without overthinking,” she explained to BBC News. “You don’t have to feel overwhelmed, but you’re still engaged enough to say, ‘That was a nice way to spend time.'” This balance between simplicity and engagement has resonated with players seeking respite from modern pressures.
“Graham Norton doesn’t make you feel stupid, but you also don’t have to think too hard,” Rigden said. “It engages the right amount of brain and at the end of it you go, ‘Oh, that was really pleasant’.”
A Global Appeal for Routine Tasks
Similar to PowerWash Simulator, games like Lawn Mowing Simulator invite players to immerse themselves in the rhythm of mundane work. The title, which uses real-world licensed lawnmowers, lets users “experience the beauty and detail of mowing the Great British countryside.” A new version promises to transport players to the “trailer parks and town hall gardens” of the U.S. Meanwhile, the genre’s soothing mechanics have drawn attention from creators and audiences alike.
Social media platforms overflow with content showcasing the art of cleaning, from power washing to pool maintenance, which has inspired developers to explore this niche. The repetitive, meditative nature of these games allows players to focus on one task at a time, effectively blocking out external distractions. “It’s a pure form of meditation,” Rigden noted, highlighting how the genre provides a sense of calm and accomplishment.
Testimonials and Scientific Validation
Players have shared how these games serve as a mental escape, with David Harper of Skyhook Games emphasizing their role in offering “satisfaction of starting with something untidy and ending with order.” The relaxed experience has also attracted YouTubers and Twitch streamers, who find the gameplay ideal for casual interaction. A 2021 video of Markiplier playing PowerWash Simulator has accumulated over nine million views, showcasing the game’s widespread appeal.
Ellie Gibson, a comedian and games journalist, once streamed the game for over 24 hours, setting a Guinness World Record. She described the process as “calming and soothing,” likening it to the peace found in coloring books or knitting. “You get the finished result of a clean monster truck, rather than a scarf,” she added. Beyond personal anecdotes, the game has even been studied by Oxford University, where 8,600 participants tracked their moods every 10 minutes while playing a custom version. The study revealed that 72% of players reported feeling more uplifted after sessions.
Impact Beyond Entertainment
Rigden and Harper both highlighted how their games have become a source of comfort during challenging periods. “Hearing how our game has helped players with anxiety and mental health has been really rewarding,” Harper shared. Rigden added that some users have credited the titles with aiding them through treatments like cancer. “It’s really lovely and uplifting,” she said, underscoring the genre’s unexpected emotional significance.
