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

Why Millions Are Engaging With Games That Simulate Everyday Tasks

Video games centered around repetitive, routine activities have gained unexpected popularity. Titles like PowerWash Simulator and Lawn Mowing Simulator let players immerse themselves in tasks such as cleaning, landscaping, and pool maintenance. These games, which might seem trivial at first glance, have carved out a niche in the gaming world, with millions of players finding solace in their simple, methodical mechanics.

The Rise of Mundane Job Simulations

The original PowerWash Simulator, launched in 2021, has sold over 17 million copies. Its sequel, released in 2025, recently earned two Bafta Games Award nominations. This genre, which focuses on mundane chores, has grown rapidly, offering players a chance to engage with everyday activities in a virtual setting.

“We want to make the Graham Norton of video games,” says Kirsty Rigden, CEO of Brighton-based FuturLab, the studio behind PowerWash Simulator. The analogy is striking—like the comedian known for his relaxed, conversational style, the game aims to provide calm, unassuming entertainment.

Rigden explains that the appeal lies in the game’s ability to offer a meditative experience. Players tackle tasks like power-washing a roller disco or cleaning a fun house, repeating the process until everything is pristine. “It’s a pure form of meditation,” she notes. “You focus on one thing, blocking out the rest of the world.” This soothing rhythm has resonated with players during times of heightened stress.

From YouTube Inspiration to Game Success

The concept originated from Rigden’s fascination with YouTube videos showcasing power-washing enthusiasts. She was captivated by the transformation of dirt into cleanliness, which inspired the game’s design. Similarly, social media platforms are flooded with content about cleaning and organizing, fueling the genre’s growth. Developers are tapping into this trend, creating games that let players manage tasks like mowing lawns or maintaining public spaces.

Lawn Mowing Simulator, for instance, lets players run a lawn care business using real-world licensed mowers. A new expansion promises to take the action to American trailer parks and town hall gardens. David Harper, founder of Liverpool-based Skyhook Games, highlights the game’s role as an escape. “It’s about turning chaos into order,” he says. “Players start with a messy scene and finish with a sense of accomplishment.”

Players as Stress Relievers

These games have become a refuge for many. Comedian Ellie Gibson, a Twitch streamer, credits PowerWash Simulator for its calming effect, likening it to the satisfaction of coloring books or knitting. She holds the Guinness World Record for the longest gameplay session, lasting 24 hours, six minutes, and 33 seconds. During one particularly intense segment, she described the game’s vibrant colors as “psychedelic” and disorienting, yet still enjoyable.

Developers report that players often share how these games help them manage anxiety or cope with difficult life events. Harper mentions that users have used the titles to navigate mental health challenges, while Rigden notes that even cancer patients have reached out about the game’s therapeutic value. “It’s really lovely and uplifting,” she says.

Scientific Validation of the Trend

An Oxford University study explored whether these games could improve players’ wellbeing. In March 2023, over 8,600 participants tracked their moods every 10 minutes while playing a custom version of PowerWash Simulator. The findings revealed that 72% of players experienced a mood uplift, reinforcing the idea that repetitive tasks can have a positive psychological impact.

With their focus on simplicity and mindfulness, mundane job simulations continue to attract a dedicated audience. Whether through power-washing, mowing, or other chores, these games offer a unique blend of distraction and satisfaction, proving that even the most ordinary activities can become extraordinary in the digital realm.