Power-washing, pool-cleaning and mowing: Why millions are playing games about mundane jobs
Mundane Tasks as Escapism: The Rise of Simulating Everyday Work in Games
From Power Washing to Mowing: A New Gaming Trend
PowerWash Simulator, a game that tasks players with scrubbing virtual locations until they gleam, has amassed over 17 million sales since its 2021 debut. Its 2025 sequel recently earned nominations for two Bafta Games Awards, joining a growing category of “mundane job simulations.” These games let players tackle repetitive, low-stakes tasks like cleaning, gardening, or pool maintenance, offering a unique blend of simplicity and satisfaction.
Relaxing Repetition as a Game-Changing Strategy
Chief executive Kirsty Rigden of Brighton-based FuturLab describes the game as the “Graham Norton of video games”—a metaphor for its calming, unexciting yet comforting appeal. “It doesn’t demand intense focus, but it also doesn’t leave you feeling overwhelmed,” she explained to BBC News. “You end up thinking, ‘That was actually quite pleasant.'” The game’s loop of scrubbing one area after another mirrors the meditative rhythm of routine tasks, providing a digital refuge from modern stress.
Social Media Sparks Inspiration for Simulators
The concept was born from Rigden’s fascination with YouTube videos showcasing real-world power washing. With social media flooded by influencers sharing content about cleaning, the trend has spurred multiple games in this niche. Lawn Mowing Simulator, for instance, lets players manage a landscaping business, using authentic lawnmowers to “experience the beauty of the Great British countryside.” A sequel is set to explore American settings, including “trailer parks and town hall gardens.”
Players Turn to Simulations for Mental Respite
David Harper, founder of Liverpool-based Skyhook Games, noted that many players use the games as an escape from daily pressures. “It’s about transforming chaos into order,” he said. “Starting with something messy, mastering the process, and ending with a clean finish—this gives people a sense of accomplishment.” The soothing nature of such games has also attracted content creators, with videos like Markiplier’s PowerWash Simulator playthrough garnering over nine million views.
From Stress Relief to Healing: Real-World Impact
Comedian Ellie Gibson, a Twitch streamer, found the game’s calmness reminiscent of “coloring books or knitting,” but with a more dramatic payoff—cleaning a monster truck instead of a scarf. Her 24 hours, six minutes, and 33 seconds of uninterrupted play earned her a Guinness World Record. Beyond entertainment, these games have become a source of comfort. Players have shared how they’ve used them to cope with anxiety, mental health struggles, and even cancer treatments, according to Rigden and Harper.
Scientific Validation of the Simulated Calm
PowerWash Simulator was even studied by Oxford University to assess its effect on wellbeing. In March 2023, over 8,600 participants logged their moods every 10 minutes while playing a modified version. The results revealed that 72% of players reported feeling more uplifted after sessions, highlighting the unexpected therapeutic value of virtual drudgery.
