Power-washing, pool-cleaning and mowing – playing games about mundane jobs

15 hours ago

PowerWash Simulator, released in 2021, has sold over 17 million copies, and its 2025 sequel has been nominated for two Bafta Games Awards, highlighting the popularity of 'mundane job simulation' games.
These games, such as PowerWash Simulator and Lawn Mowing Simulator, offer soothing, repetitive tasks that help players focus, reduce stress, and provide a form of meditation by blocking out distractions.
Developers cite a large market for low-intensity entertainment, comparing it to the affable appeal of Graham Norton's talk show, where engagement is pleasant without requiring intense thought.
The genre has become a hit on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, where streamers can interact with viewers easily, and it has been used by players as an escape from everyday pressures, with some reporting benefits for anxiety and mental health.
An Oxford University study involving over 8,600 players found that 72% experienced an uplift in mood while playing PowerWash Simulator, noting unique benefits like suitability for low-energy individuals and effective attention absorption.
FuturLab, the developer, aims to become a market leader in 'cathartic games', with plans to create new titles beyond their current success, maintaining their calming and ethos-driven approach.

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