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

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

PowerWash Simulator invites players to don their cleaning gear and hose down a variety of in-game locations until they’re gleaming and pristine. Though the premise might seem odd, the original title released in 2021 has sold over 17 million copies. Its 2025 sequel recently earned a place on the list for two Bafta Games Awards. Both games belong to a growing category known as “mundane job simulations,” where players tackle everyday tasks in a virtual setting.

Kirsty Rigden, CEO of Brighton-based FuturLab, which developed PowerWash Simulator, described the game as the “Graham Norton of video games.” This comparison, though unexpected for a gaming studio, reflects her belief in the genre’s potential. “Graham Norton doesn’t make you feel foolish, but you also don’t need to strain your brain,” she explained to BBC News. “It gives just enough mental engagement, and by the end, you feel a sense of calm.”

“It’s basically about the satisfaction of starting with something untidy, learning the skills to bring order to the scene, then looking back at a job well done,” said David Harper, managing director of Liverpool-based Skyhook Games.

The genre’s core attraction is its repetitive, meditative nature. In PowerWash Simulator, players clean one grungy area after another—like a fun house or a roller disco—literally repeating the process of rinsing and drying. Rigden noted this aligns with current global moods. “The world is in a stressed state, and the game lets you focus on one task, blocking out other worries—it’s a pure form of meditation,” she said.

Social media platforms overflow with content creators sharing videos of power washing, pool cleaning, and mowing. Influencers with large followings have made these activities a trend, and FuturLab’s series isn’t the only game capitalizing on this. Lawn Mowing Simulator lets players “experience the beauty and detail of mowing the Great British countryside” using real-world licensed equipment. A sequel, set to explore American trailer parks and town hall gardens, is currently in development.

Comedian and games journalist Ellie Gibson, who holds the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous gameplay of PowerWash Simulator—24 hours, six minutes, and 33 seconds—shared her experience. “The game’s bright primary colours made my mind feel like it was dancing at 4 a.m. during a nightmare section,” she recalled. “But the calming effect is like what people get from colouring books or knitting. The only difference? You end up with a clean monster truck instead of a scarf.”

Both Rigden and Harper highlighted how their games have become a lifeline for players facing challenges. “Hearing how our game has helped our players manage anxiety and mental health has been deeply rewarding,” said Harper. Rigden added that “lots of people have reached out saying we’ve supported them through difficult times, like cancer treatments.” This positive feedback has even drawn the attention of Oxford University, which conducted a study on the impact of such games on wellbeing. In March 2023, over 8,600 players tracked their mood every 10 minutes with pop-up prompts during a custom build of PowerWash Simulator. The study revealed that 72% experienced a mood lift after playing.