Power-washing, pool-cleaning and mowing: Why millions are playing games about mundane jobs
Foto: BBC Tech
Over 17 million copies of the first PowerWash Simulator sold are proof that virtual cleaning has become a global phenomenon. The "mundane job simulations" genre, including titles such as Lawn Mowing Simulator or upcoming pool cleaning productions, has ceased to be a niche curiosity, gaining critical acclaim and nominations for the prestigious BAFTA Games Awards. The success of these games is based on the mechanism of "digital meditation"—repetitive, simple tasks allow users to disconnect from daily stress and overstimulation. Creators from FuturLab and Skyhook Games aim to provide the satisfaction derived from restoring order, which for many players becomes a form of self-therapy supporting mental health. This phenomenon is also entering the mainstream thanks to influencers on Twitch and YouTube, for whom the low gameplay dynamics serve as an ideal backdrop for building relationships with viewers. The practical implications for the market are clear: there is a growing demand for "lower-octane" games that offer a sense of agency and peace instead of adrenaline. In a world full of uncertainty, the ability to bring a virtual lawn or a dirty van to perfection is becoming the most desired form of escapism for millions of people.
In a world dominated by high-budget action productions, where every second requires maximum focus and lightning-fast reflexes from the player, an unexpected triumph is being celebrated by a genre that, at first glance, seems to be the antithesis of entertainment. Games simulating routine, mundane domestic and professional chores — from pressure washing driveways to mowing lawns — are attracting millions of users. This phenomenon is confirmed by hard data: 2021's PowerWash Simulator has sold over 17 million copies, and its sequel, PowerWash Simulator 2 released in 2025, has just earned two nominations for the prestigious Bafta Games Awards.
What might look like digital drudgery to an outside observer has become a form of modern meditation for players. The video game industry is undergoing a significant paradigm shift, where "low-octane" entertainment is beginning to compete for time and attention with the biggest blockbuster hits. The success of Brighton-based studio FuturLab shows that there is a huge demand for titles that, instead of raising the heart rate, offer soothing repetitiveness and the immediate satisfaction of bringing order to chaos.
The Graham Norton philosophy in the world of gaming
Kirsty Rigden, CEO of FuturLab, defines her studio's mission in a surprising way. Her goal is to create the "Graham Norton of video games." The reference to the popular British talk show is not accidental — it's about providing content that is accessible, doesn't embarrass the audience, and doesn't require extreme intellectual effort. According to Rigden, PowerWash Simulator 2 engages the brain just enough to disconnect it from daily stresses, but without overloading it with difficult challenges.
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The genre described as "mundane job simulations" is based on a simple pattern: take something dirty or neglected and bring it to a state of perfect cleanliness. In PowerWash Simulator 2, players visit diverse locations, including fantasy worlds like the land from the cartoon Adventure Time, cleaning everything from amusement parks to roller discos. This simple act of turning dirt into cleanliness has become a form of digital asylum for many in a world full of tension and uncertainty.
Order from chaos as a therapeutic mechanism
Experts and game developers note that the popularity of chore simulators stems from a deep need for agency. David Harper, managing director of Skyhook Games — the studio responsible for Lawn Mowing Simulator — emphasizes that the key is the satisfaction of "bringing order to a scene." In the grass-cutting game, players use licensed, real-world equipment to maintain British estates, and in the upcoming sequel, they will move to American towns and trailer parks.
- PowerWash Simulator: Focus on precision removal of dirt using pressurized water.
- Lawn Mowing Simulator: Managing a gardening business and caring for landscape aesthetics.
- Pool Cleaning Simulator: Routine maintenance of water tank cleanliness.
The impact of these games on psychological well-being is not just a subjective feeling among players. A study conducted by the University of Oxford in March 2023, involving over 8,600 people, provided concrete evidence. As many as 72% of participants declared an improvement in mood during sessions of PowerWash Simulator. While researchers like Nick Ballou note that these games are not a substitute for professional therapy, they are extremely effective at absorbing attention and helping people with low energy levels or anxiety.
Streaming, records, and the future of "cathartic" entertainment
Streaming platforms have turned out to be an unexpected ally for boring chores. Creators on Twitch and YouTube, such as Markiplier (whose video of the game has over 9 million views), love these titles. They allow for free interaction with viewers because the gameplay does not require constant commentary on complicated strategies. These simulators have become the equivalent of "adult coloring books" or knitting — they provide a tangible end result (e.g., a clean monster truck instead of a scarf) at a minimal emotional cost.
"Hearing about how our game has helped players deal with anxiety, mental health, and even during cancer treatment is incredibly heartening for us," says Kirsty Rigden of FuturLab.
The determination of the community around these games is astonishing. Ellie Gibson, a journalist and comedian, set a Guinness World Record by playing PowerWash Simulator for 24 hours, 6 minutes, and 33 seconds. Despite hallucinogenic sensations while cleaning a bright playground at four in the morning, she confirms the soothing nature of the production. FuturLab's ambition now is to solidify its position as a leader in the "cathartic games" market. The success of this niche suggests that in the future, we will see even more titles celebrating simple activities that allow us to regain control over a virtual world when the real one seems too complicated.
The simulation game market has proven that we don't need dragons or intergalactic wars to feel fulfilled. Sometimes a well-adjusted pressure washer nozzle and a piece of dirty concrete are enough to find the peace we so desperately seek in the digital age. This is no longer just a passing fad, but a lasting trend in experience design, where player wellbeing becomes just as important as combat mechanics or visual design.
