Power-washing, pool-cleaning and mowing: Why millions are playing games about mundane jobs
Why Mundane Tasks Are Turning Into Popular Gaming Themes
Mundane activities like power washing, pool cleaning, and lawn mowing have become unexpected stars in the gaming world. PowerWash Simulator, which lets players don cleaning gear and hose down virtual locations until they gleam with cleanliness, has sold over 17 million copies since its 2021 debut. A 2025 sequel recently earned nominations for two Bafta Games Awards, joining a growing trend of simulation games that focus on repetitive, everyday chores.
The Genre’s Unique Appeal
Developers argue these games offer a calming, meditative escape. Kirsty Rigden, CEO of Brighton-based FuturLab, which created PowerWash Simulator, likens the experience to Graham Norton’s talk show. “We want to make the Graham Norton of video games,” she said. “It doesn’t demand intense focus but leaves you feeling relaxed.”
“Graham Norton doesn’t make you feel stupid, but you also don’t have to think too hard,” Rigden explained. “It engages the right amount of brain and at the end of it you go, ‘Oh, that was really pleasant’.”
Players often describe the games as a form of digital mindfulness. The process of repeatedly cleaning one area after another—be it a fun house or a roller disco—mirrors the soothing rhythm of routine tasks. Rigden notes this aligns with modern anxieties. “The world is in quite a stressy place,” she said. “With the game, you can focus on one thing, blocking out other distractions—it’s a pure form of meditation.”
Social Media and Real-World Inspiration
The concept emerged from personal observations. Rigden’s fascination with YouTube videos of power washing inspired the game, highlighting the simplicity of transforming dirt into cleanliness. Meanwhile, social media influencers with large followings have popularized similar content, making such games a natural fit for the trend.
Lawn Mowing Simulator, another entry in the genre, lets players manage a lawn care business using real-world licensed equipment. A sequel is being developed to explore American trailer parks and town hall gardens, expanding the scope of the series.
“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, founder of Liverpool-based Skyhook Games. “Players often use it as an escape from daily stress.”
Impact on Wellbeing and Community
The relaxing nature of these games has made them a favorite among streamers and YouTubers. A 2021 video of US creator Markiplier playing PowerWash Simulator has amassed over nine million views. Comedian Ellie Gibson, a Twitch streamer, shared her experience after a friend suggested it. She holds the Guinness World Record for the longest gameplay session—24 hours, six minutes, and 33 seconds.
“The only difference is you get the finished result of a clean monster truck, rather than a scarf,” Gibson joked. Her session included a “nightmarish” early morning segment where the game’s bright colors created a psychedelic effect, yet she found the process calming.
Both developers report players sharing how the games helped them during tough times. Harper mentioned anxiety and mental health benefits, while Rigden shared stories of players using the games to cope with cancer treatments. An Oxford University study in March 2023 supported these claims, finding that 72% of participants felt a mood uplift after playing a custom version of PowerWash Simulator.
