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PowerWash Simulator sequel nominated for BAFTA Games Awards
A 2025 sequel to the hit PowerWash Simulator has secured two nominations at this year's BAFTA Games Awards, underscoring the growing appeal of so-called "mundane job simulations."
From niche concept to global success
The original PowerWash Simulator, released in 2021, tasked players with cleaning virtual spaces using high-pressure water jets. Despite its unconventional premise, the game sold over 17 million copies worldwide. Its follow-up, launched last year, continues the trend, offering players a therapeutic escape through repetitive, methodical tasks.
The rise of low-stress gaming
Kirsty Rigden, CEO of Brighton-based developer FuturLab, describes the studio's mission as creating "the Graham Norton of video games"-entertainment that is engaging yet undemanding. "Graham Norton doesn't make you feel stupid, but you also don't have to think too hard," Rigden told BBC News. "It engages just enough of your brain, and at the end, you think, 'That was really pleasant.'"
The game's repetitive nature-cleaning one grimy location after another-has resonated with players seeking relief from real-world stress. "The world is in a pretty stressful place right now," Rigden said. "With the game, you can focus on one thing, blocking out distractions. It's a pure form of meditation."
A trend fueled by social media
The idea for PowerWash Simulator stemmed from Rigden's fascination with viral videos of real-life power washing, where dirt transforms into cleanliness. This trend extends beyond gaming, with influencers amassing large followings by documenting cleaning and organizing tasks.
Other titles in the genre include Lawn Mowing Simulator, which lets players maintain virtual British countryside landscapes using licensed lawnmowers. A sequel, set in American trailer parks and town halls, is currently in development. David Harper, founder of Liverpool-based Skyhook Games, notes that players often use these games as an "escape" from daily pressures. "It's about the satisfaction of starting with something messy, learning to bring order to it, and admiring the result," he said.
Streamers and record-breaking playthroughs
The relaxed pace of mundane job simulators has made them popular among content creators. A 2021 video of streamer Markiplier playing PowerWash Simulator has garnered over nine million views on YouTube.
Comedian and games journalist Ellie Gibson holds the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous playthrough of the game-24 hours, six minutes, and 33 seconds. While the attempt was mostly smooth, Gibson described a "nightmarish" early-morning segment cleaning a playground, where the game's bright colors had a "psychedelic" effect. Still, she compared the experience to the calming effects of coloring books or knitting, with one key difference: "You end up with a clean monster truck instead of a scarf."
Mental health benefits and academic interest
Both Rigden and Harper report receiving messages from players crediting the game with helping them through difficult periods, including anxiety and cancer treatments. "Hearing how our game has supported players' mental health has been incredibly rewarding," Harper said.
The game has also attracted academic attention. In 2023, an Oxford University study tracked the moods of over 8,600 players as they engaged with a custom version of PowerWash Simulator. The study found that 72% of participants experienced an uplift in mood during gameplay.
"These games are particularly suited for people with low energy, and they're highly effective at absorbing attention. They can be more mindful than games requiring split-second reactions or team coordination,"
Nick Ballou, Oxford University researcher
While Ballou cautioned that such games are unlikely to replace therapy, he acknowledged their unique benefits for relaxation and focus.
Future plans for FuturLab
Looking ahead, FuturLab aims to expand its portfolio of "cathartic games" while maintaining its signature ethos. "We want to be the market leader in games that provide a sense of calm and accomplishment," Rigden said. Whatever the studio develops next, the Graham Norton-inspired approach-engaging but not overwhelming-will remain central to its design philosophy.
