If you like nothing more than to kick back and enjoy a few hours of gaming every now and then, you’re not alone. After all, north of 3.32 billion people actively play video games globally.
Most games are about fantasy worlds, superhuman warriors, or futuristic technology. But some of the most satisfying and immersive games are about work. Blue-collar jobs, those involving hands-on skills and physical labor, are surprisingly well-suited to game design.
Games about blue-collar work celebrate craftsmanship, patience, and pride in a job well done. They also give players a fresh appreciation for the work done to keep the real world running smoothly.
Here are four games about blue-collar work, each one more authentic and enjoyable than the next.
- PowerWash Simulator (2022)
A game about pressure washing might sound ridiculously dull. But PowerWash Simulator has become a surprise star in the gaming world precisely because it’s captured the satisfaction of manual labor. Players are hired to clean everything from patios and autos to entire buildings. They spend their time carefully washing away dirt and grime.
The game’s secret to success is in its realism. Players are encouraged to carefully plan and complete each job. There’s no pressure to finish fast, no enemies to fight off, and no plot twists to worry about. Just honest work. For many players, this game taps into the therapeutic value of blue-collar jobs. Starting with a messy space and ending up with a cleaner one is satisfying.
Playing a game like Powerwash Simulator will require slightly less effort than earning some online trade certifications. So, for instance, if you fancy a job in the trades but want to take a cautious approach, you can earn a forklift operator certificate online in as little as a day.
Who knows? Playing video games with a blue-collar theme may trigger a eureka moment.
- Euro Truck Simulator 2 (2012)
Truck drivers are some of the hardest-working blue-collar employees. Euro Truck Simulator 2 gives truckers and logistics managers the respect they deserve. Players begin as independent truckers and work their way up to building their own logistics empire.
The game is about responsibility and routine. It’s about following road rules, managing fuel, scheduling deliveries, and maintaining your vehicle.
For most players, Euro Truck Simulator 2 is a surprisingly accurate portrayal of what it means to have discipline and patience in one’s line of work, especially in transportation-related jobs.
- Car Mechanic Simulator (2014-2021 series)
For those curious about what happens under the hood of their vehicles, Car Mechanic Simulator offers an immersive, in-depth experience. Players can examine and fix vehicle issues, disassemble engines, swap out worn-out components, and rebuild cars from scratch.
The game’s biggest selling point is its realism. From how brake pedals work to how suspension parts function, it’s an educational experience that shows players how these parts work together. There’s no shortcut to success in this game. If you get something wrong, you’ll be punished later on.
The game is about honoring skilled trades and showing how knowledge, precision, and patience define good craftsmen and women. It’s not about showing off results; it is about mastering a complex craft.
- Farming Simulator (2008-2023 series)
Farming is one of the oldest and most physically demanding blue-collar jobs in the world, and Farming Simulator is an accurate portrayal of what it means to be a farmer. Players manage crops, livestock, equipment, and finances as they progress through the seasons.
The game is not just about planting and harvesting crops. Players also get to operate specialized farming equipment and deal with unexpected problems. It’s an accurate portrayal of how farming is as much about physical labor as it is about strategic planning.
By combining manual labor with long-term planning, Farming Simulator emphasizes the importance of dedication to maintaining food systems.
The best video games about blue-collar workers don’t simply replicate the experience of the job. What they do is capture the pride and satisfaction that comes with being skilled at something.
By taking workers’ real-world experience and turning it into something fun to play, these video games remind us that building, fixing, cleaning, and hauling are every bit as important as saving the world from monsters and otherworldly threats.
For people who want something different—something real—these video games prove that hard work and honest labor can be the key to something extraordinary.
Heather Neves is working as a freelance content writer. She likes blogging on topics related to parenting, golf, and fitness, gaming . She graduated with honors from Columbia University with a dual degree in Accountancy and Creative Writing.
