Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

Lots of these games have a few key things:

#1 everyone likes doing things that are considered chores. They just don't like to do them when it gets boring / stressful. For example I like powerwashing... but if I had to do it for 10 hours straight I'd hate it too.

#2 lots of those things require special circumstances, training, skills, big cost investment, risk. The game eliminates all that. Don't own a house? can still power wash without having to buy the gear, a house, and wait a few years.

#3 risk is a big one. I enjoyed truck simulator (for a short bit). Why? Because I can veg out while driving and there's no consequences. Or literally plow through traffic and not care. I can be as careful / careless as I want to be and it just works.

Its a way to take things you hate doing and have to pay attention while you do them, and let you veg out and enjoy the enjoyable part of the task.



Consider applying for YC's Summer 2026 batch! Applications are open till May 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: