In a future where robots have taken over all jobs, Job Simulator invites humans to rediscover “work” through a hilarious virtual reality simulation. Developed by Owlchemy Labs, this game immerses players in everyday jobs reimagined with humor, offering a perfect immersive experience to discover what VR can do while having fun.
What is Job Simulator?
Job Simulator is a virtual reality game developed by Owlchemy Labs and released in 2016, marking the launch of fun, accessible VR experiences. The story takes place in 2050, in a world where all human jobs have been replaced by robots, turning work into a curiosity displayed in a “Job Museum.”
In this simulation, players take on the role of humans experiencing life as an “old-school worker”, performing everyday tasks turned into absurd and humorous situations. Every action is intentionally exaggerated for fun: making coffee, throwing staplers, cooking with bizarre ingredients, or performing wacky car repairs.
Gameplay and Available Experiences
Job Simulator offers four playable jobs, each turned into a humorous mini sandbox:
- Office Worker: Type on a keyboard, serve donuts, dodge your robot boss’s complaints, and throw objects at coworkers without consequence.
- Gourmet Chef: Prepare bizarre dishes, handle absurd orders, and play with food in an interactive kitchen.
- Convenience Store Clerk: Scan items, give change, handle demanding robot customers, and restock quirky products.
- Auto Mechanic: Perform wacky repairs on robot cars, swap out ridiculous parts, and “customize” vehicles with no real logic.
The gameplay relies on realistic VR physics, allowing players to grab, throw, spill, or stack almost any object within the environment. This creates a freeform experience where players can follow suggested tasks or experiment without limits.
Each job offers short, varied tasks designed to be funny and accessible even for beginners, while delivering immersive VR sensations: reaching for objects behind you, manipulating kitchen tools, or opening drawers to find absurd surprises.
Job Simulator does not use a scoring system or add pressure, making it perfect for:
- Discovering VR in a fun, relaxed way.
- Testing hand tracking and room-scale gameplay.
- Playing in short, commitment-free sessions.
Available Platforms
Job Simulator is available on all major virtual reality platforms, making it accessible to a wide audience:
- HTC Vive
- Oculus Rift / Oculus Quest (via Link)
- PlayStation VR and PSVR2
- Valve Index
- Windows Mixed Reality
- Apple Vision Pro
The game is primarily in English, but some versions offer French subtitles to better understand the robots’ humorous dialogues. Thanks to intuitive controls using VR controllers, Job Simulator is easy to pick up even for newcomers to VR, while providing a full room-scale experience.
Reception and Reviews
Job Simulator has been widely praised by VR-focused media for its humorous approach and accessibility. The game is often cited as an ideal entry point for discovering VR, thanks to its simple concept and varied interactions that effectively demonstrate what virtual reality can offer without requiring lengthy explanations.
Players appreciate:
- Its quirky humor that turns mundane tasks into absurd situations.
- Its ease of use, even for people who have never used a VR headset before.
- Its sandbox environment that lets players explore and play without constraints.
However, some reviews note:
- A short playtime: content can be completed in just a few hours.
- Limited replayability: once all jobs are explored, interest depends on the desire to revisit for fun interactions.
Awards and Key Figures
Job Simulator is not just a fun game; it is also a commercial and critical success in the VR ecosystem:
Awards:
- Winner of Best VR/AR Game at the 2017 Game Developers Choice Awards.
- Featured in many “best VR games for beginners” lists.
Key Figures:
- Over 1 million copies sold, achieving platinum status in January 2020.
- Considered one of the most popular VR titles for public demo sessions and in VR arcades.
Conclusion
Job Simulator has established itself as an essential reference in virtual reality thanks to its humor, simplicity, and accessible interactivity. Turning “work” into a wacky playground, Owlchemy Labs’ title continues to attract new players looking to discover VR in a stress-free, fun way.
Whether you want to introduce VR to a friend, liven up a gathering, or simply take a fun break, Job Simulator remains an excellent choice for enjoying yourself while exploring the possibilities of virtual reality.
