Have a go!
PowerWash Simulator Research Edition is a new version of the game that has been designed to aid in mental health research, developer FuturLab has today confirmed.
FuturLab is working with the Oxford Internet Institute on the project, which has been described as a “a one-of-a-kind anonymous research study centered around the wellbeing of PowerWash Simulator’s players.”
The study is being conducted in an entirely separate experience from PowerWash Simulator proper — you’ll need to activate the mode as a Beta branch over on Steam. To do so, select Properties > Betas and then “research-edition — Research Edition 2022” from the drop-down. Progress does not carry over between the two, separate game modes.
“A new ‘character’ has been introduced in the Research Edition which allows our researchers to contact you, the player, as if they exist in the game’s universe,” FuturLabs said. “They will get in touch throughout the study and occasionally ask questions about your experience. These questions are extremely short (they’ll take you less than a couple of seconds to answer) so shouldn’t disrupt your game experience.”
Rewards will be available to those who take part, and they’ll be available in the main game. All up, FuturLab says the research mode will run for at least three months.
PowerWash Simulator is available now on Windows PC via Steam and the Microsoft Store, Xbox One, Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X. While it’s available on PC and Xbox Game Pass, only the Steam version offers up Research Edition.
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