10 Best Games Where You Work Shifts

After a tiring workday, regardless of its specifics, video games offer a means to unwind and find some peace.

For certain game enthusiasts, there’s no greater joy than arriving home from work and immersing themselves in another gaming session.

It’s surprisingly enjoyable to punch in and work within video games rather than at a regular job. The vast array of professions portrayed in gaming allows players an opportunity to explore various intriguing lines of work.

It’s both enjoyable and income-generating – so pleasurable that it hardly feels like labor.

As a gamer, I find myself drawn to the allure of grinding in virtual worlds, even when it mimics the monotony of a 9-5 job. These games offer a unique satisfaction that’s hard to walk away from, whether the work is the core gameplay or a specific segment.

Regardless, I’m not pocketing any cold hard cash for the work I’m doing – instead, I’m being compensated with an exhilarating gaming adventure that can be downright amusing at times.

10. The Sims 4: Get to Work

Work a 9-5 After a 9-5

A literal simulator offers an unparalleled authenticity when it comes to replicating life, and luckily, there’s no scarcity of choices in the job world. Nevertheless, even among all the alternatives, The Sims stands out as something more captivating than any simulation game – the original itself.

As a dedicated enthusiast, I can’t help but sing praises for The Sims – a game that requires no formal introduction! It masterfully blends the absurdity of a whimsical life simulator with an uncanny sense of realism, all while sprinkling in just the right dose of humor to keep things captivating.

In The Sims 4, players have the ability to immerse themselves more deeply into their characters’ lives by taking part in their professions. With the addition of the Get to Work expansion pack, players can now join their Sims at work, experiencing the daily grind firsthand.

Sim players can choose from numerous career paths for their characters, with just three of them offering the possibility of working in different locations: namely, a doctor at a hospital, a detective at a police station, or a scientist at a laboratory.

The Sims 4 is incredibly hard to resist once you start playing, a fact that numerous gamers (including myself) can attest to after investing an unacknowledged amount of time in it. The ability to take on jobs adds another layer of immersion, making the Sims experience even more captivating and enjoyable.

9. ArmA 3: Altis Life

A Mod That Lets You Literally Live Another Life

As a gamer, I’ve got to say, nothing beats the realism in ArmA 3, and that extends to the mods born from this game. Some of these mods have even evolved into standalone games, but one that truly shines for its uncanny resemblance to reality is Altis Life. It’s like stepping into another world, a near-perfect reflection of life itself.

Altis Life serves as an add-on that emphasizes roleplay and deep engagement within a virtual environment. Users assume roles they actively perform, effectively inhabiting alternate personas via this mod – not the entire game itself. This experience extends to job assignments as well. If this concept seems familiar to ArmA Life, it’s because ArmA Life draws its inspiration directly from Altis Life content.

This community experienced significant growth when it initially debuted, but over time, it has evolved into a tightly-knit group of dedicated players. Within this virtual setting, individuals accumulate in-game money, collaborate, and engage with their digitally-defined neighborhood. Essentially, they immerse themselves in the experience, offering one of gaming’s most distinct and captivating adventures overall.

Of course, the announcement of ArmA 4 sparked even greater enthusiasm among fans, leaving them eagerly anticipating potential enhancements for Altis Life.

8. Job Simulator

You Are Expendable, The Company Is Not

Job Simulator is a VR game set in a future where machines have replaced human jobs. In this dystopian corporate world, humans can only experience work through this simulation, which aims to replicate the past job experiences as a means of reminiscing about the good old days.

This game is adorable and endearing, with its amusingly fun mechanics providing a pleasant distraction from the grimness of the present. The irony lies in the fact that this game was released in 2016, yet it’s supposed to take place in the year 2050.

Through this simulator, players can take on various roles like being a gourmet chef, an office employee, or even a cashier at a convenience store, among many other occupations.

In solitude, you find yourself accompanied solely by robots, yet there’s an unexpected absence of loneliness. Instead, the interaction often borders on the edge of chaos, particularly when virtual reality antics are involved.

This game laid the groundwork for numerous subsequent job simulation games, unbeknownst to its creators that it would eerily resonate with contemporary times.

7. Night of the Consumers

The Nightmares of Working Retail

Most people’s initial employment experience often involved jobs in the fast-food industry or retail, where they faced exhausting tasks and frequent verbal harassment from customers almost daily, all while receiving wages that were disappointingly low.

An intriguing independent horror game titled “Night of the Shopkeeper” brilliantly explores the unsettling idea. In this game, you assume the role of a grocery store worker who is responsible for replenishing the shelves and catering to customers’ demands during the night shift.

If they don’t succeed, the players will experience a shocking series of events where their character is dismissed by their supervisor (or boss), leading to an end of the game.

In simpler terms, the conversations depicted here might seem unbelievable or illogical, but they mirror genuine exchanges between customers and service providers in real-life retail situations. Many individuals who have worked in retail can confirm that customers’ requests can be incredibly demanding, strange, and even appear to be jokes at times.

It’s a game that nearly everyone can relate with, even if it means having a few war flashbacks.

6. Death Stranding

Delivering Packages Has Never Been So Fun

In Hideo Kojima’s creations, there’s often an element of the unusual, and this is particularly evident in Death Stranding. In this game, players assume the character of Sam Bridges, a freelance delivery man. Despite the narrative’s development, he still has tasks to complete as part of his job.

As a game protagonist, I’ll be taking on the role of a courier throughout our adventure, constantly packing my bag to the brim and navigating treacherous terrains for that coveted 5-Star Delivery Rating. The thrill is palpable as I watch my rating fluctuate in real-time with each delivery I make.

This game, whether people adore it or despise it, is always worth giving a try. It carries the distinctive marks of Kojima, such as witty humor and unusual interactions, with unexpected twists thrown in for good measure. The climax of the story delivers an emotional punch that you won’t see coming.

In the realm of science fiction, this work offers a refreshingly original perspective on the classic courier role, one that could invigorate the daily routines of real-world delivery professionals.

5. Grand Theft Auto V

Embrace The Roleplay Servers

immersive roleplay servers that mimic real-life scenarios quite remarkably. Here, players can find themselves employed in a variety of roles, from the mundane 9-5 jobs to more unconventional careers. The beauty lies in the freedom these servers offer; everything depends on the choices we make as players.

It’s remarkable that a game like Grand Theft Auto has evolved into hosting detailed role-playing servers. Considering that Grand Theft Auto V surpassed 205 million units sold over a decade after its launch, it comes as no surprise.

It’s got a dedicated player base, needless to say.

Absolutely, these servers serve as fantastic platforms for connecting with new individuals and cultivating camaraderie among fellow gamers. To be honest, I find myself intrigued about the potential outcomes when Grand Theft Auto VI drops – will players migrate to fresh servers or stick to their current ones?

Knowing this loyal fanbase, it would likely be both.

4. The Closing Shift

Become a Barista With A Keen Stalker

Chilla’s Art is a studio renowned for perfecting the chilling genre of everyday terror, a trait prominent in most of their PS1-style games. In The Closing Shift, players encounter a genuine fear: the dread of being pursued.

Beyond your current role as a barista, each customer seems more and more unfamiliar to you, all the while your anxiety grows over potential stalkers lurking around.

As a barista, you find yourself serving customers that feel increasingly unknown to you, adding to your escalating worry about any possible stalkers.

The profound, indescribable dread of being stuck in a job where you’re frequently brewing coffee (prepare yourself, as this task will consume much of your time in this game) and packaging treats for customers, any one of whom could potentially be the spectral presence that torments you.

This horror game is exceptionally well-done, but it surprisingly has elements reminiscent of a coffee shop simulator too. It’s remarkably detailed and careful, moving at a pace that’s almost soothing – and for someone like me who used to be a barista, that’s just how the daily grind felt.

3. Graveyard Keeper

Attending Medieval Cemeteries

Games such as Stardew Valley and Harvest Moon are adored for their peaceful, pixelated charm, but not everyone finds farming appealing, particularly those seeking a quieter, more secluded experience that still offers tranquility.

Try out Graveyard Keeper, an engaging simulation game with a charmingly eerie theme, set during Medieval periods. In this game, you oversee the management of a cemetery, offering an unexpected blend of fun and whimsy that perfectly complements its unique style and presentation.

Furthermore, grinding is an enjoyable experience, surprisingly so for this type of game. It’s like watching a well-crafted Halloween movie for kids, complete with unexpected twists and some entertaining chaos.

2. Elite: Dangerous

Fulfill Your Dream of Being an Astronaut

Whenever kids are queried about their future careers, it’s common to hear that they aspire to become astronauts. This dream is captivating, as the mystery and allure of space exploration has intrigued people for hundreds of years.

In Elite: Dangerous, players can live out their space explorer fantasy, traversing the vast Milky Way Galaxy to collect minerals, resources, and record discoveries everywhere they go.

Absolutely, it encompasses every amazing aspect of space exploration, including the awe-inspiring yet daunting black hole. Essentially, your role and consequently the challenge, is centered on that of an interstellar voyager.

In an awe-inspiring sandbox universe I find myself immersed in, my role feels less like work and more like fulfilling a lifelong dream. It’s simply indescribable!

1. Papers, Please

Work as an Immigration Inspector

In one of the most engaging forms of straightforward narration, the game Papers, Please places you in the role of an immigration officer for the fictional nation of Arstotzka, which is under a fascist regime during the 1980s. Beginning with a lighthearted tone, it swiftly transforms into a heart-wrenching experience, leaving one astonished.

Each stage centers on a work-related transition, and your character’s evaluation within the game hinges upon their proficiency in this simulated occupation.

In truth, there are various conclusions to this game, some of which may come as surprises; thus, it serves as an exceptional illustration of narrative artistry that combines enjoyment with thought-provoking observations.

Beyond that, the game offers an additional challenge: you must care for your household members by addressing their needs such as food, health, and warmth, all while balancing these responsibilities with your income from work. This unique blend of elements creates a captivating puzzle-like experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Hey there fellow gaming enthusiast! Let me tell ya, if there’s one game you haven’t tried yet but should absolutely jump on – it’s “Papers, Please”. Trust me, once you dive into this unique experience, you won’t look back. I promise it’ll be a decision you won’t regret.

2025-01-14 22:10