Top 10 Shift Work Games for Engaging Gameplay

Video games offer a unique escape for those looking to unwind and de-stress after a demanding day. The thrill of engaging in various occupations within the gaming world adds a captivating twist, making the fantasy of working much more enjoyable than reality.

With a myriad of professions represented in video games, players can experiment with different careers, making the experience feel like both play and side work—though often devoid of the actual stress associated with real-life jobs.

In many titles, the act of working becomes a core gameplay mechanic, whether players engage with it throughout the game or for specific segments. Instead of monetary compensation, players receive an entertaining and sometimes riotous gaming experience.

10 The Sims 4: Get to Work

Work a 9-5 After a 9-5

No gaming experience captures daily life quite like The Sims, a beloved life simulation game renowned for its whimsical portrayal of life’s intricacies combined with a touch of absurdity. The game enables players to craft their characters’ lives, including their occupations.

In the Get to Work expansion pack for The Sims 4, players can actively participate in their Sims’ careers. While there are numerous professions to choose from, only three—the doctor, detective, and scientist—allow players to venture off to different locations: hospitals, police stations, and laboratories, respectively.

The addictive quality of The Sims 4 is further amplified with the opportunity to experience the workplace firsthand, making it all the more appealing to players who have invested countless hours into the game.

9 ArmA 3: High Life

A Mod That Lets You Literally Live Another Life

Renowned for its unparalleled realism, ArmA 3 boasts an expansive mod community, with some mods evolving into full-fledged games. One standout is the Altis Life mod, which immerses players in a lifelike digital society.

Altis Life is centered on role-playing, where players can assume different roles—including various jobs—creating a uniquely engaging virtual existence. The popularity of the mod laid the groundwork for the development of ArmA Life.

Since its launch, Altis Life has fostered a dedicated community that continues to flourish, allowing participants to earn in-game currency, contribute to their virtual neighborhoods, and truly experience a different lifestyle, thereby generating anticipation for ArmA 4 and its potential advancements.

8 Job Simulator

You Are Expendable, The Company Is Not

Job Simulator is a tongue-in-cheek virtual reality game set in a future where robots have rendered human jobs obsolete. To reminisce about the “glory days,”players engage in a series of humorous employment scenarios.

Released in 2016 but set in the year 2050, the game invites players to explore various occupations—ranging from gourmet chefs to office workers—through engaging and chaotic VR interactions, ensuring a lively gaming atmosphere.

7 Night of the Consumers

The Nightmares of Working Retail

Many people’s initial foray into the workforce involves either retail or fast-food jobs, often accompanied by challenging experiences and unruly customers. Night of the Consumers captures this unsettling reality through an indie horror lens.

Players assume the role of a grocery store employee juggling restocking items while managing demanding customers. Failing to meet these demands can lead to being reprimanded or even fired, highlighting the absurdity of service work.

The game resonates with anyone who has faced the pressures of retail, encapsulating relatable yet jarring experiences that evoke a sense of nostalgia—albeit with a hint of trauma.

6 Death Stranding

Delivering Packages Has Never Been So Fun

Sam Bridges Carrying Boxes In Death Stranding

The highly imaginative Hideo Kojima invites players into a strange world in Death Stranding, where they step into the shoes of Sam Bridges, a freelance courier. Underneath the unfolding narrative lies the fundamental task of delivering packages.

Players embark on journeys filled with peril to secure top delivery ratings while navigating a surreal landscape, experiencing the ebb and flow of their delivery success in real time.

This game has garnered a mix of opinions but remains a refreshing examination of the courier profession, interspersed with elements of humor and unexpected twists that only Kojima can orchestrate.

5 Grand Theft Auto V

Embrace The Roleplay Servers

While Grand Theft Auto V itself doesn’t allow for structured employment, numerous players have found meaningful engagements through a variety of roleplay servers. These platforms serve as realistic simulations of everyday life, offering an abundance of job opportunities.

The immense success of Grand Theft Auto V, which has sold over 205 million copies worldwide, has fostered a thriving player base keen on collaborative role-playing experiences. As the anticipation builds for the release of Grand Theft Auto VI, players remain loyal to their gaming communities.

4 The Closing Shift

Become a Barista With A Keen Stalker

Chilla's Coffee Cafe featured in The Closing Shift

Chilla’s Art has mastered the fusion of the mundane with horror, exemplified through their title The Closing Shift. Players take on the role of a barista, facing not only the perils of waking hours but also an unnerving presence in the shop.

Throughout the game, customers become increasingly bizarre while the looming threat of a stalker raises the tension. This combines elements of both an immersive barista simulator and an effective horror experience, creating a unique atmosphere.

The game offers a meticulous and almost soothing gameplay loop, reminiscent of the real-life barista experience, culminating in a genuinely compelling narrative.

3 Graveyard Keeper

Attending Medieval Cemeteries

While farming games like Stardew Valley and Harvest Moon offer delightful experiences, they may not suit everyone. Graveyard Keeper presents a distinct alternative, allowing players to manage a cemetery in a quirky yet dark medieval setting.

This engaging game balances spooky elements with humor, ultimately creating a captivating experience as players delve into the unique challenges of cemetery maintenance.

2 Elite: Dangerous

Fulfill Your Dream of Being an Astronaut

Beautiful screenshot of spaceship in space in Elite Dangerous

When children dream of future careers, becoming an astronaut consistently ranks at the top. Elite: Dangerous allows players to explore this fantasy, embarking on interstellar journeys across the Milky Way Galaxy to mine resources and document their discoveries.

This vast sandbox experience stands out as a rewarding job that offers players a sense of wonder and exploration that echoes childhood aspirations.

1 Papers, Please

Work as an Immigration Inspector

Papers, Please offers a poignant exploration of complex themes through the lens of simple storytelling, placing players in the role of an immigration inspector for the oppressive nation of Arstotzka in the 1980s.

Each level revolves around work shifts, where players navigate moral dilemmas, impacting both personal and narrative outcomes. The game features multiple endings based on player choices, underscoring its depth in storytelling and social commentary.

Additionally, players must balance their character’s family responsibilities based on their in-game earnings, adding an intriguing layer of strategy. Papers, Please is an unforgettable experience that warrants exploration—it’s a game you won’t want to miss.

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