PowerWash Simulator players can now help gaming and mental health research while they spray Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. PowerWash Simulator players can now help gaming and mental health research while they spray Research Edition opt-in live on Steam. News by Matt Wales Reporter Published on 18 Aug 2022 4 comments PowerWash Simulator developer FuturLab has launched a new initiative that'll enable players to opt-in and help independent researchers from Oxford University's Internet Institute gather data for its research on gaming and mental health. From today, Steam players that select the 'research-edition – Research Edition 2022' drop-down option under PowerWash Simulator's Properties > Betas menu will gain access to what FuturLab calls a "one-of-a-kind anonymous research study centred around the well-being of PowerWash Simulator's players [that] also aims to deliver insights into the larger discourse of gaming and mental health." FuturLab says two types of anonymous, de-identified data will be collected from players that opt-in to the PowerWash Simulator's Research Edition: 'base telemetry', which includes player progress and other general gameplay activities that'll be provided to the researchers for analysis, plus a second type made up of responses given directly to researchers by players. Watch on YouTube PowerWash Simulator - Launch Trailer. This second set of data will be gathered via a new in-game character specific to PowerWash Simulator's Research Edition, through which researchers can periodically contact players to ask "extremely short" questions about their experience. Players also have the option to provide researchers with feedback via the 'Tell us how you feel' button, which can be used once every 30 minutes. While answering is optional, doing so will provide progress toward unlocking special cosmetic rewards that can be used outside the Research Edition. FuturLab warns that campaign progress won't be carried over between the main game and the Research Edition, and notes that certain features - namely multiplayer and non-English-language support - will be disabled. Additionally, although Challenge mode remains available, study questions won't be asked here "as they would be disruptive to this mode's gameplay." Anyone interested in participating can find more detailed information on PowerWash Simulator's Research Edition over on Steam. Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Overwatch 2 suffers another DDoS attack and character roster bugs Mei Mei. 7 Nintendo Switch firmware update lets you take screenshots in the Switch Online app The app on your console, not your phone. 7 Latest Articles Genshin Impact Path of Gleaming Jade dates, login event rewards Including other anniversary rewards and how to claim them. Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Jelly Deals Logitech's G Pro X gaming headset is its lowest-ever price during Amazon's Early Access sale Prime Members can get it for just £52. Jelly Deals Save over £500 off the retail price on this beefy ASUS TUF Dash gaming laptop from Amazon Under £1080 for an RTX 3070 laptop. Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store