I'd argue that just working towards a goal isn't necessarily "labor." What makes DRG a labor simulator is that every mission type involves some amount of planning, communication, coordination and manual work. The devs were clever, there's some things you have to do in every game that just aren't fun to do alone, but working together makes the drudgery go by faster.
that's video games in general honestly. they provide the sense of working towards an end without obligation or coercion.
I'd argue that just working towards a goal isn't necessarily "labor." What makes DRG a labor simulator is that every mission type involves some amount of planning, communication, coordination and manual work. The devs were clever, there's some things you have to do in every game that just aren't fun to do alone, but working together makes the drudgery go by faster.