It’s not science fiction: Counter-Strike 2 is played with thoughts only

Neuralink is back in the news. This time, it’s not just about the futuristic vision of merging the human brain with AI. Their latest milestone involves the second person to receive a Neuralink brain implant, who is already using the device to play video games, including Counter Strike 2.

The man, presumably known as Alex, can control and interact with the game using only his thoughts. Previously, to play first-person shooters, you relied on a QuadStick muzzle controller, which limited you to moving or aiming your weapon at any given time. This required switching between mouse and keyboard functions while playing.

However, thanks to the Neuralink implant, Alex can now aim with the implant while simultaneously moving with the QuadStick, greatly improving his control and gaming experience. This achievement highlights Neuralink’s rapid progress in brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, which aims to bridge the gap between human cognition and digital devices.

Video games often serve as testing grounds for new technologies, from AI algorithms to virtual reality systems. Neuralink’s use of games as a platform to demonstrate its BCI is a strategic move. Counter Strike 2 is known for its fast-paced and highly competitive gameplay, making it the perfect test for the implant to demonstrate its capabilities. If the patient can successfully navigate and compete in such an environment, it suggests that the device could be used to solve more complex problems in the future.

Earlier this year, the Elon Musk-backed company also shared a video in which the first human patient to have a Neuralink device implanted in his brain was able to use his thoughts to control a cursor that moves chess pieces.

While Neuralink’s progress is undoubtedly impressive, it also raises ethical and technical questions. The long-term effects of implanting a device directly into the brain remain unknown, and many experts in the field have expressed concerns about the potential for misuse of such technology.

Also, the technology is still in its infancy. The ability to play Counter Strike 2 This is a notable achievement, but it is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Neuralink must continue to improve its BCI technology to address a wider range of neurological problems and ensure the long-term safety and reliability of implants.