Neuralink Patient Controls Counter-Strike 2 with His Mind

by Kay Lee

A second patient with a Neuralink brain implant has successfully played the popular first-person shooter game Counter-Strike 2 using only the power of his mind. The patient, identified as Alex, received the Neuralink implant in early August at the Barrow Neurological Institute. Despite a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed, Alex has swiftly mastered controlling a computer cursor and navigating and engaging in the fast-paced world of video gaming.

Neuralink, the brain technology startup founded by Elon Musk, designed the implant, known as the Link, to enhance the control of digital devices for individuals with quadriplegia. Within just five minutes of connecting the implant, Alex was able to control a computer cursor with his thoughts, quickly surpassing the speed and accuracy limits of previous assistive technologies.

The technology has allowed Alex to use a specialized mouth-operated Quadstick joystick to move his character in Counter-Strike 2, while aiming and shooting are performed entirely through thought. This unique combination has provided Alex with a more intuitive and immersive gaming experience, showing the potential of Neuralink's technology to restore autonomy and improve the quality of life for individuals with severe physical disabilities.

Beyond gaming, Alex has also begun exploring creative applications of the Link. He is learning to use computer-aided design (CAD) software to design 3D objects, including a custom mount for his Neuralink charger, which he successfully designed and 3D-printed.

Neuralink has made significant strides in refining the technology since its first implantation, addressing technical challenges such as the retraction of thread-based electrodes experienced by the first patient. The modifications made for Alex's surgery have ensured that his implant remains fully operational, with no issues of retraction.

Neuralink Reveals Results from Its First Brain-Computer Interface Study
Neuralink aims to enhance the implant’s control accuracy to match that of able-bodied users fully, including expanding its capabilities to allow text input and the control of robotic devices such as prosthetic arms and motorized wheelchairs.
The Internet ProtocolKay Lee

Looking ahead, Neuralink plans to expand the capabilities of the Link, enabling more complex digital interactions, such as full mouse functionality and even the control of robotic arms or powered wheelchairs. These advancements could pave the way for a future where brain-computer interfaces provide unprecedented levels of independence for people with neurological conditions.