Neuralink test subject used technology to play Counter-Strike

In what is believed to be a first, Neuralink participant Alex has used his brain implant to help play Counter-Strike. Neuralink wrote about the test subject's experience in a blog post that explained how the device was being utilized to help with daily tasks.

Alex also enjoys playing first-person shooter games, which generally require the use of numerous inputs, including two separate joysticks (one for aiming and the other for moving) and an array of buttons. Before receiving the Link, Alex enjoyed playing these games using an assistive device called the Quadstick — a mouth operated joystick with sip-and-puff pressure sensors and a lip position sensor for clicking.

However, a key limitation of the controller is that it only has one joystick, restricting Alex to either moving or aiming at any given time. Switching from moving to aiming involves letting go of the joystick and then sipping or puffing into a separate straw to toggle the functionality. Now, Alex is able to use the Link in combination with his Quadstick to move and aim simultaneously, unlocking a more intuitive gameplay experience.

Alex had received the Neuralink implant last month and has been improving in his ability to play video games. Neuralink says that Alex has quickly picked up the functionality of the Link and within just a few hours has already mastered and surpassed the speed and accuracy he had with other assistive technology.

In the video example, which Neuralink incorrectly describes as Counter-Strike 2, Alex is clearly able to move, change direction, and aim while participating in an offline deathmatch on the map Dust2. The 42-second video shows Alex as he walks, jumps, and aims around the CT-side of Dust2 with a P90 in hand.

Surprisingly, Alex is able to get a few kills as he continues to explore and learn how to play Counter-Strike with his new assistive technology.

Neuralink says that they will continue to expand the controls available to participants, including working on decoding multiple clicks and simultaneous movement to deliver the full mouse and controller capability. This could help those with limb disabilities fully restore their ability to function and communicate.

Interstingly, Neuralink says that Alex only received the implant a month ago and was playing Counter-Strike 2, however the game is clearly Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, which was effectively sunset last year. We have reached out to Neuralink to understand why the footage is of CS:GO and not Counter-Strike 2 like they say it is.

You can learn more about Neuralink on their website