In a groundbreaking demonstration, Neuralink, Elon Musk’s brain-computer interface (BCI) company, has redefined gaming by showcasing two players competing in Call of Duty using only their minds — no gamepads, no mice, just pure neural control. Unveiled on June 27, 2025, this first-of-its-kind public test marks a monumental leap in gaming technology, with players moving, aiming, and shooting through a neurointerface that translates brain signals into virtual actions. As one witty commenter on X quipped, “Finally, someone’s playing CoD with their brain!” Here’s how Neuralink is revolutionizing gaming and what it means for the future.
Pure Brain-Controlled Gameplay
Neuralink’s latest demo, shared via a video update on X, features two participants with implanted Link devices controlling Call of Duty entirely through thought. The players, both part of Neuralink’s PRIME study for quadriplegic individuals, used the neurointerface to manipulate two virtual joysticks—one for movement and one for aiming — while also triggering actions like shooting and reloading. Unlike previous demos where participants like Noland Arbaugh played slower-paced games like Civilization VI or Mario Kart, this test showcases the BCI’s ability to handle the fast-paced, reflex-heavy demands of a first-person shooter (FPS) like Call of Duty.
The Link implant, a coin-sized device with 1,024 electrodes threaded into the brain’s motor cortex, captures neural signals and converts them into Bluetooth-based commands. This allows for precise, real-time control without physical input. In the demo, players navigated maps, aimed at opponents, and executed complex maneuvers, demonstrating the BCI’s potential to rival traditional controllers. Neuralink’s advancements in reducing thread retraction — addressed after issues with the first patient, Noland Arbaugh — ensured stable performance for both participants, with no reported signal loss.
Dual Virtual Sticks via Neural Signals
The demo’s standout feature is the use of two virtual joysticks controlled directly by the brain. One stick handles movement (forward, backward, strafing), while the other manages aiming and camera control, mimicking the dual-analog setup of a standard gamepad. This setup is a significant upgrade from earlier Neuralink tests, where the second patient, Alex, used the BCI to aim in Counter-Strike 2 but relied on a mouth-operated QuadStick for movement. By mapping distinct neural signals to separate inputs, Neuralink achieved simultaneous control, a critical requirement for competitive FPS games. As Alex previously noted, “I can [think about where to] look, and it goes where I want it to. It’s insane.”
This dual-stick functionality is a technical marvel, requiring the BCI to differentiate between imagined movements for navigation and aiming. Neuralink’s blog explains that the system decodes neural activity with high precision, allowing players to “fire the associated neurons” for each action, similar to how a monkey named Pager played Pong hands-free in an earlier Neuralink demo. The result is a fluid, intuitive gaming experience that feels like “using the Force,” as described by Arbaugh.
A Historic First for Gaming
This test is the first public demonstration of two players using a neurointerface to compete in a high-intensity game like Call of Duty without any physical controllers. Unlike single-player BCI demos, such as Alex’s Counter-Strike 2 session or Arbaugh’s Chess and Mario Kart gameplay, this marks a leap toward multiplayer, competitive gaming. The demo, presented at a Neuralink team meeting, left viewers “stunned” and sparked emotional reactions for its implications, particularly for those with disabilities. Posts on X reflect the excitement, with users calling it “pure sci-fi” and a “game-changer for those who’ve lost motor function.”
The test also highlights Neuralink’s progress in refining BCI performance. While Arbaugh faced issues with electrode retraction, reducing his cursor control initially, Neuralink’s mitigations — such as minimizing brain motion during surgery and deeper implant placement—ensured stability for the latest participants. The company is now working toward “full mouse and video game controller functionality,” with plans to extend the Link’s capabilities to physical devices like robotic arms and wheelchairs.
The Future of Gaming and Beyond
Neuralink’s demo isn’t just about gaming — it’s a glimpse into a future where BCIs could transform accessibility and entertainment. For quadriplegic individuals, the ability to play fast-paced games like Call of Duty restores autonomy and opens new avenues for social interaction. Beyond gaming, Neuralink envisions applications like controlling robotic limbs or writing via thought, as demonstrated by a participant playing rock-paper-scissors with a virtual robotic hand. However, challenges remain, including concerns about implant longevity and ethical questions about non-medical uses, with Arbaugh himself noting the potential for hacking.
The X community is buzzing with reactions, from awe at the technology to humorous jabs like, “At least someone’s playing CoD with their brain.” With Neuralink aiming to scale to “hundreds of implants in a few years” and millions in a decade, per Elon Musk, this demo is just the beginning. For now, it’s a stunning proof of concept that brain-controlled gaming is no longer science fiction — it’s here, and it’s changing the game.
Test out the future yourself by following Neuralink’s updates at neuralink.com.
