What Happened
According to a social media post by user @kimmonismus, an individual who has received a Neuralink brain-computer interface (BCI) implant is now able to play the massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) World of Warcraft using only their thoughts. The post expresses astonishment at the complexity of the task, noting that the game requires management of numerous abilities, fast movement, and significant multitasking.
The source material does not provide specific technical details about the demonstration, such as the version of the game played, the specific character class or actions performed, the latency of the control, or the accuracy rate. It also does not specify whether this was a private demonstration, a controlled test, or part of a broader update from Neuralink.
Context
Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk, is developing implantable brain-machine interfaces. The company's N1 implant is designed to be placed in the brain region controlling movement intention. The primary stated goal is to help people with paralysis control external devices. Public updates have been limited, but the company has previously shown a patient using the implant to play online chess and control a computer cursor.
World of Warcraft is known for its complex control scheme, often requiring players to use a keyboard and mouse simultaneously to activate dozens of spells and abilities, navigate a 3D environment, and interact with other players. Successfully playing it via a BCI represents a significant step beyond basic cursor control or simple game inputs.
This report follows Neuralink's announcement in January 2024 that it had implanted its first human patient and its subsequent video in March showing a patient playing online chess and moving a cursor.
Important Caveat: This information originates from a single social media post and has not been independently verified or accompanied by official documentation, video evidence, or performance metrics from Neuralink at the time of writing.
