Starfish Neuroscience, the company founded by Gabe Newell, CEO of Valve, has announced the development of a brain chip that will allow users to play on Steam without the need for a physical controller. This innovative device is expected to be released in late 2025 and promises to transform the way we interact with video games.
A neural chip much better than Elon Musk’s
The chip is distinguished by not requiring surgical intervention and functioning without a battery, using approximately 1.1 mW of energy. This represents a significant advancement compared to other similar projects, such as Elon Musk’s Neuralink, which requires a more invasive surgical procedure. The technology from Starfish Neuroscience will allow simultaneous access to multiple regions of the brain, which could open new opportunities not only for gamers but also in the medical field.
The company is also focused on the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders, offering innovative solutions for diseases such as Parkinson’s and depression. It highlights an approach to tumor therapy through precision hyperthermia, which would use heat to eliminate solid tumors with minimal intervention. This diversity of medical applications underscores the chip’s potential beyond entertainment.
Since 2019, Newell has explored brain-computer interfaces and has expressed interest in collaborating with others to adopt this technology. Although specific dates for human trials have not been confirmed, the device is expected to be in the testing phase starting in 2024. Advances from Starfish Neuroscience suggest a future where communication between the mind and machine will not only enrich the user experience but also improve the quality of life for people with complex medical conditions.
With the launch of this chip, all eyes are on Gabe Newell and his new project, which could redefine both the world of video games and the field of neuroscience.
