The brain as game controller

Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) have enabled the brain with a new, non-muscular communication and control channel, a direct interface for conveying messages and commands to the external world. The ability to communicate and control devices using one's thoughts without the need for motor movements is suitable for a broad range of medical applications, such as in assisting locked-in patients or for therapeutic treatments. Scientists are expanding the scope of BCIs to enable widespread integration of this technology into computer games. These are mainly intended as an additional control or communication channel along with normal human-computer interaction methods. The application of BCIs in computer games can be extended to motor-disabled persons as subjects to enable them to have new abilities to socially interact with the world around them – using nothing more than the power of their thoughts – and to engage in computer-based recreational activities.