It's hardly news that game controllers are used in modern warfare, as the compact, multi-buttoned devices have been used by armed forces for remote applications for years. However, with the rise of the use of drone attacks in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, the UK government has decided to implement further export restrictions on Russia, one of which is the wholesale ban on selling any game controllers to the country.
As to just how many controllers Russia purchases from the UK isn't clear, despite being asked by The Register, which reported on the export ban. But the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is clear on what it will do: "Prevent them from being used to pilot drones on the frontline, meaning gaming consoles will no longer be repurposed to kill in Ukraine."
