EU Proposes Ban on Video Game Controllers to Limit Russian Drone Operations

The European Union has introduced a new proposal to restrict the export of video game controllers and related equipment to russia. This measure aims to support Ukraine’s war effort by limiting russia’s access to hardware that can be repurposed for military drone operations.

Background on Gaming Industry Sanctions

Following russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, major gaming companies took decisive action against the country. Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo halted console and digital store sales in russia, while hardware manufacturers like Nvidia joined the embargo by ceasing all sales. Prominent game developers and publishers, including Take-Two, Ubisoft, EA, and CD Projekt Red, also withdrew their business from the russian market.

In response to these Western sanctions, the russian government effectively legalized video game piracy and initiated efforts to develop a domestic gaming console intended to rival the PlayStation and Xbox. Despite these moves, russia continues to face growing restrictions on accessing Western technology.

The New EU Sanctions Proposal

As the third anniversary of russia’s invasion approaches on February 24, the EU is preparing a fresh round of sanctions targeting the sale of video game equipment. According to the Financial Times, EU officials have specified that the proposed restrictions would include both new and second-hand sales of gaming controllers, flight simulator peripherals, and other devices capable of remote drone control.

Game controllers have played a significant role in modern warfare. Both Ukrainian and russian forces use gamepads to operate drones and other military equipment. Notably, Ukraine’s Territorial Defense Forces have even developed remote-controlled turrets operated using Steam Decks. The EU’s proposed restrictions seek to prevent these critical gaming-related components from reaching russia via European trade channels.

Effectiveness and Challenges

While gaming hardware manufacturers such as Sony have explored the use of drones in gaming applications, military drones have become a dominant force on the battlefield, used extensively for reconnaissance and precision strikes. Costing as little as $500, these drones can destroy enemy tanks and artillery worth millions of dollars, making them invaluable in modern combat.

However, experts warn that the proposed EU sanctions may have a limited impact. Speaking to the Financial Times, Olena Bilousova, a military and dual-use goods expert at the Kyiv School of Economics, noted that "most operators rely on Chinese-made controllers available on online marketplaces in russia" rather than equipment sourced from Europe. Since Western companies exited the russian market in 2022, the Kremlin has increasingly turned to countries like China and Iran for alternative supplies. Trade data shows that Chinese exports of gaming appliances to russia have surged from $30 million in 2022 to $120 million in 2024, highlighting russia’s growing reliance on Chinese technology.

Broader Sanctions and russia’s Response

In addition to targeting video game controllers, the EU’s upcoming sanctions package will also ban exports of certain chemicals critical to russia’s military industry, according to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. However, for the bill to take effect, it must first secure approval from all 27 EU member states.

Meanwhile, russia has continued to retaliate against Western sanctions. Recent measures include the banning of the social media app Discord and reports of russian efforts to develop a domestic alternative to Unreal Engine 5. Despite these countermeasures, Western economic pressure remains a significant obstacle for russia as it seeks to sustain its technological and military capabilities.

As the conflict continues, the effectiveness of sanctions on gaming hardware remains uncertain. However, they represent one of many efforts by the West to disrupt russia’s military supply chains and support Ukraine’s defense.