Drone warfare has evolved into a new and deadlier form in the Russo-Ukrainian War. Where MQ-9 Reaper UAVs costing $32 million fired AGM-114 Hellfire missiles costing $150,000 to destroy enemy vehicles, hobby drones carrying explosives and costing just a few hundred dollars can now destroy tanks. Combined with the international outcry against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, these drones inspired a new video game: Death From Above.
Developed by Rockodile Games and published by Lesser Evil, Death From Above is described as “an easy-to-pick-up arcade drone warfare game where you play as a Ukrainian military drone operator fighting against Russian invaders.”
Funded by a Kickstarter campaign, the game quickly exceeded its goal of €25,000. Multiple funders joined the campaign, contributing amounts exceeding €1,000.
The war in Ukraine is ongoing, and modern conflicts have been sensitive subjects in video games in the past. However, Lesser Evil is direct about its stance on the war and the game’s intent.
“We are uncompromisingly anti-authoritarian, anti-racist, and pro-democracy,” the company’s website says. “We publish video games with clear political or social intent and messaging.” Death From Above is the only game in Lesser Evil’s portfolio.
Released in early access form on May 25, 2023, Death From Above is explicitly set in Ukraine in the year 2023. The arcade-style presentation includes yellow and blue streaks, the colors of the Ukrainian flag, and the trail behind the player-controlled drone. “Hidden behind enemy lines, you command a ‘super drone’ to seek and destroy tanks, take back communication towers, recover stolen goods, and fight for a better tomorrow,” states the game’s description on Steam.
Players can even accept the surrender of enemy forces, similar to what is being seen in Ukraine.
In its early access form, Death From Above includes one drone type, one sandbox, two missions, two ground enemy types and enemy vehicles. The full version, expected around December 2023, will add missions, ammo types, a new boss fight, a photo mode and modification options for the drone. However, player feedback may influence the final version of the game.
Death From Above costs $9.99 and is available for download on Steam. Lesser Evil says that they “do not intend to increase the price of the game during or after Early Access.” Profits from the game are donated to Lesser Evil’s partner charities in Ukraine. These organizations include Rescue Now, which provides food, medicine, and psychological support; Army of Drones, which raises funds for drone procurement and pilot training; and Come Back Alive, which supplies arms, equipment, and training for Ukrainian troops.
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