--- title: "This video game lets you control a Ukrainian drone" description: "Combined with the international outcry against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, these drones inspired a new video game: Death From Above." date: "2023-07-25" modified: "2023-07-25" authors: - name: "Miguel Ortiz" job_title: "Senior Contributor, Army Veteran" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/miguelortiz/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/entertainment/death-from-above-video-game-lets-you-control-a-ukrainian-drone/" categories: - "Entertainment" - "Gaming" tags: - "Russia" - "Ukraine" --- # This video game lets you control a Ukrainian drone ![]() *(Lesser Evil)* 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. ![war in ukraine video game]() **Despite its arcade style, the game closely mirrors real-life scenarios from the war in Ukraine (Lesser Evil)** 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. ![death from above drones]() **The player uses a drone to drop explosives on enemy forces (Lesser Evil)** 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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zADYRGrEGNw 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. ## Don’t Miss the Best of Mighty Gaming We Are The Mighty is a celebration of military service, with a mission to entertain, inform, and inspire those who serve and those who support them. We are made by and for current service members, veterans, spouses, family members, and civilians who want to be part of this community. Keep up with the best in military culture and entertainment: [subscribe to the We Are The Mighty newsletter](). - []()[An Atari 2600 console ‘absolutely wrecked’ an AI model in a chess match]() - []()[5 problems Space Marines deal with]() - []()[A video game might usher in an era of peace and unity in the digital world]() ## Author Miguel Ortiz is a Senior Contributor for We Are The Mighty covering primarily military news and history with an emphasis on weapons technology. He is a former active duty Army officer and remains a member of the Army IRR. After commissioning through San Diego State University Army ROTC, Miguel served with the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, NY. He has written for We Are The Mighty since 2020, drawing from his passion for the military community and history. Miguel’s work has also been seen on Business Insider and The Blast. He remains an avid shooter, competing in local USPSA matches. Miguel’s other hobbies are traveling and watch collecting. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]()