Archive · 3 Nov 2025
Ukraine Gamifies War with Points for Soldier Kills and Captures
Imagine soldiers are playing a video game during a real war.
They get points for doing certain things, like hurting or capturing enemy soldiers.
If they get enough points, their team can get cool new military equipment, like better drones, from a special online store.
This helps them fight better and keeps them motivated because war is very long and tiring.
The government says this game helps them win and that it's not dehumanizing because war itself is inhumane.
Other teams are trying to get the most points too, and there's even a list showing who is doing the best.
Ukraine has introduced a 'gamified' system rewarding soldiers with points for actions against Russian forces.
Soldiers receive points for wounding (8), killing (12), and capturing alive (120) Russian soldiers using drones.
Points can be redeemed for Ukrainian-made military gear, including drones, through an internal 'Brave1 Market'.
The program, initiated in 2024, aims to motivate troops and direct resources to high-performing units.
Points are also awarded for destroying or damaging Russian military equipment like tanks and rocket systems.
- Who
- Ukrainian military units and drone teams
- What
- A point-based competition rewarding soldiers for successful attacks on Russian soldiers and equipment, redeemable for military gear.
- When
- Introduced in 2024, with a beta version and online store expanding operations through April and August of the same year.
- Where
- Ukraine, with submissions reviewed in Kyiv.
- Why
- To motivate soldiers, direct resources to effective teams, and 'energize' troops amidst a prolonged conflict.
Concerns about Dehumanization
Government Justification
Gamification of Conflict
Concerns about Dehumanization
The system turns human lives into points, which can be seen as a brutal and potentially dehumanizing aspect of the conflict.
Government Justification
The 'gamification' is a way to energize troops and keep them motivated during a long and stressful war. The true inhumanity lies in the war itself.
Focus on Points vs. Mission
Concerns about Dehumanization
There's a potential for soldiers to become overly focused on accumulating points rather than executing strategic objectives.
Government Justification
Soldiers remain focused on destroying the enemy and achieving mission objectives, using the point system and acquired equipment as a means to that end.
- Program Name
- Brave1 Market
- Introduction Year
- 2024
- Points for Wounded Russian Soldier
- 8
- Points for Killed Russian Soldier
- 12
- Points for Captured Russian Soldier (Alive, via Drone)
- 120
- Points for Destroyed Tank
- 40
- Points for Destroyed Multiple-Launch Rocket System
- 70