On February 8, 2025, Luis Otavio, the creative mind behind Hanoi Studios and co-developer of “Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match,” made an impactful visit to Centro de Apoio e Reforço Escolar (CARE) in Santo Andre, Brazil. The studio showcased both the board game and ID@Xbox Play Anywhere versions of “Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match” as tools to enhance development for neurodivergent children.
Fernanda Mombelli, a neuropsychopedagogue and the owner of CARE, stressed the crucial role of identifying and addressing a child’s unique needs early on. She highlighted how inclusive games like these significantly boost important skills, providing essential educational benefits for neurodivergent learners.
A fresh entry in its field, “Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match” is designed to bolster attention, concentration, memory, focus, and planning skills, catering to areas where neurodivergent individuals often face struggles.
The game stands out by being forgiving in its approach—the number of moves per level isn’t restricted, encouraging players to experiment and solve puzzles at their own pace. Alan Nobre, a pedagogue and physical educator, had some insights to offer on this inclusive gaming initiative: “In early childhood, it’s not about achieving peak performance. The aim is to make learning a joyful experience, as happiness fosters better learning and development.”
Let’s delve further into how games like these make a difference for neurodivergent individuals. A student dealing with ADHD, anxiety, stuttering, and socialization problems played the game. Fernanda documented their engagement and learning, noting that: “With just a little guidance, the student quickly grasped the game’s objective, effortlessly progressing through the early stages. However, intermediate levels posed more complex challenges, heightened anxiety, and caused stuttering. Taking a pause, they were advised to take a breath, carefully observe each option, and make calculated decisions. With this approach, they managed to overcome their hurdles and advanced further.”
When they tried out the board game version with two educators in cooperative mode, their enthusiasm was evident. They expressed a strong desire to play more often, highlighting not only enjoyment but also progress in social skills, focus, and a sense of belonging—a rewarding experience for everyone involved.
Looking ahead, what does the future hold for Luis and inclusive games? “I aspire to develop more games with a focus on inclusion and extend this initiative to educational institutes throughout Brazil,” he shared.
For those interested in more family gaming resources, visit xbox.com/family. Discover features like privacy tools, the Xbox Family Settings, and community standards.
Don’t miss the chance to play “Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match” on Xbox and PC. Available as an Xbox Play Anywhere game, it supports cross-save and Smart Delivery, ensuring a seamless experience across platforms.
