On February 8, 2025, a memorable event took place as Luis Otavio, the brains behind the indie game publisher Hanoi Studios, brought along Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match to Centro de Apoio e Reforço Escolar (CARE) in Santo Andre, Brazil. This wasn’t just any visit—Otavio presented both the Board Game and ID@Xbox Play Anywhere versions of Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match, aiming to turn these into valuable tools for neurodivergent kids.
Now, why does this matter? Fernanda Mombelli, a passionate neuropsychopedagogue and the person in charge at CARE, has always stressed the value of recognizing a child’s unique needs early on. According to her, inclusive games are brilliant for this—providing the perfect mix of skill-building and educational stimulation for those who need it the most.
This innovative game isn’t just another puzzle—it’s crafted to fine-tune essential skills like memory, attention, concentration, and planning, which can be particularly tough for neurodivergent individuals to master.
One fascinating aspect of Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match is its flexible gameplay. There’s no stress about the number of moves per level, allowing players to explore and solve puzzles at their own speed. Here’s a bit from Alan Nobre, a pedagogue and physical educator, about this intriguing project:
“In early childhood education, we’re not chasing a high score. Our focus is on ensuring children have a joyful experience because a happy child tends to learn and grow more. That’s our ultimate aim.”
When thinking about how these games make a difference, it’s beautifully illustrated by a student’s interaction. This young player faced several challenges, including ADHD, anxiety, stuttering, and social difficulties. Mombelli observed their journey closely:
“At first, the student quickly grasped the game’s objective with just a little guidance and sailed through the initial levels. But as they hit the mid-level hurdles, anxiety kicked in. We took a pause. Encouraged them to breathe, look carefully, and experiment with options. This structured guidance helped them push past their struggles.”
But there’s even more to this story! In a collaborative mode with educators, the board game version was a hit. The student showed enthusiasm, saying they loved it and wanted more. It was a noteworthy improvement in their social skills, focus, and sense of connection—truly heartening for everyone involved.
So, what’s Luis Otavio dreaming up next? He’s clear about his ambition: “I want to create more inclusive games and make our efforts reach schools all across Brazil.”
Curious about what more Xbox offers families or need tips for gaming together? Swing by xbox.com/family for a treasure trove of resources, including privacy tools, the Xbox Family Settings app, and more.
Why not give Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match a try today on Xbox and PC? This Xbox Play Anywhere game boasts cross-save and Smart Delivery, offering a seamless experience wherever you play. Don’t miss out!
