Hanoi Puzzles: How Solid Match Supports Neurodivergent Children in Brazil

On February 8, 2025, Luis Otavio made an impactful visit to the Centro de Apoio e Reforço Escolar (CARE) in Santo Andre, SP, Brazil. As the co-founder of Hanoi Studios and the mind behind ‘Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match,’ Luis introduced the institution to both the board game and the ID@Xbox Play Anywhere versions of the game. These weren’t just for fun; they served a bigger purpose: helping neurodivergent children develop essential skills.

Fernanda Mombelli, a dedicated neuropsychopedagogue and the owner of CARE, stressed the critical need to identify children’s special needs early on. According to her, inclusive games like these are invaluable, offering students with neurological differences the chance to enhance key skills.

‘Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match’ is not your typical game. It’s designed to support neurodivergent players in honing attention, concentration, memory, focus, and planning—all areas where they might struggle more than others.

The game invites players into a welcoming challenge where they’re free to experiment and solve puzzles without any pressure to count moves. Pedagogue and physical educator Alan Nobre shared a delightful perspective on this initiative, saying: “In early childhood education, our aim isn’t high performance. What we want is for learning to be the happiest moment of a child’s life—because a happy child learns and grows more, and that’s our ultimate goal.”

Ever wondered how inclusive games can truly benefit neurodivergent individuals? It’s a topic worth diving deeper into.

Take, for example, a student navigating challenges such as ADHD, anxiety, and socialization issues. Fernanda observed their interaction with the game and noted, “With just a little guidance, they quickly grasped the game’s objectives and made swift progress through the initial stages. Yet, the intermediate levels brought tougher challenges, sparking anxiety and a bit of stuttering. We paused, encouraged taking deep breaths, and reassessment before making decisions. This structured approach saw them overcome their hurdles and advance confidently.”

Moreover, the board game version proved just as powerful. Playing in cooperative mode with two educators, the student found joy in the game, eager to engage in it more. This enthusiasm wasn’t merely about enjoyment; it marked improvement in social skills, attention spans, and a sense of community. It was a truly rewarding sight.

Looking ahead, Luis Otavio has big dreams for this initiative. “I want to create more games that prioritize inclusion and reach an even broader range of educational institutions across Brazil,” he said passionately.

For those seeking more on family gaming, Xbox has resources available. Their site offers insights into privacy tools, family settings, and community standards.

Ready to experience ‘Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match’? It’s time to play. Available on Xbox and PC, you can dive into this Xbox Play Anywhere game today.

Hanoi Studios
★★★★★
$4.99

In this unique take inspired by the classic Tower of Hanoi, you’ll stack pieces on a hexagonal board in a mysterious, calming setting. Follow the timeless rule: a larger piece can’t be on a smaller one. Unlock blocked paths by building towers of the same color and advance through the stages.