How Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match Supports Neurodivergent Children in Brazil

Hanoi Studios recently showcased their game, Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match, at Centro de Apoio e Reforço Escolar (CARE) in Santo Andre, Brazil, a significant step for inclusive gaming. This initiative, spearheaded by creator Luis Otavio, aims to expand the reach of such educational tools throughout Brazil.

Luis Otavio, co-founder of Hanoi Studios, visited the CARE facility on February 8, 2025, to introduce both the board game and the digital ID@Xbox Play Anywhere version of Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match. This game serves as a developmental aid for neurodivergent children, offering a unique approach to supporting their educational journey.

Fernanda Mombelli, a neuropsychopedagogue and owner of CARE, underscored the value of early identification of special needs in children. She spoke passionately about how games like Hanoi Puzzles can enhance essential skills such as concentration, memory, and planning, which are often challenging for neurodivergent individuals.

Setting itself apart in the genre, Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match is crafted to help players develop critical focus and planning abilities without constraining them to a limited number of moves. Alan Nobre, a pedagogue and physical educator, shared his insights: “In early childhood education, our primary aim isn’t high performance but happiness. A joyful child is a child who learns and grows best.”

The game’s impact on neurodivergent individuals is profound. One student who navigates life with ADHD, anxiety, and socialization challenges engaged with the game, and their journey was documented by Mombelli. Initially, the student adapted quickly to the game’s objectives, but as the complexity increased, so did their anxiety, highlighted by stuttering. After guiding them to pause, breathe, and explore their options more carefully, they managed to overcome these challenges and progress.

Moreover, when participating in the board game version in a cooperative setting, the student expressed a keen desire to continue and showed remarkable improvements in teamwork and attention. This positive feedback affirms the game’s potential to enhance social skills and foster a sense of community among players.

Looking ahead, Luis Otavio aspires to develop more games with inclusivity at their core, widening their presence in educational institutions across Brazil. For those interested in family-friendly gaming and resources, Xbox offers a range of supports including privacy tools and the Xbox Family Settings app.

You can experience Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match on both Xbox and PC, thanks to its Xbox Play Anywhere capabilities, complete with cross-save and Smart Delivery features. At just $4.99, this engaging puzzle game, inspired by the classic Tower of Hanoi, offers a relaxing yet challenging experience as you navigate hexagonal boards to solve unique puzzles.