On February 8, 2025, Luis Otavio, co-founder of the innovative game publisher Hanoi Studios, made his way to Centro de Apoio e Reforço Escolar (CARE) in Santo Andre, Brazil. During his visit, he shared both the board game and the digital version designed for Xbox of Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match. This game is more than just entertainment; it serves as a developmental tool for children who are neurodivergent.
Fernanda Mombelli, who owns the institution and serves as a neuropsychopedagogue, shed light on the crucial need for early detection of a child’s unique learning challenges. She emphasized how inclusive games can play a pivotal role in nurturing essential skills and offering targeted educational stimuli for students who are neurodivergent.
The newly-released game, Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match, goes beyond traditional play by encouraging the development of key cognitive functions like attention, concentration, memory, focus, and planning—areas where neurodivergent individuals often encounter obstacles.
Designed with a user-friendly approach, Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match invites players to engage with the puzzles without the constraints of move limits per level. This flexibility enables players to experiment and refine their problem-solving skills at their preferred pace. Alan Nobre, a pedagogue and physical educator, shared his thoughts, highlighting the importance of this approach for young learners: “We aren’t pushing for high performance in early childhood education. Our aim is for children to experience joy, as happiness leads to better learning and development.”
A practical example of the game’s impact was observed when a student with ADHD, anxiety disorder, stuttering, and socialization difficulties engaged with it. Fernanda noted the student’s enthusiasm: “With just a little guidance, they grasped the game’s objective and advanced quickly through the initial challenges. Yet, as expected, the intermediate stages presented tougher hurdles, triggering anxiety and stuttering. A short break and some strategies like deep breathing helped the student find their way again. This structured way of playing allowed them to overcome these challenges gradually.”
The board game version also proved engaging. When played in a cooperative mode with two educators, the student expressed high levels of enjoyment. “They wanted more frequent sessions, which not only underscored their enjoyment but indicated real progress in socialization and concentration,” Fernanda observed. “It was a rewarding experience for all involved.”
Looking ahead, Luis Otavio harbors aspirations for inclusive gaming. With plans to expand this initiative across Brazil’s educational landscape, he remains committed: “I’m inspired to create more games focused on inclusion and reach an even broader range of schools across the country.”
For families interested in enhancing their gaming experience, resources and tips are available at xbox.com/family. Xbox offers comprehensive tools and settings for family-friendly gaming, ensuring peace of mind when it comes to privacy and child safety.
Ready to dive in? Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match is available on both Xbox and PC, featuring cross-save and Smart Delivery through Xbox Play Anywhere. Priced at $4.99, it invites players to experience a unique blend of classic puzzles and modern gaming. By building color-coordinated towers, players unlock intricate paths, blending strategy with engaging gameplay. Don’t miss out on this chance to explore a fresh approach to puzzle-solving!
