How Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match Supports Neurodivergent Children in Brazil

On February 8, 2025, Luis Otavio made a meaningful visit to Centro de Apoio e Reforço Escolar (CARE) in Santo Andre, Brazil. Luis, one of the masterminds behind Hanoi Studios, showcased their creation, Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match. This was all part of an effort to support neurodivergent children using both the board game and the ID@Xbox Play Anywhere versions of this engaging puzzle game.

Over at CARE, Fernanda Mombelli, who specializes in neuropsychopedagogy and also owns the institution, spoke passionately about how crucial it is to identify children’s special needs early on. Inclusive games, like the one Luis developed, play a big part in enhancing key educational aspects for neurodivergent students.

This newly launched game, Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match, offers a fun way to sharpen attention, concentration, memory, focus, and planning skills—areas where neurodivergent individuals often encounter difficulties.

Now, let me tell you about the game’s design: it allows players to take on challenges at a comfortable pace, with no pressure to complete levels in a set number of moves. Alan Nobre, a pedagogue and physical educator, shared his thoughts on the game, emphasizing the importance of joy in childhood education. After all, happy children tend to learn and develop more efficiently.

Let’s dive deeper into the benefits these inclusive games provide for neurodivergent individuals. One student, dealing with ADHD, anxiety, stuttering, and socialization challenges, tried out the game. With some initial guidance, the student quickly got the hang of the early levels. But when things got tougher, anxiety kicked in, manifesting as stuttering. Taking a pause, focusing on deep breathing, and exploring options without rushing helped the student move past the hurdles and continue their progress.

It wasn’t just digital engagement that drew attention. The board game version of Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match sparked excitement when played in a cooperative setting with educators. This setup not only amplified enjoyment but also showed improvements in social skills, concentration, and a sense of community—a truly rewarding experience for all involved.

Curious about what’s next for Hanoi Studios? Luis is keen to continue creating games with inclusivity at their core, aiming to expand this initiative to more educational centers across Brazil.

For families looking to explore gaming options, Xbox has plenty on offer. Check out xbox.com/family for resources on privacy, tools, and the Xbox Family Settings app.

Excited to try it out? Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match is available on Xbox and PC as part of Xbox Play Anywhere, complete with cross-save and Smart Delivery features. So why wait? Dive into the world of Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match today!