How Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match Supports Neurodivergent Children in Brazil

In an inspiring move on February 8, 2025, Luis Otavio, co-founder of Hanoi Studios and developer of the popular game Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match, paid a visit to Centro de Apoio e Reforço Escolar (CARE) in Santo Andre, Brazil. During his visit, he showcased the impactful Board Game and ID@Xbox Play Anywhere versions of Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match, highlighting their potential as tools to support the development of neurodivergent children.

At the heart of the initiative is Fernanda Mombelli, a neuropsychopedagogue and owner of CARE, who underlined the critical role that early identification of children’s unique needs plays. She emphasized how games like these are instrumental in fostering essential skills and providing educational stimuli for students who are neurodivergent.

Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match is a fresh take on puzzle games, aimed at enhancing attention, memory, planning skills, and focus—areas that are often challenging for neurodivergent individuals. What sets this game apart is its welcoming approach that doesn’t constrain players with move limits, encouraging them to solve problems at their own pace. Alan Nobre, a pedagogue and physical educator, shared his thoughts on the game’s impact:

“In the realm of early childhood education, our priority isn’t striving for high performance. We aim to create joyful experiences because a happy child is a learning child. That’s what we aim for every day.”

The benefits of such inclusive games for neurodivergent individuals are profound. One student, who grapples with ADHD, anxiety, stuttering, and socialization difficulties, engaged with the game under Fernanda’s guidance. She noticed the student’s initial quick grasp of the game, but as challenges grew, so did the student’s anxiety. By pausing the game and encouraging a methodical approach, involving deep breaths and observation, the student was able to navigate through the tougher stages successfully.

In a cooperative session with the board game version, alongside two educators, the student expressed a strong desire to play the game more often, finding it both enjoyable and rewarding. This interaction not only underscored the student’s enjoyment but also marked remarkable progress in socialization, concentration, and a sense of belonging.

As for the future, Luis Otavio has ambitious plans: “I want to develop more games with inclusivity in mind and expand this initiative to a broader array of educational institutes throughout Brazil.”

For those interested in enriching their family gaming experiences, resources and tips can be found at xbox.com/family. Here you can explore Xbox’s family offerings, including privacy tools, the Xbox Family Settings app, and their Community Standards.

Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match is available for play on Xbox and PC today! It’s an Xbox Play Anywhere title, which means you can enjoy cross-save and Smart Delivery as part of your gaming experience.

If you’re curious about what this gaming gem offers, it’s a fresh concept grounded in the classic Tower of Hanoi puzzle. Players can delve into stacking same-colored pieces on a hexagonal board, aiming to unlock new paths and advance through levels—all enclosed within a mysterious, calming atmosphere.