In the vibrant city of Santo Andre, Brazil, the inclusive support institution, Centro de Apoio e Reforço Escolar (CARE), recently welcomed a very special guest. On February 8, 2025, Luis Otavio, the co-founder of Hanoi Studios and the creative mind behind the innovative game Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match, made an appearance. This visit wasn’t just about showcasing a new game; it was about introducing a tool for growth and learning, tailored for neurodivergent kids.
Hanoi Studios rolled out both the traditional board game and the digital ID@Xbox Play Anywhere version of Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match, emphasizing their utility in aiding the development of children with different learning needs. Fernanda Mombelli, the neuropsychopedagogue and owner of CARE, stressed just how crucial it is to identify a child’s unique needs early on. She also pointed out the valuable skills and educational stimuli that games like these bring into the lives of neurodivergent students.
Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match is not your typical game. It’s crafted to enhance skills like attention, concentration, memory, focus, and planning—areas where neurodivergent individuals often need additional support.
What makes this game stand out is its gentle approach to challenge: there’s no stringent move limit per level, allowing players the freedom to explore and solve puzzles at their own pace. Alan Nobre, a pedagogue and physical educator, sheds light on this concept: “In early childhood education, our goal isn’t high performance but happiness. A joyful child learns and develops better, which is our primary focus.”
Adopting this game isn’t just about fun; it offers profound benefits for neurodivergent individuals. For instance, a student managing ADHD, anxiety disorder, and socialization challenges played the game under the careful watch of Fernanda Mombelli. Initially, the student picked up the game quickly with minimal help and progressed through the easy levels confidently. However, as the challenges intensified, signs of anxiety such as stuttering appeared. Fernanda took this moment as a teaching opportunity; she advised the student to pause, breathe, assess, and explore each potential path carefully. With this guidance, the student managed to overcome the hurdles and continue their journey through the game.
The game’s board version, played in cooperative mode with educators, brought even more exciting results. The student expressed a love for the game and a desire to engage with it more often. This enthusiasm highlighted not only the enjoyment factor but also significant strides in socialization, concentration, and the ability to feel part of a community.
Looking into the future, Luis Otavio has clear aspirations. He envisions expanding this initiative to more educational institutes across Brazil and creating more games that cater specifically to the needs of neurodivergent individuals.
For those interested in exploring resources to enhance family gaming experiences, head over to xbox.com/family. Here you’ll find details on privacy, the Xbox Family Settings app, and the community standards they uphold.
Eager to jump into Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match? It’s available now on Xbox and PC, complete with Xbox Play Anywhere compatibility, cross-save features, and Smart Delivery options.
Dive into a world where you’re tasked with assembling towers by stacking same-colored pieces on a mysterious hexagonal board, all while experiencing the soothing atmosphere inspired by the classic Tower of Hanoi puzzle. Available for just $4.99, it’s more than a game; it’s a journey of discovery and learning.
