How Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match Supports Neurodivergent Children in Brazil

Luis Otavio, co-founder of the indie game publisher Hanoi Studios, recently had an enriching visit to the Centro de Apoio e Reforço Escolar (CARE) in Santo Andre, Brazil. On February 8, 2025, he introduced the institute to “Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match,” showcasing both the board and ID@Xbox Play Anywhere versions. These versions are designed to serve as learning aids for neurodivergent children.

Fernanda Mombelli, who owns the institution and is an experienced neuropsychopedagogue, stressed how crucial it is to identify special needs early in a child’s life. She talked about how inclusive games like these can provide valuable educational support, especially for children with unique learning challenges.

“Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match” is an innovative entry in its genre, perfectly tailored to enhance skills such as attention, memory, and strategic planning—areas where neurodivergent individuals frequently need assistance.

This game doesn’t pressure its players with move limits per level, instead encouraging exploration and patient problem-solving. Alan Nobre, a pedagogue and physical educator, sheds light on the educational philosophy behind the game: “In early childhood education, our aim isn’t high performance. We focus on creating joyous experiences for children, as happiness significantly boosts learning and development.”

For neurodivergent individuals, games like this have profound benefits. Take, for example, one student who has been dealing with ADHD and anxiety. Under Fernanda Mombelli’s careful observation, the student began engaging with the game. Initially, with just a little guidance, they managed to grasp the game’s objectives quickly and navigated through starting levels with ease. However, upon encountering more complex tasks, the student showed signs of anxiety, including stuttering. With gentle encouragement to breathe, observe, and consider all options before proceeding, the student managed to progress, illustrating significant personal growth.

Moreover, when this student engaged with the board game version alongside two educators, the level of excitement was palpable. Their enthusiasm for frequent sessions demonstrated not only an enjoyment of the game but also progress in social and cognitive areas, including attention and a sense of belonging.

Luis Otavio envisions a broader future for inclusive games. “I want to develop more games with inclusion as a core principle and expand this initiative to more educational institutions across Brazil,” he said.

For those interested in family gaming resources, Xbox offers a variety of tools and guides at xbox.com/family. This includes information on privacy settings and the Xbox Family Settings app.

Don’t miss out on experiencing “Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match”—available now on Xbox and PC with the added benefits of cross-save and Smart Delivery through Xbox Play Anywhere.