The Impact of Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match on Neurodivergent Children in Brazil

In an inspiring move on February 8, 2025, Luis Otavio, the co-founder of the Brazilian indie game company Hanoi Studios, made a notable visit to Centro de Apoio e Reforço Escolar (CARE) in Santo Andre, a city in Brazil’s São Paulo area. Known for developing “Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match,” Otavio was there to showcase how this game can be a powerful tool in supporting the growth of neurodivergent children. The game is available both as a board game and in the ID@Xbox Play Anywhere format.

Fernanda Mombelli, who owns CARE and is a skilled neuropsychopedagogue, stressed the significance of identifying a child’s unique needs early on. She pointed out how inclusive games like Hanoi Puzzles offer essential educational benefits and help neurodivergent children develop crucial skills.

As a fresh entry in the gaming genre, “Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match” enhances abilities such as attention, concentration, memory, and planning. These are areas where neurodivergent individuals often need more support.

The game doesn’t pressure players with move limits, encouraging a personal pace for experimentation and problem-solving. Alan Nobre, a pedagogue and physical educator, praised this feature, saying, “In early education, our focus isn’t on high achievement. We strive to make learning a joyful experience, for it’s a happy child who learns and grows most.”

Inclusive games have shown their worth in aiding neurodivergent individuals. One student with ADHD and anxiety disorder tried the game. As noted by Mombelli, this student, who also struggles with stuttering and socializing, quickly grasped the game’s objective and moved through its initial levels with little help. When the challenges increased at the intermediate level and their anxiety signs surfaced, they were guided to pause, relax, and think through their moves, which helped them overcome hurdles and proceed confidently.

Engaging with the board game version in a cooperative setting alongside educators sparked remarkable enthusiasm in the student. They expressed enjoyment and a wish to play more often. The game not only enhanced their social skills, attention, and focus but also fostered a strong sense of belonging, marking a triumph for everyone involved.

Looking ahead, Otavio remains passionate about the future of inclusive games, stating, “I aim to create more games centered on inclusion and expand this initiative to reach more educational institutes across Brazil.”

For those interested in family-friendly gaming resources, visit xbox.com/family. Explore Xbox’s offerings, including privacy tools, the Xbox Family Settings app, and community standards.

Dive into “Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match” today on Xbox and PC. It’s an Xbox Play Anywhere title with cross-save functionality and Smart Delivery, ready to delight and educate players of all ages.