In early February 2025, Luis Otavio, one of the driving forces behind Hanoi Studios and the creative mind behind Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match, stepped into the welcoming halls of CARE, a supportive institution nestled in Santo Andre, Brazil. This was no ordinary visit. Otavio brought with him the innovative Board Game and the versatile ID@Xbox Play Anywhere versions of Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match, aimed at nurturing the development of neurodivergent youngsters.
As Fernanda Mombelli, the seasoned neuropsychopedagogue and owner of CARE, eloquently explained, spotting a child’s unique needs early on can make a world of difference. She spoke passionately about the benefits that inclusive games bring to students with different learning profiles, emphasizing how such tools can bolster vital skills.
Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match, a fresh entry in the genre, is tailored to hone attention, concentration, memory, focus, and strategic planning—areas where neurodivergent individuals typically face hurdles.
Imagine a puzzle game designed without the pressure of limited moves. That’s what Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match offers—an environment where players can explore strategies at their own pace. Alan Nobre, a pedagogue and physical educator, captured the essence of this approach, saying, “In early childhood education, our goal isn’t about performance metrics. We’re here to make these moments enriching and joyous for children because a joyful child is one that learns and grows best. That’s the core of our mission.”
The benefits of such inclusive games are profound, particularly for those with neurodivergent conditions. Fernanda Mombelli shared insights from her observations of a student with ADHD, anxiety, and social challenges engaging with the game. Initially, the student zipped through the game’s initial challenges, grasping goals with little guidance. As they moved into tougher territory, anxiety reared its head. But with gentle intervention—encouraging breaths and pausing to strategize—they found their stride again, illustrating the power of thoughtfully designed games.
The board game version sparkled in cooperative mode too, creating a buzz of enthusiasm as the student worked alongside educators. The game not only provided enjoyment but also significantly boosted their social interaction skills and focus.
So, what’s next for Luis and the future of inclusive gaming? He has dreams of expanding this initiative across Brazil, reaching more educational centers with games that welcome everyone.
Curious about exploring gaming as a family? Head over to xbox.com/family for a treasure trove of resources and info on privacy tools, Xbox’s Family Settings app, and more.
Ready to dive in? Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match is available now on Xbox and PC, offering the seamless experience of Xbox Play Anywhere with cross-save and Smart Delivery features. It’s priced at an affordable $4.99, presenting a compelling blend of the classic Tower of Hanoi and innovative puzzles that invite players into its calming, mysterious world.
