On February 8, 2025, Luis Otavio, a key figure at Hanoi Studios, made a notable visit to Centro de Apoio e Reforço Escolar (CARE) in Santo Andre, Brazil. As the mind behind Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match, he brought along the game to show how it can be a valuable tool for children with neurodivergent needs. Both the board game and the ID@Xbox Play Anywhere editions of the game were showcased as nurturing aids for their development.
Fernanda Mombelli, who leads CARE and is an expert in neuropsychopedagogy, stressed how crucial it is to identify children’s unique learning needs early on. She also pointed out how inclusive games like Hanoi Puzzles can help neurodivergent students hone essential skills through engaging stimuli.
As a fresh entry in the puzzle genre, Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match is designed to sharpen attention, concentration, memory, and planning—areas where neurodivergent players often need extra support.
The game is thoughtfully designed so players can move at their own pace. There’s no rush to complete levels in a set number of moves, fostering a relaxed problem-solving environment. Pedagogue and physical educator Alan Nobre said it best: “In early childhood education, we prioritize joy over performance. A happy child learns better, and that’s our ultimate goal.”
Focusing on the broader benefits, games like this have clear advantages for neurodivergent individuals. During a session at CARE, a student with ADHD, anxiety, and other challenges navigated Hanoi Puzzles, and Fernanda Mombelli noted their engagement. Initially, the student grasped the basic mechanics quickly but faced anxiety when levels became more complex. However, with calm advice to breathe and consider all options, the student overcame these hurdles with renewed confidence.
In a cooperative game setting with educators, the student not only enjoyed the experience but showed marked improvement in social skills and attention span, which was a profound moment for everyone involved.
When it comes to the future, Luis Otavio has big dreams. He aims to create more games with an inclusive mindset and to extend these initiatives to more educational centers throughout Brazil.
If family gaming intrigues you, be sure to visit xbox.com/family. There, you’ll find resources on privacy controls and family-friendly settings to make informed choices about gaming.
For those eager to jump into the action, Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match is available now on Xbox and PC. It’s part of the Xbox Play Anywhere range, ensuring a seamless experience across platforms. The game channels classic puzzle vibes, allowing you to stack colorful towers on a hexagonal board while enjoying a serene and captivating atmosphere.
