Back on February 8, 2025, Luis Otavio, one of the key figures behind the Brazilian indie gaming company Hanoi Studios, paid a visit to CARE, a notable inclusive support center located in Santo Andre, SP, Brazil. This was a significant moment, as the center started using both the physical board game and the digital Xbox Play Anywhere versions of Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match as valuable tools for assisting neurodivergent children in their development journeys.
The center’s owner, Fernanda Mombelli, who is also a neuropsychopedagogue, underscored how crucial it is to identify special needs in children early on. She pointed out that inclusive games like this one are pivotal in helping neurodivergent students gain important skills through engaging and interactive educational stimuli.
Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match stands out in its genre. It’s more than just a game—it’s a tool that aids in enhancing attention, concentration, memory, focus, and planning skills, which are often challenging for neurodivergent individuals.
This unique game, designed to be both stimulating and accommodating, doesn’t impose move limits on players. Instead, it encourages them to explore solutions at their own speed. Alan Nobre, a pedagogue and physical educator, shared his enthusiasm for the game, stating, "In early childhood education, we aim to create joyous experiences because a happy child learns and develops better, which is always our primary objective."
The benefits of inclusive games extend far and wide. One particular student, overcoming challenges such as ADHD, anxiety, and stuttering, was keenly observed by Mombelli as they interacted with the game. Here’s how the experience unfolded:
Initially, the student quickly grasped the game’s concept and made rapid strides. However, upon encountering tougher levels, signs of anxiety emerged. At this point, a pause was taken, allowing the student to breathe deeply and contemplate their options before proceeding. With this guided approach, difficulties were surmounted, illustrating not just improvement in gaming skills but also a boost in emotional regulation.
Moreover, when this student played the board game cooperatively with two educators, their enthusiasm soared. They expressly enjoyed it and expressed an eagerness to play more often. This not only indicated their enjoyment but also revealed advancements in socialization, attention, concentration, and a growing sense of community—a truly gratifying outcome for all involved.
Looking to the future, Luis Otavio is eager to expand on this success by developing more inclusive games and bringing them into even more educational environments across Brazil.
For those interested in family gaming resources, xbox.com/family is an excellent source of information. Here, you can learn more about gaming with family in mind, including privacy settings and tools via the Xbox Family Settings app and Community Standards.
Ready to experience Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match for yourself? It’s available to play on both Xbox and PC. Thanks to its Xbox Play Anywhere feature, you can enjoy cross-save capabilities and Smart Delivery.
