Back on February 8, 2025, the buzzing energy at Centro de Apoio e Reforço Escolar (CARE) in Santo Andre, SP, Brazil, was palpable. Luis Otavio, the passionate co-founder of Hanoi Studios and the creative mind behind the engaging Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match, paid a visit there. His mission? To showcase a fantastic tool designed specifically for neurodivergent kids, taking the form of both a board game and the versatile ID@Xbox Play Anywhere versions.
Fernanda Mombelli, who runs CARE and is an expert in neuropsychopedagogy, can’t emphasize enough the significance of early identification for children with special needs. In her eyes, inclusive games are not just tools but gateways to developing vital skills in students who sometimes require alternative approaches to learning.
Now, let’s dive into what makes Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match truly shine in the realm of educational gaming. It’s a fresh entry into the puzzle genre, crafted to hone skill sets like attention, memory enhancement, focus, and strategic planning—areas where neurodivergent players might seek more guidance.
Picture this: A game that’s as accommodating as it is challenging, allowing players to experiment without the constraints of move limits. Alan Nobre, a pedagogue and physical educator, shares an insightful sentiment: “In early childhood education, we’re not chasing top scores. Our aim is to create joyous learning experiences because happiness plays a key role in a child’s development.”
So, how well does this game work for neurodivergent individuals? Let’s look at the case of one young player dealing with ADHD, anxiety disorder, stuttering, and some socializing hurdles. With minimal initial guidance, the student dove into the game’s objective, progressing impressively through the early levels. Challenges did arise in the more complex stages, stirring anxiety. But with a simple pause, some deep breathing, and thoughtful consideration of next moves, they overcame these hurdles and kept moving forward.
The board game version also brought a sense of joy as it was played in a cooperative mode with two educators. Participants were full of enthusiasm, keen to play more regularly. This experience wasn’t just about fun—it was an important step forward in improving social skills, concentration, and overall engagement.
Curious about what’s next from Luis Otavio? He’s on a mission to craft more inclusive games and expand this initiative across Brazil, aiming to bring the joy of learning to numerous educational institutes.
And if you’re on the lookout for more family-friendly gaming ideas, Xbox has a wealth of resources to explore at xbox.com/family. From privacy tools to an app for family settings and community standards, there’s plenty to help you navigate the gaming world with your family in mind.
Ready to start your own adventure? Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match is available to play on Xbox and PC. Thanks to Xbox Play Anywhere, you can enjoy your progress across different devices seamlessly with Smart Delivery.
If you dive into the game, you’ll find a fresh take on the beloved Tower of Hanoi concept. Stack colorful pieces on a hexagonal board surrounded by a mysterious, soothing atmosphere, navigating the classic rule that larger pieces can’t sit atop smaller ones. Unlock challenges by mastering tower-building skills, and discover new paths to conquer each level. At just $4.99, it’s not just a game but an invitation to an engaging journey.
