Luis Otavio, one of the driving forces behind Hanoi Studios and the mind that helped develop Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match, took a significant step on February 8, 2025. He found his way to Centro de Apoio e Reforço Escolar (CARE) in Santo Andre, Brazil, to showcase how the latest versions of the game could serve as a supportive tool for neurodivergent youngsters. By introducing both its board game format and its versatile ID@Xbox Play Anywhere digital version, Luis highlighted the potential of games to aid in developmental challenges.
Fernanda Mombelli, who brings her expertise as a neuropsychopedagogue to CARE as its owner, underlined the vital role that identifying a child’s unique needs early can play. She pointed out how games tailored for inclusivity can boost the educational experience of neurodivergent students, helping them flourish in ways traditional methods might not.
Launching Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match, a game that artfully combines elements of learning and fun, has opened new avenues for enhancing skills like memory, concentration, and planning—areas where neurodivergent individuals often seek extra support.
The game establishes a friendly atmosphere for its players, encouraging experimentation without the pressure of limited moves per level. Alan Nobre, a pedagogue and physical educator, shared his insight, “Our goal isn’t to turn children into high achievers right off the bat. We focus on making learning as joyful as possible because a happy child stays engaged and develops better—and that’s what genuinely matters to us.”
The impact of inclusive games on neurodivergent individuals can be profound. Mombelli witnessed this firsthand with a student dealing with ADHD, anxiety disorders, stuttering, and social challenges. The student swiftly grasped the game’s objectives, showing enthusiasm as they navigated through its initial stages. Challenges emerged at intermediate levels, causing anxiety and stuttering, but with patient guidance—promoting calm observation and strategic thinking—they persisted and gradually overcame these obstacles.
The cooperative board game version brought further joy and success. The student’s eagerness, played alongside educators, was a testament to their progress in socialization and concentration, proving once more the game’s valuable contributions to their growth.
But what does the future hold for Luis and his vision of inclusive gaming? “I’m passionate about developing more games rooted in inclusivity, with the ambition to spread this initiative to more schools across Brazil,” Luis shared.
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Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match is now available for play on Xbox and PC, offering a seamless experience with Xbox Play Anywhere capability, cross-save features, and Smart Delivery. Dive into this intriguing game inspired by the classic Tower of Hanoi, and explore its world of hexagonal board challenges and calming gameplay.
