Luis Otavio, one of the masterminds behind the up-and-coming Brazilian indie game publisher Hanoi Studios, made his way to CARE (Centro de Apoio e Reforço Escolar) in Santo Andre, SP, Brazil, back on February 8, 2025. His mission? To introduce Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match to this inclusive support institution, offering it as both a board game and an ID@Xbox Play Anywhere title, specifically tailored for neurodivergent children.
Fernanda Mombelli, who not only owns the institution but is also a skilled neuropsychopedagogue, spoke earnestly about how vital it is to recognize and address a child’s unique needs at an early age. Using inclusive games, she pointed out, can be a game-changer, providing essential educational stimuli and fostering necessary skills for neurodivergent students.
Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match is not your run-of-the-mill release; it aims to boost skills like attention, concentration, memory, focus, and planning—areas where neurodivergent individuals might face a few more hurdles than others.
What makes this game a welcoming choice is its design, which doesn’t impose a strict move count per level. Players can explore and puzzle through challenges at their own rhythm. Alan Nobre, a pedagogue and physical educator, chimed in on this, saying, “In early childhood education, performance takes a backseat. We want kids to have the happiest experiences because that joy translates into better learning and development.”
The encounter of inclusive gaming with neurodivergent individuals became a topic of wonder as a student grappling with ADHD, an anxiety disorder, stuttering, and social difficulties took on the game. Fernanda observed and noted their journey:
“At first, the student grasped the game’s aim with minimal guidance and moved quickly through initial stages. However, the complexity ramped up during the middle levels, triggering anxiety and visible signs of stuttering. It became essential to pause, breathe, and guide them to explore methodically before making decisions. This structured play approach worked wonders, helping them overcome challenges and continue advancing.”
Excitement filled the air when the board game variant was brought into a cooperative setting with two educators. The student’s joy was palpable, expressing a hope to play more in future sessions. This breakthrough wasn’t just about having fun; it was a significant leap in improving social skills, concentration, and a sense of connection—sheer delight for everyone involved.
And what’s next for Luis and his vision? “I’m driven to create more games that keep inclusion at their heart and spread this initiative across more educational institutes in Brazil,” he shared passionately.
For anyone eager to dive deeper into family gaming resources, the Xbox website is a treasure trove. It offers insights not just on gaming but also on balancing privacy, utilising the Xbox Family Settings app, and understanding Community Standards.
Ready to experience Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match for yourself? It’s available for both Xbox and PC, boasting the benefits of an Xbox Play Anywhere game, including cross-save and Smart Delivery. Don’t miss out on this innovative gaming experience designed to be as engaging as it is educational.
