Back in February 2025, Luis Otavio, who’s not only a co-founder of Hanoi Studios but also the mastermind behind the game Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match, made an inspiring visit to an inclusive educational support center in Santo Andre, Brazil called Centro de Apoio e Reforço Escolar (CARE). During this visit, the studio showcased both the board game and the digital version available on Xbox, demonstrating how it aids neurodivergent children in harnessing their cognitive skills.
Fernanda Mombelli, the neuropsychopedagogue running the institution, couldn’t stress enough how crucial it is to recognize a child’s unique requirements early on. She highlighted how inclusive games like Solid Match supply essential skills and educational boosts for students who are neurodivergent, providing valuable insights into their developmental journey.
Solid Match, a fresh entry into the gaming space, is ingeniously crafted to enhance various cognitive abilities such as attention, concentration, memory, focus, and planning—areas where neurodivergent individuals may need more support.
The game is designed in a way that values creativity, allowing players to experiment with solutions without the pressure of limited moves. Alan Nobre, a pedagogue and physical educator, weighed in on this approach by saying, “At the heart of early childhood education is the simple goal of happiness. We believe that happiness paves the way for better learning and growth, which is exactly what we aim for.”
In an insightful documentation of an experience at the center, a student dealing with ADHD, anxiety, stuttering, and social interaction challenges engaged with Solid Match under Fernanda’s keen observation. The student exhibited a natural understanding and navigated through early game stages with ease. When tougher levels began to trigger their anxiety, the game was paused for a mindful moment of guidance, helping the student overcome their hurdles and continue proudly.
Moreover, the enthusiasm was infectious when the student played the board game version alongside educators in a cooperative setting. The game became a preferred activity, and it was heartening to observe not just their joy but also the improvement in their social and learning skills.
Looking ahead, Luis Otavio is optimistic about the future of inclusive gaming. He’s eager to broaden this initiative’s reach across more educational centers in Brazil, with a clear focus on creating games that embrace and promote inclusion.
For those interested in family gaming, Xbox offers some wonderful resources. They provide comprehensive tools for privacy settings, a family settings app, and community guidelines on their site for those keen on family-friendly gaming experiences.
You don’t have to wait to dive into Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match. It’s available now for both Xbox and PC, supporting Xbox’s Play Anywhere feature, so your progress goes wherever you play.
