How the Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match Program Benefits Neurodivergent Children in Brazil

In an exciting move to blend gaming with learning, Hanoi Studios, a notable indie game developer from Brazil, showcased their latest creation, Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match, at the Centro de Apoio e Reforço Escolar (CARE), a supportive educational institution in Santo Andre, SP, Brazil. The demonstration took place on February 8, 2025, with the co-founder, Luis Otavio, introducing both the board game and the ID@Xbox Play Anywhere versions as innovative tools designed to aid the development of neurodivergent children.

Fernanda Mombelli, who owns the center and specializes in neuropsychopedagogy, passionately spoke about the significance of recognizing children’s unique needs early on. She stressed how games like these are invaluable in fostering essential skills in neurodivergent students, helping them navigate their educational journey more effectively.

If we break it down, Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match is the kind of game that enhances attention spans, concentration, memory, focus, and planning—areas where neurodivergent individuals often encounter hurdles. It’s a fresh take on puzzle games that encourages players without imposing strict move limits per level. This approach allows users to learn through exploration at their own pace, as noted by pedagogue Alan Nobre, who reiterated the importance of creating joyful learning experiences in early childhood education.

To better understand the game’s impact, consider a student grappling with ADHD, anxiety, and social challenges. Fernanda Mombelli shared observations of how this student, with minimal initial guidance, swiftly grasped the game’s basics and excelled in the beginner stages. However, as the game progressed to more complex puzzles, anxiety began to creep in, manifesting in stuttering. By introducing structured pauses and encouraging a thoughtful approach to the challenges, the student not only overcame difficulties but also advanced through the intermediate levels. The cooperative mode of the board game further fueled the student’s enthusiasm and significantly boosted social skills, attention, and a sense of community.

Looking to the future, Luis Otavio expressed his aspirations for games that emphasize inclusion, aiming to extend this initiative across a broader spectrum of educational settings in Brazil. These efforts reinforce the notion that inclusive games not only entertain but also provide a nurturing platform for development, particularly for those with diverse learning needs.

And for families interested in leveraging gaming for educational purposes, Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match offers a wonderful opportunity. Available on Xbox and PC with features like cross-save and Smart Delivery, it’s a game that supports continuous play across devices. If you need more insights or resources on family gaming, the Xbox website is a treasure trove of information, including privacy settings and community standards.

So, why not experience Hanoi Puzzles: Solid Match for yourself? Dive into this engaging game inspired by the classic Tower of Hanoi, and see how it can be both entertaining and enlightening. Available at a skimming price of $4.99, it promises to be a worthwhile addition to any gamer’s library.