Penarth pupil joins Guinness role of honour

A PENARTH pupil has been officially named as the World’s Youngest Male Videogame Developer by Guinness World Records.

Max Baker – who has just started secondary school – made his world record attempt at the Makerspace in Penarth Library in May, where he spent four hours developing a game with five levels.

He started coding in primary school and has since made a number of his own games on the indie videogame platform – Itch.io – under the name CrowStoleIt Studios.

Max said: “I started coding in year-2, when I made a simple game in Scratch. I developed a passion for coding, and I loved video games. In my brain, the next step was obvious – make proper video games!

“I am mostly self-taught – YouTube was my mentor – but I was part of a coding and robotics club called VOG Bots in my local library Makerspace and I am also currently enrolled in an intermediate level Python course through Ignite Hubs.”

Max’s attempt required at least two independent professionals to oversee his attempt, and Penarth Makerspace staff were present to ensure everything went accordingly.

Jordan Forse, libraries and cultural services manager for the Vale Council, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to celebrate Max’s incredible achievement and to have supported his journey through the Penarth Makerspace.

“Becoming a Guinness World Record Holder at just 11 is an extraordinary accomplishment, and it showcases exactly what our libraries and cultural spaces are all about – creativity, learning, and community. The Makerspace, as part of our wider libraries and cultural services offer, gives people of all ages the chance to explore new skills and bring their ideas to life. Max’s success is a brilliant example of that in action.”

Cllr Rhiannon Birch, cabinet member for Education, Arts and the Welsh Language, said: “Max’s story is a wonderful example of what can happen when young people are given the opportunity to explore their creativity and interests.

“His talent and determination are truly inspiring, and we’re so proud that he developed his record-breaking game at Penarth Library’s Makerspace.”

“This achievement highlights the incredible role our libraries play in nurturing skills and innovation in our communities.”

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