A video game prodigy from Penarth is now a Guinness World Record holder.
11 year-old Max Baker has been officially recognised as the youngest male video game developer.
In his application to Guinness World Records, Max said: "I started coding way back in Year 2, when I made a simple game in Scratch."
"I immediately 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 V.O.G. Bots in my local library Makerspace and I am also currently enrolled in an intermediate level Python course through Ignite Hubs.”
Max, who has now just started secondary school, has already created several games under the name 'CrowStolett Studios' on the indie videogame platform Itch.io
His world record attempt required the presence of at least two independent professionals - with staff at the Penarth Makerspace on hand to ensure everything went smoothly.
Jordan Forse, libraries manager at Vale of Glamorgan 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 years old 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 the arts, added: "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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