Welsh videogame developer Max Baker is celebrating another major milestone after being chosen to write the foreword for Guinness World Records Gamer’s Edition 2027.
The Penarth-based coder previously made history by becoming the youngest male videogame developer to achieve a Guinness World Records title, completing his record-breaking game at just 10 years and 357 days old.
Now, Max is helping introduce a new generation of gamers to the latest edition of the popular record book, which celebrates players, developers, streamers, creators and some of the biggest franchises in gaming.
From Learning to Code at Seven to Breaking a World Record
Max first began coding when he was just seven years old and has largely taught himself how to develop games.
His record-breaking achievement came through Gravity Parkour 2.0, a five-level platform game created using Python. Max completed the game in just four hours as part of his Guinness World Records attempt.
The challenge wasn’t simply about coming up with an idea. Max also had to turn that idea into a playable game within a strict time limit, adding another layer of pressure to the record attempt.
Speaking about what attracts him to game development, Max said that he particularly enjoys being able to take ideas from his imagination and turn them into something other people can experience.
“I really enjoy being able to bring ideas from my imagination out into the real world, and have a game that’s really similar to my original idea. Also, playing a game that you’ve made makes it twice as fun!”
Creating Gravity Parkour 2.0
Gravity Parkour 2.0 was an updated version of Max’s original Gravity Parkour concept, giving him the opportunity to keep the core idea while introducing new features.
However, with only four hours available for the record attempt, Max had to carefully balance creativity with the clock.
“It was really nice being able to keep the idea of the original Gravity Parkour, but also improve on it and add new features,” he explained.
“It was also quite fun working with the time pressure for the record attempt – I was trying to get as many features in as possible with the four hours that I had.”
The achievement ultimately earned Max the Guinness World Records title for youngest videogame developer (male).
You can explore more record-breaking achievements through the official Guinness World Records website.
Max’s Advice for Aspiring Young Game Developers
Having gone from learning to code at seven to creating a game that secured a Guinness World Records title, Max has some straightforward advice for other young people interested in making their own games.
For him, the most important starting point is finding an idea that you genuinely enjoy.
“It’s really important to start with a game idea you love, to enjoy making and playing the game. If you like a game idea you’re making, you’ll make it even better and people who play it will enjoy it as much as you do.”
His philosophy is equally simple: “Always make it the best it can be and never ‘good enough’.”
Max also encouraged young people not to give up when learning how to code or developing their first game.
“If things get tricky, don’t be discouraged, be patient, and never give up!”
A New Role in Guinness World Records Gamer’s Edition 2027
Following his record-breaking achievement, Max has now been invited to write the foreword for Guinness World Records Gamer’s Edition 2027.
The book’s new Power-Up Planet edition explores the many different sides of modern gaming, from players and developers to streamers and creators around the world.
It also features some of gaming’s biggest franchises, including Fortnite, Minecraft, Sonic the Hedgehog, Mario, Grand Theft Auto and Subway Surfers.
For Max, appearing in the new edition represents a significant moment after what he describes as a whirlwind journey since his record attempt.
“It’s absolutely amazing! It’s been such a whirlwind since I first did the attempt, and I can’t thank everyone over at Guinness World Records enough. It’s a dream come true.”
Gaming Is About More Than Playing
One of the themes running through Guinness World Records Gamer’s Edition 2027 is the idea that there is no single definition of what it means to be a gamer.
Max’s story demonstrates another side of gaming culture, where playing games can lead to an interest in coding, design, creativity and problem-solving.
For developers like Max, gaming isn’t only about picking up a controller and playing someone else’s creation. It can also mean building worlds, experimenting with ideas and developing experiences that other people can enjoy.
Alice Bell, Editor of Guinness World Records Gamer’s Edition 2027, said the latest edition celebrates the diversity of modern gaming and the people behind it.
“I’m so excited for readers to get their hands on this year’s Gamer’s Edition. It really champions the breadth of creativity and achievement that makes up modern videogames.”
Bell added that the edition features gamers from different generations and cultures, with the aim of celebrating the wider gaming community and inspiring more people to become part of it.
Guinness World Records Gamer’s Edition 2027 Is Out Now!
Guinness World Records Gamer’s Edition 2027 is available now in stores and online, with an RRP of £12.99.
The new edition joins several other Guinness World Records books released for 2027.
Guinness World Records 2027 features more than 3,000 achievements from around the world, with more than 80% of the content new or updated for this year’s edition.
There’s also Guinness World Records: Football Edition 2027, which returns for a second year and includes new and updated football records, alongside coverage connected to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Football Edition also highlights a selection of young record-breaking football talent, including Olivia Smith, Erling Haaland and Lamine Yamal.
The three books are:
- Guinness World Records 2027 – RRP £22.00
- Guinness World Records: Gamer’s Edition 2027 – RRP £12.99
- Guinness World Records: Football Edition 2027 – RRP £12.99
The books are available from retailers both in stores and online, with discounts available from various retailers.
For the full list of retailers and more information about the books, visit the official Guinness World Records books page.
