Stick Run Creator Manuel Otto Dies at 30 Following Livestream Incident in Germany

Manuel Otto, the creator of the popular multiplayer game Stick Run, has died at the age of 30 after reportedly setting himself on fire during a live broadcast on the streaming platform Twitch.

Otto, who was just 14 years old when he developed his most famous title, is believed to have taken his own life while broadcasting to followers on Tuesday evening. Local authorities and media outlets in Germany reported that his body was discovered following a fire at a property in Bavaria, located in southeastern Germany. A neighbor reportedly noticed the blaze and attempted to extinguish it before emergency responders arrived.

The game’s official channels and management later confirmed the tragedy. In a statement posted to the social media platform X, the Stick Run team acknowledged the incident.

“Stick Run is aware of a livestream on Twitch involving its creator and owner, Manuel Otto, in which he appeared to have taken his own life. We understand that Twitch has since removed the livestream and associated video,” the statement read. The team urged the online community to avoid sharing unverified information or speculation and encouraged anyone with relevant details to contact local law enforcement agencies.

A subsequent statement issued by the official Stick Run page offered a formal confirmation of his death, identifying him by his full name, Marc-Manuel Alexander Otto.

Representatives for Twitch stated that the platform moved swiftly to address the broadcast. A spokesperson confirmed that the company deleted Manuel’s channel and all associated video-on-demand content to prevent users from viewing the recording.

“What took place is horrible, and the mental health and wellbeing of our community matters deeply to us,” the Twitch spokesperson said, adding that the platform provides tools and resources to help users connect with local mental health support services.

Otto originally launched Stick Run as a free-to-play browser game on Facebook in 2010. Over the years, the endless runner title expanded to mobile devices and desktops, attracting an estimated 43 million players worldwide throughout its lifespan.

If you or someone you know is affected by mental health struggles or thoughts of self-harm, support is available. In the United States, individuals can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Free, confidential support is also available via the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.