Tragic Loss: Stick Run Creator Manuel Otto Passes Away at 30 Following Twitch Stream Incident

The team behind Stick Run, a hugely popular mobile and web browser game that debuted in 2010, has announced the tragic passing of its creator, 30-year-old Manuel Otto. This news follows a Twitch livestream on October 20, where Otto appeared to attempt suicide in front of his audience.

Local German news sources confirmed that a “30-year-old” was the sole victim of an apartment fire in Breitbrunn am Chiemsee, Bavaria, on the same day. Fire and rescue services reported that the fire was alerted by one of Otto’s neighbors.

In an official post on social media, the Stick Run team acknowledged the livestream involving Otto, stating that they were “aware of a livestream on Twitch involving its creator and owner, Manuel Otto, in which he appeared to have taken his own life” on October 20. They later confirmed his death in a follow-up post on October 21.

“Stick Run was more than just a game,” the team expressed. “For so many of us, it was a part of our childhood. A game we grew up playing with friends, sharing laughs, competing for high scores, and making memories that will stay with us for a lifetime. It brought people together and became a cherished part of our childhood.”

Otto was just 14 when he first launched the endless runner game Stick Run on Facebook. The game’s success led to several official mobile adaptations. By 2023, it had reportedly attracted over 43 million players.

Twitch has not yet released an official statement, but the video of the stream has been removed from the platform.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out to someone using one of the following resources: In the United States and Canada, contact the 988 Lifeline. In the United Kingdom, reach out to Samaritans. For those in other regions, please consult Find a Helpline or Befrienders.