Manuel Otto, Creator of Hit Game Stick Run, Dies at 30

Manuel Otto, the German video game designer and social media influencer best known for creating the popular online game Stick Run, has died at the age of 30. Otto passed away on Tuesday evening in Germany following an apparent suicide during a livestream on the platform Twitch.

Local authorities in Bavaria reported that emergency responders discovered the body of a 30-year-old man after a fire broke out in an attic room of a property located in the village of Breitbrunn am Chiemsee. While independent German news outlets and the team behind his game indicated that the incident occurred on camera during a live broadcast, complete official details remain under investigation.

A spokesperson for Twitch stated that the company acted swiftly following the incident. In an emailed statement, the platform noted that it removed the channel and associated video-on-demand content to prevent others from viewing it. The spokesperson expressed sorrow over the event, emphasized the importance of mental health and community well-being, and encouraged anyone struggling with personal hardships to seek professional support.

Otto achieved widespread recognition in the gaming community as a teenager. When he was only 14 years old and still a high school student, he spent roughly four months developing Stick Run. The free-to-play, 2D side-scrolling game launched on Facebook in 2010, allowing players to guide a stick figure through endless obstacle courses featuring parkour-style movements.

Driven by the connectivity of social media, the game quickly expanded its reach beyond computers to mobile platforms like Android and Apple devices. Over the years, millions of players across the globe experienced the title, with estimates suggesting that tens of millions of people worldwide played the game throughout its history.

Following confirmation of his passing, the Stick Run management team released heartfelt statements on social media platforms honoring his legacy. Describing him as a creator, developer, and fellow player, the team noted that the game became a cherished fixture of childhood for many individuals who grew up sharing high scores and competing with friends.

Fans and members of the online gaming community flooded social media to share their condolences and remember the impact of his early technological achievement. Tributes highlighted how an independent project created by a teenager grew to touch the lives of players internationally.

Individuals seeking support or experiencing a personal crisis can contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 in the United States, or visit 988lifeline.org for online chat resources.