German video game creator and internet influencer Manuel Otto died at age 30 on October 21, 2026, following an incident during a live broadcast on Twitch in Breitbrunn am Chiemsee, Germany. Otto achieved widespread recognition as a teenager after developing the popular obstacle-course browser game Stick Run on Facebook in August 2010.
Emergency services responded to an incident at a property in Bavaria, southeast Germany, on October 21, 2026. Regional German newspaper PNP reported that a 30-year-old individual died in an attic-room fire in Breitbrunn am Chiemsee on Tuesday evening after a neighbor spotted the flames and attempted to put them out before help arrived. The official team behind the game confirmed his passing in statements shared across social media on October 21, 2026, following the death of Marc-Manuel Alexander Otto, known to millions simply as the creator of the viral running game Stick Run.
Otto Launches Stick Run on Facebook
He was just 14 years old when he released Stick Run on Facebook in August 2010. Otto built a digital phenomenon as a young teenager long before mobile apps dominated phones. The browser game challenged players to guide an agile stick figure across complex obstacle courses while dodging hazards, gathering coins, and chasing high scores through a completely self-taught process of trial and error.
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.We are deeply concerned by this situation and ask that…
By 2013, the game had attracted over 43 million users, rivaling other platform hits of the era like FarmVille. In an interview with German outlet OVB, Otto explained that his development process began after he spent his younger years watching cartoons and developing small sketches on the computer. Because of his youth, his father initially managed his company. According to OVB, Otto stated that his short-term plans were to focus on school to do well in his exams, and that once he was done with schooling, he would like to travel the world.
Stick Run was more than just a game. 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.
Stick Run team, via Facebook and X
Twitch Removes Channel After Livestream
American entertainment outlet TMZ and Italian news agency Adnkronos reported on the incident occurring during a livestream on his Twitch channel, which was broadcast on the account devmwni. Representatives for the game acknowledged that they were monitoring a livestream on Twitch involving the developer where he appeared to have taken his own life before confirming Otto’s death. American outlet PEOPLE noted the death was reported as an apparent suicide following the broadcast.
Twitch spokesperson Megan Kay stated that the company moved quickly to remove the channel and associated video on demand files to prevent further viewing by the public. Streaming platform operators moved swiftly to limit the spread of distressing footage.
What took place is horrible, and the mental health and wellbeing of our community matters deeply to us.
Megan Kay, Twitch spokesperson, via USA Today
Kay added that the platform provides tools on Twitch to help people connect with local mental health resources in their area for anyone who may be experiencing emotional distress or struggling with difficult circumstances.
Fans Share Tributes Across Social Media
The game’s Facebook page, which maintains a following of over 5.3 million users, accumulated thousands of comments from players remembering how the title shaped their early years online. Fans flooded the official Stick Run social media channels with tributes following the confirmation of his death.
Today, we mourn not only the loss of our creator, but also a fellow Stick Runner whose work became a part of our lives. His legacy will live on through every memory, every run, and every player who grew up playing Stick Run. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and everyone whose life he touched.
Stick Run team, via Facebook
Representatives have urged the public to respect the privacy of those affected and to avoid spreading unverified speculation about the tragedy as adult players and longtime community members share memories of competing for high scores on old desktop computers.
Official statement from Stick Run. pic.twitter.com/t2EKGLE6Vd
More on Manuel Otto
Stick Run creator Manuel Otto has died aged 30, the game studio has announcedHis death was confirmed after an apparent suicide by self-immolation during a Twitch livestream pic.twitter.com/BCOYjRfozE