The team behind Stick Run, an immensely popular mobile and web browser game first released in 2010, has confirmed the death of its creator, 30-year-old Manuel Otto. This follows a Twitch livestream on October 20, during which Otto livestreamed his apparent suicide attempt to his audience.
As covered by Dexerto, local German news outlets OVB Online and PNP confirmed that a “30-year-old” was the only victim in an apartment fire in Breitbrunn am Chiemsee, Bavaria, on October 20. According to fire and rescue services, the fire was reported by one of Otto’s neighbors.
In an official post on X, the Stick Run team confirmed 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. On October 21, the team confirmed his passing in a separate post.
Official statement from Stick Run. pic.twitter.com/t2EKGLE6Vd
— Stick Run (@StickRunGame) October 21, 2026
“Stick Run was more than just a game,” reads the team’s statement. “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 14 when he first published the endless runner game Stick Run on Facebook. The game’s popularity eventually spawned several official mobile ports, published by Nekki. As of 2023, the game had reportedly amassed over 43 million players.
Twitch has yet to issue an official statement. However, video of the stream in question has been removed from the platform.
If you or someone you know are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out to someone using one of the following resources.
In the United States and Canada, 998 Lifeline. In the United Kingdom, Samaritans. For those in other regions, please consult Find a Helpline or Befrienders.