An influencer who created the popular multiplayer game Stick Run died at age 30 after reportedly setting himself on fire during a livestream.
Manuel Otto, who was just 14 when he created his most famous game, is believed to have taken his own life while broadcasting live to followers on the streaming platform Twitch on Tuesday evening, according to reports on social media.
The German influencer’s body was found following a fire at a property in Bavaria, southeast Germany, after a neighbor noticed the blaze and tried to extinguish it, according to local outlet PNP.
“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,” Stick Run said in an X post on Monday.
German influencer Manuel Otto, who created the game Stick Run, reportedly took his own life during a livestream video. Manuel Otto/Twitch
“We encourage the community to refrain from spreading unverified information or speculation,” the statement continued.
“If you have any information that may help clarify the circumstances surrounding this incident, please reach out to us or contact your local law enforcement agency,” it went on.
“It is with a heavy heart that we confirm and announce the passing of our creator, developer, and fellow Stick Runner, Marc-Manuel Alexander Otto,” Stick Run’s official X page said in a follow-up statement on Tuesday.
His body was found following a blaze at a property in Bavaria, southeastern Germany, Tuesday evening. Manuel Otto/Twitch
A spokesperson for Twitch told The Post that the streaming platform quickly removed Manuel’s channel and any video of his death.
“What took place is horrible, and the mental health and wellbeing of our community matters deeply to us,” the spokesperson said.
“We encourage anyone who may be struggling to seek support, and we offer tools on Twitch to help people connect with local mental health resources in their area,” they added.
Otto was just 14 when he created the wildly popular Stick Run game.
“We moved quickly to remove the channel and Video on Demand to prevent it from being viewed by others,” the spokesperson said.
Otto created Stick Run as a free-to-play game on Facebook in 2010, and it has reportedly been played by more than 43 million people worldwide both on desktops and cell phones, according to Dexerto.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.