The developer of Stick Run livestreamed himself and set his apartment on fire during the broadcast.
The developer of Stick Run has died at just 30 years old. Authorities and family members believe he died by suicide.
At 14, He Created a Game That Reached 43 Million Players
Manuel Otto was just 14 when he developed the game and released it on Facebook in 2010. The concept is as simple as it is entertaining: dodge obstacles as a stick figure, keep running, and beat your friends' high scores. Stick Run was later released for Android and iOS as well.
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What began as a small teenage project became an international success. By 2013, Otto's game had already reached around 43 million players worldwide. Still a student at the time, he said he had spent roughly four months developing it but had never dreamed of reaching those numbers.
Suspected Suicide During a Livestream
On Tuesday, October 20, Manuel Otto was streaming on Twitch, and some viewers felt his behavior seemed unusual. Messages such as "Are you good, bro?" repeatedly appeared as he posed in a black outfit.
During the livestream, Otto allegedly deliberately set fire to his attic apartment in Breitbrunn am Chiemsee, Germany. Viewers alerted police and firefighters, but they arrived too late.
On October 21, the team behind Stick Run confirmed Otto's death and said it was a suspected suicide. Twitch stated that it had quickly removed the channel and the recording to prevent the footage from spreading further.
The Global Gaming Community Mourns
On social media, fans are expressing their grief and remembering the time they spent playing his game. In its farewell message, the Stick Run team also emphasized that the game was a part of many people's childhoods: playing with friends, laughing, and competing for new records. The responses show how vivid those memories remain, even years later.
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You Are Not Alone – Help Is Just a Call Away
If you are having thoughts of suicide or know someone who is struggling, please reach out for help. If you or someone else is in immediate danger or experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 right away.
In the United States, you can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and connect with a trained crisis counselor.
You can also speak with a trained crisis counselor online through the Lifeline's chat.
No one has to face difficult times alone. Talk to someone you trust and seek professional support. Help is available, and there are people who want to support you through this.