GERMANY, October 21, 2026 â Manuel Otto, the German gaming influencer who created the popular multiplayer game Stick Run at just 14 years old, has died at the age of 30 following a reported incident during a Twitch livestream. His death was acknowledged by the Stick Run team, prompting tributes from fans who grew up playing his game.
Stick Run creator Manuel Otto has died aged 30, the game studio has announced His death was confirmed after an apparent suicide by self-immolation during a Twitch livestream https://t.co/BCOYjRfozE
— Dexerto (@Dexerto) October 21, 2026
Otto, also known as Marc-Manuel Alexander Otto, became a recognizable name in online gaming after developing Stick Run in 2010. His death has raised questions about the livestream and a separately reported fatal apartment fire in Bavaria, although authorities have not publicly confirmed a connection between the two incidents.
Stick Run Team Confirms Manuel Otto’s Death
The Stick Run team addressed the incident in a statement following reports of a disturbing Twitch livestream on October 20.
Representatives said Otto appeared to have taken his own life during the broadcast. They also indicated that Twitch had removed the livestream and its associated recording.
The team requested privacy for Otto’s family, friends and everyone affected, while urging the public not to circulate unverified claims or speculation.
A subsequent statement acknowledged his passing and remembered the gaming community he helped build.
According to Dexerto’s report on Manuel Otto’s death, the announcement followed widespread concern among viewers and former Stick Run players.
Manuel Otto Twitch Livestream Incident: Details Emerge
Reports indicate that the incident occurred on October 20 during a Twitch broadcast. Some publications identified the account involved as “devmwni.”
The Stick Run team said it understood that Twitch had removed the video. However, the platform had not issued a detailed public explanation in the reporting available on October 21.
The exact circumstances of Otto’s death remain unclear. No verified motive has been established, and descriptions circulating on social media should not be treated as confirmed evidence.
Bavaria Apartment Fire Under Investigation
German regional media separately reported a fatal apartment fire in Breitbrunn am Chiemsee, Bavaria, on Tuesday evening, October 20.
Emergency services were reportedly alerted at approximately 7:45 p.m. local time after flames broke out in an attic apartment.
A nearby resident reportedly attempted to respond before firefighters arrived. Authorities said one person, believed to be the apartment’s 30-year-old occupant, had died.
Investigators initially reported no indications of third-party involvement and began examining the cause of the fire.
Although some publications have linked the incident to Otto’s reported death, police had not publicly confirmed the deceased person’s identity as Otto in the available official information.
Manuel Otto’s Early Life and Rise as the Creator of Stick Run
Manuel Otto was a German independent developer who achieved success as a teenager. He created Stick Run around 2010, reportedly spending several months developing the project.
The game became popular on Facebook, allowing players to control a running stick figure, avoid obstacles and compete for higher scores.
Its simple gameplay and competitive features helped attract an international audience during the early expansion of social gaming.
Otto later worked with his father on business activities connected to the game’s success and was also associated with another title, Stick Combat.
Stick Run Reached Millions of Players Worldwide
Historical reports indicate that Stick Run attracted tens of millions of players after its Facebook launch.
A 2013 mobile listing described more than 40 million Facebook likes and approximately six million frequent users at that time. Later accounts cited more than 43 million players worldwide, although these figures do not represent current active users.
The game’s expansion to mobile platforms reflected a period when independent developers could build international audiences without major gaming studios.
Interest in accessible browser gaming continues today, as seen in coverage of an unofficial GTA 5 browser version that attracted attention from players.
Gaming Community Pays Tribute to Manuel Otto
Following the announcement, former Stick Run players shared condolences and memories of competing with friends during their childhood.
For many, Otto’s game represented an earlier era of online entertainment, when Facebook games brought people together through simple challenges.
His death also highlights the lasting influence of independent developers and the communities built around their creations.
Questions about the future of creator-led gaming projects have emerged elsewhere in the industry, including discussions surrounding the reported Terraria Calamity Mod shutdown.
Latest Update on Manuel Otto’s Death
As of October 21, the Stick Run team has acknowledged Otto’s death, while questions remain about the exact circumstances and the separately reported Bavaria fire.
Authorities have not publicly established a definitive connection between the incidents in the available police information.
The game’s representatives have requested privacy and urged people to avoid spreading unverified claims. Further official findings may clarify the circumstances.
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