Stick Run Creator Manuel Otto Dies After Livestream Incident in Bavaria

Key points

• Manuel Otto, creator of Stick Run, died at age 30 on October 20, 2026, after a livestream on Twitch.
• The Stick Run team confirmed his death on October 21, stating he appeared to take his own life during the broadcast.
• Local German outlets reported an apartment fire in Breitbrunn am Chiemsee, Bavaria, where Otto’s body was found.
• Twitch removed the livestream and associated videos, and a spokesperson said the platform acted quickly to prevent further viewing.
• Stick Run was first published by Otto on Facebook in 2010 when he was 14 and has been played by over 43 million people worldwide.

Background

Stick Run is an endless runner game that gained massive popularity after being released on Facebook in 2010. It later spawned official mobile ports published by Nekki. The game’s creator, Manuel Otto, was 14 years old when he first published it. The game has been played by over 43 million people worldwide as of 2023. This incident follows a broader trend of high-profile livestream incidents involving mental health and platform responses, as seen in other recent cases.

How outlets are covering it

Kotaku and the New York Post both reported that Otto died after a livestream on Twitch, with the New York Post specifying that he set himself on fire. Kotaku noted that local German outlets OVB Online and PNP confirmed the fire and Otto’s death. The Stick Run team’s statement emphasized the game’s cultural impact and asked the public to refrain from spreading unverified information. Twitch’s spokesperson stated that the platform quickly removed the channel and videos to prevent further viewing and encouraged viewers to seek mental health support. Ukrainian National News reported the incident but did not provide additional details beyond the basic facts.

Why it matters

The death of Manuel Otto highlights the intersection of mental health, livestreaming, and platform responsibility. It raises questions about how platforms like Twitch handle sensitive content and support users in crisis. The incident also underscores the cultural impact of games like Stick Run, which have shaped the childhoods of millions of players worldwide.

What to watch

Authorities are investigating the incident, and the Stick Run team has asked the public to refrain from spreading unverified details. Twitch has removed the livestream and associated videos, and a spokesperson said the platform acted quickly to prevent further viewing. The Stick Run team has also encouraged anyone struggling with mental health to seek support.