Who was Manuel Otto? German video game creator allegedly died by suicide during livestream

October 23, 2026 - 06:21

German video game creator Manuel Otto, best known for developing the multiplayer game Stick Run when he was just 14 years old, has died at the age of 30. Reports indicate he allegedly set himself on fire during a livestream on Twitch in Germany.

The team behind Stick Run confirmed his death on October 22. Twitch has since removed the livestream and any related videos from its platform in an effort to prevent further viewing and limit the spread of the footage.

Otto gained recognition in the gaming community at a young age after creating Stick Run, a side-scrolling endless runner that became popular among casual players. The game attracted a significant following and helped establish him as a notable figure in independent game development.

His death has prompted reactions from those who followed his work, with many expressing shock and sadness over the circumstances. Details surrounding the incident remain limited, and authorities have not released additional information.

The removal of the broadcast by Twitch reflects broader concerns about how livestreamed incidents are handled on major platforms, particularly regarding the potential for such content to circulate widely online.