The team behind Stick Run has confirmed the death of creator Manuel Otto, who was 30. The news follows a Twitch livestream on October 20 in which Otto appeared to attempt suicide.
Stick Run began as a popular mobile and web browser game in 2010. Otto was 14 when he first published the endless runner on Facebook, where it developed a large audience before receiving official mobile ports published by Nekki.
Local reports from OVB Online and PNP said a 30-year-old was the only victim of an apartment fire in Breitbrunn am Chiemsee, Bavaria, on October 20. Fire and rescue services said one of Otto’s neighbours reported the blaze. The circumstances linking the incident to Otto have also been reported by Dexerto.
In a statement shared on X, the Stick Run team said it was aware of the Twitch broadcast and that Otto appeared to have taken his own life. A separate post on October 21 confirmed his death.
“Stick Run was more than just a game.” The team described it as a childhood touchstone for players who competed with friends, shared laughs and created lasting memories.
By 2023, Stick Run had reportedly attracted more than 43 million players. Its story reflects the enduring reach of accessible browser and mobile games, a subject covered alongside broader arcade and gaming news on RETROCADE.
Twitch has not issued an official statement, and the video of the livestream has been removed from the platform. The team’s announcement can be viewed in its October 21 post.
For readers inspired by games such as Stick Run who are exploring arcade hardware, RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide and range of arcade machines offer general information about choosing a setup.
Support for suicidal thoughts
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, contact a trusted person or a local crisis service. In the United States and Canada, call or visit 988 Lifeline. In the United Kingdom, contact Samaritans. People elsewhere can find regional support through Find a Helpline or Befrienders.
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