In a tragic incident that has shocked the gaming community, Manuel Otto, a 30-year-old German video game creator, reportedly died by suicide while live-streaming on Twitch. Otto was widely recognized for his creation of the immensely popular game Stick Run, which he developed at the young age of 14.
His body was discovered by firefighters responding to a fire in the attic of a home in the Bavarian village of Breitbrunn am Chiemsee. Reports indicate that Otto’s death was confirmed by his colleagues who took to social media to express their grief.
“It is with a heavy heart that we confirm and announce the passing of our creator, developer, and fellow Stick Runner, Marc-Manuel Alexander Otto,” the Stick Run Team stated on Facebook. An earlier post suggested that Otto appeared to take his own life during the live stream.
Disturbing videos from the stream that surfaced online reportedly show Otto setting himself on fire. In response to the incident, a Twitch spokesperson stated that the platform acted swiftly to remove the channel and any related video content to prevent further viewing.
Otto launched Stick Run in 2010, and it has since captivated over 43 million players worldwide, making it a significant part of many childhoods. The Stick Run Team expressed their sorrow in their tribute, stating, “Thank you, Manuel, for being a part of our childhood. You will never be forgotten.”
This heartbreaking event has raised concerns about mental health in the gaming community. A Twitch spokesperson emphasized the importance of mental well-being, urging anyone in distress to seek help. “What took place is horrible, and the mental health and wellbeing of our community matters deeply to us,” they said.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out for support by calling or texting 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or visiting 988lifeline.org for additional resources.
Photo credit: via Facebook
