California (Web Desk): German social media influencer and creator of the popular online game Stick Run, Marc Manuel Alexander Otto, widely known as Manuel Otto, has died at the age of 30.
The game’s management confirmed his death, saying it was aware of a livestream in which Otto apparently took his own life. However, further information about the full circumstances of the incident has not emerged.
According to reports, Manuel Otto’s body was found after a fire broke out in a building in Bavaria, a southeastern German state. Reports also indicated that a neighbour saw the fire and attempted to extinguish it.
In a statement posted on Facebook, the Stick Run team expressed deep sadness and sorrow over his death. The statement said Otto was not merely the game’s creator and developer but also an important part of the community, where his work had made a significant impact on people’s lives.
According to the team, the memories associated with his creation and the experiences of players will keep his legacy alive.
Meanwhile, livestreaming platform Twitch also confirmed the incident, stating that Manuel Otto’s channel and the video of his death had been removed immediately.
A Twitch spokesperson described the incident as tragic and said the platform prioritizes the mental health and well-being of its community. The spokesperson also encouraged people facing difficulties to seek help.
Created the Game at Age 14
Manuel Otto was born in Germany in 1996. He was just 14 years old when he developed the free online game Stick Run for Facebook in 2010.
It is a multiplayer game in which players guide a small stick-figure character along obstacle-filled courses, collecting coins and earning points.
In a 2013 interview, Otto said that as a child, he enjoyed watching animated films and creating small sketches on a computer. He later realized that he could develop a video game of his own.
In its early days, Stick Run faced competition from popular games such as FarmVille. Over time, however, it gained popularity worldwide and became available to play on mobile phones as well as computers.
Manuel Otto’s creation entertained millions of users and earned him recognition in the world of online gaming. Paying tribute to him following his death, the game’s management said his work would live on in the memories of players.