Influencer Who Created 'Stick Run' Dies at 30

Manuel Otto, the creator of the widely popular multiplayer game "Stick Run," has died at the age of 30. Reports indicate Otto died by suicide after setting himself on fire during a livestream on the platform Twitch on Tuesday evening. A neighbor noticed a blaze at a property in Bavaria, Germany, and attempted to extinguish it, according to local outlet PNP.

Twitch confirmed the removal of Otto's channel and any associated video content from its platform. "What took place is horrible, and the mental health and wellbeing of our community matters deeply to us," a spokesperson for Twitch stated. The platform encouraged those struggling to seek support and highlighted resources available to connect individuals with local mental health services.

The official X account for Stick Run released a statement confirming Otto's passing. "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 statement read.

Otto created "Stick Run" in 2010 when he was 14 years old. The free-to-play game, initially launched on Facebook, has since been played by an estimated 43 million people globally across desktop and mobile devices.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, resources are available. You can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling or texting 988 in the US and Canada, or by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255). In the UK, you can call 111. These services are available 24/7.