Manuel Otto, a German internet influencer and video game creator, died amid a Twitch livestream incident, according to his video game company.
Otto, 30, was the creator of the popular computer game "Stick Run," where users play as a running stick figure avoiding obstacles.
The "Stick Run" company posted a statement on X on Oct. 20 following Otto's death: "We are deeply concerned by this situation and ask that everyone respect the privacy of those involved during this difficult time. We encourage the community to refrain from spreading unverified information or speculation."
Twitch spokesperson Megan Kay told USA TODAY that the company "moved quickly to remove the channel."
Kay said in the statement, "What took place is horrible, and the mental health
and wellbeing of our community matters deeply to us," they said. "We encourage anyone who may be struggling to seek support, and we offer tools on Twitch to help people connect with local mental health resources in their area."
On Oct. 21, "Stick Run" confirmed Otto's death in a statement on Instagram. "Today, we mourn not only the loss of our creator, but also a fellow Stick Runner whose work became a part of our lives ... Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and everyone whose life he touched. Thank you, Manuel, for being a part of our childhood. You will never be forgotten."
Manuel Otto 'Stick Run' game was beloved by fans
Manuel Otto released his video game "Stick Run" on Facebook in August 2010, when he was only 14 years old. Players control a stick figure character who runs an obstacle course, accumulating coins and points along the way.
By 2013, "Stick Run" had become one of the most played video games on Facebook with over 43 million users, according to German outlet OVB, which profiled the young developer that year.
Otto told OVB in 2013 that he enjoyed watching animated films and developing small sketches on the computer when he was younger, until he realized that he could try his hand at making a video game.
"Stick Run" competed with other viral video games on Facebook at the time, like the ever-popular "FarmVille." The "Stick Run" Facebook page still retains over 5.3 million followers today.
The announcement of his death on the "Stick Run" Facebook account has received over 16,600 likes in a few hours. Fans of Otto have begun to mourn his death in the comments.
"Thank you for all the good memories, laughs, and the unlimited stick runs. Rest in peace, man. The 'Stick Run' community will never forget you," wrote one commenter.
Another Facebook user wrote, "I remember being a freakin' child dude. Playing on my great-grandmama's ol' Windows computer ... The beautiful creator of this game and universe has passed. Thank you, Manuel, and rest in peace."
If you or someone you know needs mental health resources and support, please call, text or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org for 24/7 access to free and confidential services.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Manuel Otto, creator of 'Stick Run' game, dies amid Twitch livestream
