German video game designer and influencer Manuel Otto allegedly committed suicide while broadcasting a livestream on Twitch, according to the streaming platform and his colleagues. He was 30 years old.
Otto was a 14-year-old high school student when he created his most famous game, Stick Run. This free Facebook game, which later became an app for Android and Apple, has been played by tens of millions of people.
His body was found Tuesday after authorities responded to reports of a fire in an attic at a property in the Bavarian village of Breitbrunn am Chiemsee, German newspaper Bild reported.
His death was later confirmed by his colleagues on social media.
“It is with heavy hearts that we confirm and announce the passing of our creator, developer and fellow Stick Runner, Marc-Manuel Alexander Otto,” the Stick Run team posted on Facebook on Wednesday. A previous article from the Stick Run team noted that Otto “appeared to commit suicide” in a livestream.
Videos of the live stream later posted online appear to show Otto setting himself on fire.
Meanwhile, a Twitch spokesperson said in an emailed statement to NBC News that they “acted quickly to remove the channel and video on demand (VOD) to prevent it from being seen by others.”
“What happened is horrific, and the mental health and well-being of our community is deeply important to us,” the spokesperson said. “We encourage anyone who is struggling to seek help. »
Otto launched his signature game, in which players control a stick figure running through obstacle courses, in 2010 on Facebook.
Since then, Stick Run has been played by more than 43 million people worldwide, according to Dexerto, a digital media company that covers video games.
“Thank you, Manuel, for being part of our childhood,” the Stick Run team said in their message. “You will never be forgotten.”
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or live chat on 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.
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