Manuel Otto, creator of Stick Run game dies at the age of 30, says his company

Stick Run video game creator Manuel Otto has died aged 30.

In a statement shared on Facebook, the official Stick Run page confirmed his death.

“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.

“Stick Run was more than just a game. For so many of us, it was a part of our childhood. A game we grew up playing with friends, sharing laughs, competing for high scores, and making memories that will stay with us for a lifetime. It brought people together and became a cherished part of our childhood.

"Today, we mourn not only the loss of our creator, but also a fellow Stick Runner whose work became a part of our lives. His legacy will live on through every memory, every run, and every player who grew up playing Stick Run.

“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."

Otto, who was from Germany, was just 14-years-old when he released Stick Run on Facebook in 2010.

In the game, players control a stick figure helping it make its way through an obstacle course, picking up points and collecting coins along the way.

In an interview with OVB when he was 17, Otto said he was inspired to create the game after growing up watching cartoons and then creating his own sketches on his computer, which later turned into giving game development a go.

Otto told the outlet that he was completely self taught and that he built the game through a process of ‘trial and error’.

By 2013, Stick Run had more than 43 million users and became one of the most played video games on Facebook.

He later founded his own company, which was originally managed by his dad due to his young age.

The official Stick Run Facebook page still has more than five million followers today.

However, despite his sudden success, Otto appeared to remain grounded, telling OVB that his short-term plans were to ‘focus on school’ so he would do well in his exams.

He told the publication that once he was done with schooling, he’d like to travel the world.

As an adult, Otto became a gaming influencer and streamer, while Stick Run was developed so it could run one Android and iPhones, bringing in a new audience.

The game still remains popular today, and the official Stick Run Facebook page still has more than five million followers.