German game developer dies in apparent suicide during livestream: report

By Oliver Towfigh Nia

BERLIN (AA) - German video game developer Manuel Otto apparently died during a livestream on Twitch, media reports said Thursday.

The 30-year-old Otto, who developed the popular online game Stick Run, is reported to have died by suicide in the south German town of Breitbrunn, according to private broadcaster RTL.

The incident reportedly unfolded during a livestream watched by members of his online community, according to the local media outlet Rosenheim24.de.

Police have not yet announced the cause of death.

On Tuesday evening, a fire broke out at approximately 7.45 pm (1745GMT) in an attic apartment in Breitbrunn, according to police. A building resident attempted to extinguish the flames before the fire department arrived.

"Stick Run is aware of a livestream on Twitch in which the founder and owner, Manuel Otto, apparently died by suicide," the company said in a post on the US social media company X.

According to the post, Twitch has since removed the broadcast and associated video.

"We are deeply concerned about this situation," the statement said, adding: "We appeal to the community not to spread unconfirmed information or speculation."