Dear A MAZE. Community,

On August 2, 2024, violations of our Safe Space Policy and Code of Conduct occurred at A MAZE. / SHEFFIELD. The A MAZE. / Berlin team was recently made aware of these incidents, which involved A MAZE.’s founder and artistic director Thorsten S. Wiedemann, raising serious concerns about the safety and integrity of our events. These included different instances of unprofessional behavior leading up to the event and inappropriate conduct, as well as offensive verbal comments and non-sexual harassment under the influence of alcohol during the event.

Such behavior is unacceptable—especially from within our own leadership. Our apologies go to all members of the Sheffield production, the performers, DJs, artists, venue workers and visitors who were affected by this. We wish to thank the people who came forward with this information to the A MAZE. / Berlin team and trust us with their concerns.

The team that is behind A MAZE. / Berlin assembles only for the festival in Berlin. The other activities during the year are organized and run by A MAZE. director Thorsten S. Wiedemann. We will now make it our responsibility to make A MAZE. anywhere a safer, inclusive space for everyone. 

To that end, we are implementing the following immediate and long-term changes:

• Leadership Change: Thorsten S. Wiedemann will temporarily step back from all public roles and will not be part of the A MAZE. / Berlin 2025 festival program.

• Organization restructure: Decentralizing the decision making process and delegating key responsibilities.

• A MAZE. Standard: Making all A MAZE. events adhere to the same Code of Conduct.

• Creating Safer Spaces: We will work on a more prominent visibility of the Code of Conduct, including easy to read information and more contact persons for the Code of Conduct.

• Updated Emergency Response Structure: We are developing a clearer formal protocol and team structure to respond swiftly to any future incidents.

These changes will apply to all A MAZE. events worldwide, going forward.

Our channels remain open for reports, feedback, and dialogue. We are committed to rebuilding trust by standing by our words through action.

The A MAZE./ Berlin Team
Contact us at safety@a-maze.net or via the code-of-conduct channel on our discord.

Personal Statement from Thorsten S. Wiedemann

“I want to sincerely apologize for my behavior at A MAZE. / SHEFFIELD in August 2024. Reflecting on my actions, I recognize that I acted inappropriately and will take full responsibility. I yelled at the production and organizing team when the party was shut down, which was completely disrespectful. I was verbally offensive towards a participating DJ and their music, which was uncalled for. I invaded others' personal space, which was inconsiderate and out of line.

I deeply regret my behavior throughout the event and understand how it negatively impacted others. This was entirely wrong, and I am committed to learning from this experience to ensure it never happens again and try to repair what got broken

To those affected, and to the A MAZE. / Berlin team and community, I’m sorry for betraying your trust. I am grateful to those who came forward and reported the incidents.

As a consequence, I will step back from my role in this year’s Berlin festival program and pause all representative and handover partner duties. This will allow the team the space to strengthen our Safer Space policies and ensure the integrity of all future events.

I am beginning therapy to address the root causes of my behavior and will work closely with the team to ensure all A MAZE. activities uphold our Code of Conduct and values.

A MAZE. was founded to create a respectful, inclusive, and inspiring space within the games and cultural industries. That mission remains unchanged. Misconduct—whether by guests, team members, or myself—has no place in this community.

A MAZE. is more than one person. It’s a global movement built by many. I hope that during my absence, you will give me the opportunity to improve and learn from my mistakes so that we can continue working toward our vision—bringing diverse artists from around the world together and elevating arthouse games to a new level.”