A Maze.: Far-Reaching Consequences After Code of Conduct Violation
The A Maze. team has publicly disclosed a violation of the Code of Conduct at the event in Sheffield in August 2024. Founder and director Thorsten S. Wiedemann is involved, has issued a public apology, and is temporarily stepping down from all public roles. Further consequences have been announced.
Thorsten S. Wiedemann in an official A Maze. YouTube video from 2022
The founder, long-standing director, and artistic lead of A Maze. will not take part in the upcoming A Maze. in Berlin. However, according to the A Maze. team, this is just one of several consequences to follow from the incident, which has now been made public.
The founder, long-standing director, and artistic lead of A Maze. will not take part in the upcoming A Maze. in Berlin. However, according to the A Maze. team, this is just one of several consequences to follow from the incident, which has now been made public.
According to the A Maze. team in Berlin, they were only recently informed about the incident, which took place on 2 August 2024 during A Maze. Sheffield. It involves a violation of the event’s Safe Space Policy and Code of Conduct. The organisers state that the matter directly concerns Thorsten S. Wiedemann, founder and artistic director of A Maze.
Wiedemann, who issued a public apology in a personal statement (see below), disclosed the events and admitted to disrespectful behaviour. He is withdrawing with immediate effect from A Maze. Festival Berlin 2025 and will pause all representative obligations. He also announced that he would begin therapy.
Wiedemann reportedly shouted at members of the organisation and production teams in Sheffield under the influence of alcohol when the party there was shut down, and made offensive verbal remarks towards a DJ.
“Our channels remain open for reports, feedback, and dialogue. We are committed to rebuilding trust by standing by our words through action" - A Maze. Berlin Team Statement
“These included different instances of unprofessional behaviour 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,” states the A Maze. Berlin team. The Berlin A Maze. team was not involved in the incident, as all international activities under the A Maze. umbrella are organised and carried out independently by Wiedemann.
To prevent such incidents in future, A Maze. Berlin has announced wide-ranging changes. The entire organisational structure is to be decentralised, with decision-making power and responsibilities more broadly distributed. In addition, a unified A Maze. standard under the same Code of Conduct will be developed and implemented for all events under the umbrella.
On-site measures will also be strengthened. The Code of Conduct will be made more visible, more designated contact persons will be available, and a clear and consistent response structure for violations will be introduced.
“Our channels remain open for reports, feedback, and dialogue. We are committed to rebuilding trust by standing by our words through action,” the organiser’s statement concludes.
Thorsten S. Wiedemann issued the following statement on the incident:
"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."
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According to the A Maze. team in Berlin, they were only recently informed about the incident, which took place on 2 August 2024 during A Maze. Sheffield. It involves a violation of the event’s Safe Space Policy and Code of Conduct. The organisers state that the matter directly concerns Thorsten S. Wiedemann, founder and artistic director of A Maze.
Wiedemann, who issued a public apology in a personal statement (see below), disclosed the events and admitted to disrespectful behaviour. He is withdrawing with immediate effect from A Maze. Festival Berlin 2025 and will pause all representative obligations. He also announced that he would begin therapy.
Wiedemann reportedly shouted at members of the organisation and production teams in Sheffield under the influence of alcohol when the party there was shut down, and made offensive verbal remarks towards a DJ.
“Our channels remain open for reports, feedback, and dialogue. We are committed to rebuilding trust by standing by our words through action" - A Maze. Berlin Team Statement
“These included different instances of unprofessional behaviour 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,” states the A Maze. Berlin team. The Berlin A Maze. team was not involved in the incident, as all international activities under the A Maze. umbrella are organised and carried out independently by Wiedemann.
To prevent such incidents in future, A Maze. Berlin has announced wide-ranging changes. The entire organisational structure is to be decentralised, with decision-making power and responsibilities more broadly distributed. In addition, a unified A Maze. standard under the same Code of Conduct will be developed and implemented for all events under the umbrella.
On-site measures will also be strengthened. The Code of Conduct will be made more visible, more designated contact persons will be available, and a clear and consistent response structure for violations will be introduced.
“Our channels remain open for reports, feedback, and dialogue. We are committed to rebuilding trust by standing by our words through action,” the organiser’s statement concludes.
Thorsten S. Wiedemann issued the following statement on the incident:
"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."
