The founder and director of Amaze is stepping down after an investigation into allegations of "inappropriate" behavior
Thorsten Wiedemann, the founder and director of Amaze, has announced his withdrawal from his duties after acknowledging "inappropriate" and "verbally offensive" behavior towards colleagues and guests during an event in August.
The organization, known for promoting independent and arthouse games, issued a statement regarding breaches of its safe space policy and conduct code that occurred at an event in Sheffield, UK.
The Amaze Berlin team, expressing concerns over the safety and integrity of its events, revealed that it had scrutinized various incidents of misconduct leading to the event, including inappropriate behavior and harassment not of a sexual nature, exacerbated by alcohol consumption.
The team described the behavior as "unacceptable," issuing an apology to those affected, including the Sheffield production team, performers, DJs, artists, and visitors.
Wiedemann issued a personal apology, stating: "I wish to sincerely apologize for my actions at Amaze Sheffield in August 2024. My past conduct was inappropriate, and I acknowledge full responsibility. I was disrespectful towards the production and organizing team when the party closed. My verbal comments towards a participating DJ and their performance were unwarranted, and I invaded personal space, which was inappropriate.
"I deeply regret how my actions negatively affected others, this was wrong. I aim to learn from this and ensure it does not happen again, while attempting to mend what was damaged.
"To those impacted and to the Amaze Berlin team and community, I apologize for the breach of trust. I am thankful to those who reported these incidents," added Wiedemann.
He announced stepping back from this year’s Berlin festival contributions, halting public representation duties to allow the team an opportunity to refine its safer space policies and safeguard future event integrity.
Wiedemann reiterated that Amaze was established to foster a respectful and inclusive environment within the gaming and cultural sectors. "The mission remains unchanged. Misconduct—by guests, team members, or myself—has no place in this community," he stated.
Following the upheld complaint, Wiedemann will "temporarily remove" himself from "public roles" and abstain from attending the Amaze Berlin 2025 event.
The organization has decentralized decision-making, distributing key responsibilities to foster safer environments, ensuring event adherence to their code of conduct, and updating emergency response procedures.
"Amaze is more than a single person," concluded Wiedemann. "It represents a global movement built by many. I hope during my time away, you will allow me the chance to improve and learn from my errors so that we can keep advancing our vision—bringing diverse artists worldwide together and elevating arthouse games."