AUREA Award #8: MACK One Turns Europa-Park into Hub for the Future of Immersive Entertainment

The Europa-Park Resort in Rust once again proved itself as an international hotspot for the future of immersive entertainment. On February 2 and 3, 2026, industry representatives, creative visionaries, and entrepreneurs gathered at the invitation of Michael Mack—managing partner of Europa-Park and founder of MACK One—for the eighth AUREA Award ceremony. Under the motto “Through the Looking Glass: Where Layered Realities Unfold,” projects were honored that are sustainably reshaping notions of reality, entertainment, and immersion.

The AUREA Award has long evolved beyond a classic prize and is now regarded as a key platform for the digital future of the entertainment industry. “Every year, the AUREA Award finalists demonstrate how strong ideas turn into real-world applications—from immersive experiences to technologies that reach everyday life,” emphasizes Michael Mack. “As an entrepreneurial family, we’re not just about visions on paper, but projects that truly reach and inspire people. This event creates a space where developers, creatives, and entrepreneurs come together, test prototypes, share experiences, and turn concepts into actual products and experiences.” Roland Mack and the entire family have always stood for innovative strength and continue to shape the industry lastingly.

The jury was once again chaired by Kathleen Cohen, founder of The Collaboratorium, supported by Thomas Wagner (co-founder and CEO of VR Coaster), Emily Olman (CEO Hopscotch Interactive), Christina Lee Storm (Secret Level), and Julian Reyes (winner of AUREA Award #7). For the first time this year, the audience award “Vox Populi” was presented, incorporating direct votes from attendees.

The winners of AUREA #8 set new benchmarks: In the Experience/Immersion category, “Oktoberfest VR” won—a visionary social VR experience that transforms real locations into shared digital spaces. “Wall Town Wonders,” a mixed-reality game that turns your living room into a vibrant miniature city, secured a double victory in Innovation and the Vox Populi audience award. The Interaction category saw two winners: “Dreampark,” which turns any location into an interactive theme park, and “Ballee,” which sets new standards in dynamic object tracking on the Meta Quest. The Impact award went to Stephen Butchko’s “Uncanny Alley, a New Day” for groundbreaking live VR theater. In the Creative category, “Bono: Stories of Surrender” triumphed—an immersive cinematic adaptation of Bono’s book that redefines storytelling.

On the second day, panels, keynotes, and workshops offered exclusive insights into the tangible future. Hilmar Koch from Autodesk explained how designers and storytellers can use AI as a creative partner to solve complex challenges and realize visions. Experts from Holoride, Dolby, and Lufthansa discussed how entertainment technology transforms time spent in cars and airplanes into genuine experiences. A special highlight was the live recording of the podcast “The World Beyond,” in which Michael Mack and visionary designer and filmmaker Keiichi Matsuda explored the future of augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and immersive storytelling.