New York, NY — March 25, 2026 — Big Rock Creative (BRC) today announced that BurnerSphere, its groundbreaking immersive social VR platform, has been awarded “Experience of the Year,” the top honor at the 6th Annual Poly Awards, presented by the Academy of Immersive Arts and Sciences at the SVA Theatre in New York City. BurnerSphere is an immersive documentary experience that tells the story of the communities that make up the Burning Man culture through a unique interactive, multiplayer platform. It offers a year-round social VR platform for participants to connect, explore, and engage with the essence of Black Rock City from anywhere in the world. Burning Man is a global, year-round creative culture that brings people together at over 100 in-person events, including the annual weeklong celebration in Northern Nevada.
BurnerSphere was also nominated for Entertainment Experience of the Year, further cementing its position as a leading force in immersive storytelling and social XR innovation.
This recognition marks a significant milestone for Big Rock Creative as a company at the forefront of designing participatory, community-driven immersive experiences.
Accepting the award live on stage, CEO and Co-Founder Athena Demos emphasized the collective nature of the platform:
“BurnerSphere is a living expression of our community. It’s social capital in motion, shaped by the people who show up, contribute, and connect. It’s all of us, building this together, for all of us.”
Developed by BRC in collaboration with Burning Man Project, BurnerSphere is an immersive social VR platform open 24/7 that transports participants into an awe-inspiring, interactive shared digital expression of Black Rock City. Through a combination of virtual environments and immersive media including 360° video, 180° 3D video, photogrammetry, and Gaussian Splats, participants can explore art, attend events, and connect with others from anywhere in the world.
Unlike traditional media, BurnerSphere transforms documentary storytelling into a shared, participatory experience. Participants are not passive viewers but active contributors inside a dynamic, evolving world shaped by its global community.
The platform is designed with accessibility at its core, supporting both VR headsets and desktop access (no headset required), allowing more people to experience the culture and creativity of Burning Man beyond the physical event.
“This award reflects years of collaboration, experimentation, and belief in what immersive technology can enable when it is built for connection,” said Demos. “We’ve always believed this should be something everyone can access.”
“Breaking new ground can feel lonely. Being recognized by a community that values that work makes this moment meaningful,” said Doug Jacobson, Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer.
BurnerSphere evolved from award-winning BRCvr, an official virtual Burning Man experience, and represents the next generation of immersive platforms built to scale community, storytelling, and participation.
Experience BurnerSphere
BurnerSphere is now open for participation, inviting global audiences to explore the digital playa, connect with others, and experience a new form of immersive storytelling.
To learn more and join the community in the Experience of the Year, visit:
https://burnersphere.com/join.
There will be a public celebration on Friday April 3 at 11am PT inside BurnerSphere. April 3rd also marks the 6 year anniversary of the birth of BurnerSphere. Check our press kit images for photos from the award celebration and from within BurnerSphere that you can include in your piece.
About BurnerSphere
BurnerSphere is a social VR immersive documentary platform created by Big Rock Creative in collaboration with Burning Man Project. It combines virtual environments with immersive media including 360° video, 180° 3D video, photogrammetry, and Gaussian Splats to enable year-round participation in the global Burning Man community.
About Big Rock Creative
Big Rock Creative (BRC) is an award-winning XR experience company dedicated to creating immersive and inclusive social experiences that inspire collaboration and elevate artists. Founded in 2020, BRC has produced work for global organizations including Microsoft, the United Nations, and T-Mobile, and continues to develop platforms that connect communities across physical and digital worlds.
About Burning Man Project
Burning Man Project is the nonprofit that produces the annual event in Black Rock City, and works year-round in service to the Burning Man cultural movement. Burning Man Project brings people together, champions innovation, artistry, and creativity, and shares knowledge through storytelling. Together with the global Burning Man community, Burning Man Project is advancing a more creative, connected, and thriving society.
Media Contact
Athena Demos
athena@bigrockxr.com