After spending 25 years as a semi-pro handball player and 16 years in the IT industry, Mark launched Universum 8 in 2017 with a bold vision: to fuse marketing, gamification, and storytelling into something truly meaningful. At the heart of the agency lies a simple belief — experiences are powerful tools that inspire and enrich people. With this mindset, Universum 8 was born to create unforgettable experiences that leave a lasting impact.

What began with global gaming and esports collaborations has since evolved into a full-service creative agency, known for its unconventional ideas, data-driven campaigns, and human-first approach.
 

1. Where did you grow up?

I was born and raised in Szekszárd – arguably Hungary’s best wine region. I am grateful to have had a wide range of opportunities there: went to a marketing-focused secondary school, played handball semi-professionally, and built friendships that have lasted over 30 years.

2. If you could be an expat anywhere in the world, where would you choose?

I’ve been lucky to travel a lot since childhood, but I feel especially drawn to Italy and Scandinavia – particularly Sweden. According to family lore (and a DNA test), we have Swedish roots, which might explain why it always feels strangely like home when I’m there.

3. What would you miss most if you moved away from Hungary?

My everyday life – the rhythm, the people, and our routines. I love Budapest’s cultural energy, gastronomy, and the feeling that everything I need is right here.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend – what must they absolutely see and do?

See: A night tour along both sides of the Danube is a must. I also love the Basilica area, Margaret Island, the Castle District, Gellért Hill, Bartók Béla Road, Kopaszi Dam, and Római-part.

Do: A food tour! From fancy tapas bars and Italian pasta joints to breakfast spots and market lángos – Budapest is a foodie’s playground.

5. What is your favourite food?

I'm a curious eater – always up for new flavors. I love my wife’s creative cooking, my Michelin Star sister’s gourmet-level dishes, and my mom’s traditional meals. But I’m equally happy with a perfect schnitzel or a well-made waffle (made by me).

6. What is your favourite sport / form of exercise?

I played handball competitively for 25 years and still love any ball sport played with hands. These days, padel is my current favorite.

7. What is your favourite place in Hungary?

Budapest, Szekszárd and its surroundings, and the Balaton Uplands.

8. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?

I run a creative agency, which lets me explore many fields. But if I had to choose something totally different, I’d go for carpentry (nomen est omen) – or being a professional musician, if I had the talent!

9. What’s a job you would definitely never want?

Anything where I don’t use my brain or don’t get to interact with people. I need creative challenges and human connection.

10. Where did you spend your last vacation?

We explored England’s Lake District – rainy but magical. We loved the nature, the locals, and even the grumpy alpacas!

11. Where do you hope to spend your next one?

Anywhere, as long as I’m with my wife. We love long road trips. Japan and New Zealand are high on our wish list.

12. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?

I was into hip-hop and street culture, played tons of video games, and watched all kinds of movies on VHS. Today, I’m obsessed with Denis Villeneuve’s Dune and still rewatch School of Rock as my guilty pleasure.

13. Apart from temptation, what can't you resist?

A creative challenge. I’m fueled by projects that let us invent something new – especially as part of a great team.

14. Red wine or white?

As a Szekszárd local, I should say red – but these days, I prefer a light white spritzer.

15. Book or movie?

Both! We watch a film every week on our massive TV, and I read on my Kindle almost daily.

16. Morning person or night person?

Definitely a night owl – working in a creative field often means pushing deadlines late into the night.

17. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?

Education and healthcare. I’ve seen how different the mindset of students is in countries with more developed systems, and I believe Hungary has a lot of untapped potential.

18. Buda or Pest side?

Pest, for its energy and convenience. But the 11th district on the Buda side is my secret favorite.

19. Which achievement in your life are you most pleased about?

On a personal level, I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built and nurtured over time. I share an incredibly close bond with my siblings, I’ve been in a loving and balanced marriage with my wife for nearly 20 years, and I still have friendships that go back over three decades. To me, the depth and continuity of these relationships are among my most valuable achievements.

Professionally, I have several milestones that bring me joy. During my years as a handball player, I experienced some amazing moments – winning leagues, playing in international tournaments, and being part of truly exceptional teams. Those memories still warm my heart.

On the business side, I’m proud that over the last eight years, we’ve built an agency that not only thrives in the Hungarian market but is increasingly recognized on an international level too. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see our creative work gaining traction and respect beyond our borders.

20. What would you say is your personal motto?

It really depends on the situation I’m in. When I find myself doing something completely new or outside of my comfort zone, I often fall back on the mindset of “Fake it till you make it.” Not in a dishonest way, but as a way to remind myself that confidence and persistence go a long way.

But in terms of how I live my life and work with others, my all-time favorite is “Killing with kindness.” I truly believe that empathy, warmth, and a simple smile can open more doors than any clever strategy or aggressive approach.

And there’s one more I carry with me from my handball days: “Luck favors the ones who hustle.” To me, that means you have to work for the opportunities that come your way – and when you do, success starts to feel like a natural outcome, not just a lucky break.