Unveiling the Top UK Game Industry Workplaces

The gaming industry is known for its high standards, never settling for mediocrity. As a community, we are quick to criticize and learn from our mistakes, which is evident in our conferences, social media, and industry publications. However, our human resources and recruitment practices often fall short, with poor diversity, inadequate support for graduates, and the looming issue of crunch time. Despite this, it is commendable that we self-criticize and strive for improvement. So, are there any game companies that excel in these areas and can serve as role models for the rest of us? The answer is yes. The UK Best Places to Work Awards have identified companies that have eliminated crunch time, take responsibility for nurturing young talent, and are making significant strides in improving diversity. The 12 award-winning companies have inspiring stories to share, from Criterion's staff empowerment to Space Ape's unique approach to company culture, and Unity's open communication channels. In the coming weeks, we will delve deeper into the experiences of these studios. For now, explore the Best Places UK winners across three categories and discover what makes them exceptional workplaces. As part of the awards, participating companies received two surveys: an employer survey with 60 questions covering benefits, pay, and diversity, and an employee survey with 56 statements to agree or disagree with, focusing on management, benefits, culture, and workload. The employer survey accounted for 25% of the final score, while employee responses made up the remaining 75%. All 12 winning companies achieved an overall score of 85% or higher.