With Gamescom now firmly in the past, the editorial team at GamesIndustry.biz has turned its attention to the evaluation phase of this year’s Best Places To Work (BPTW) Awards. While the primary award categories have already closed for submissions—these are judged on the basis of anonymous feedback from employees—the organisation has decided to prolong the nomination window for the Special Awards. These particular honors are designed to spotlight outstanding performance in distinct, high‑impact areas that go beyond the general workplace experience. The new deadline for submitting nominations for the Special Awards is midnight on Monday, 7 September.
Unlike the headline BPTW categories, which focus on overall employee satisfaction, the Special Awards concentrate on specific domains such as diversity, sustainability, and professional development. They are open to any UK‑based company that operates within the games sector or provides services to it, meaning that studios, publishers, technology providers, and even ancillary service firms are all eligible to be considered. The list of Special Award categories includes: - **The Diversity Award** – recognizing organisations that have implemented robust, measurable initiatives to foster inclusive hiring practices, support under‑represented groups, and create a culture where diversity is celebrated at every level. - **The Green Award** – celebrating companies that have taken concrete steps to reduce their environmental footprint, whether through carbon‑neutral production pipelines, sustainable office practices, or innovative eco‑friendly game design.
- **HR Hero Award** – honoring HR professionals or teams that have demonstrated exceptional leadership in talent acquisition, employee engagement, or conflict resolution, thereby significantly enhancing the workplace experience. - **Training and Development Award** – acknowledging firms that invest heavily in up‑skilling their workforce, offering mentorship programmes, continuous learning opportunities, and clear career progression pathways.
- **Education Award** – rewarding organisations that collaborate with educational institutions, support apprenticeships, or create learning resources that help nurture the next generation of game‑making talent. - **Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award** – highlighting businesses that go beyond profit motives to give back to communities, support charitable causes, and embed ethical considerations into their operational strategies.
- **Health and Well‑Being Award** – recognizing companies that prioritize mental health, physical wellness, and overall employee well‑being through initiatives such as flexible working arrangements, wellness programmes, and supportive policies. Nominations can be submitted by anyone with insight into the company’s practices—this includes internal employees, former staff members, partners, or external observers who have witnessed the organisation’s efforts first‑hand. Once the nomination period closes, a panel of independent judges will review each submission throughout the following week. Their assessment will be based on evidence supplied in the nomination forms, such as policy documents, case studies, measurable outcomes, and testimonials.
The judging process is deliberately transparent and aims to ensure that each award goes to a truly deserving recipient. Winners will be announced during the BPTW Awards ceremony scheduled for 1 October. The ceremony itself is a high‑profile event that brings together industry leaders, HR professionals, and media representatives to celebrate workplace excellence across the UK games sector. In addition to the awards, there is still an opportunity to attend the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit, which will take place on the day preceding the awards ceremony.
This year’s summit theme is "The Future of People & Work," and it will feature a series of panels, workshops, and keynote speeches focusing on emerging trends in talent management, remote work, diversity and inclusion, mental health, and the evolving role of HR technology in the gaming industry. Attendees will gain practical insights, network with peers, and hear from thought leaders about how to shape a resilient, forward‑thinking workforce. For organisations that have already made strides in any of the highlighted areas, the extended nomination window provides a valuable chance to showcase their achievements to a broader audience. By submitting a well‑crafted nomination, companies can not only gain recognition but also set a benchmark for peers, encouraging industry‑wide adoption of best practices.
Moreover, the visibility that comes with being shortlisted or winning a Special Award can enhance employer branding, attract top talent, and reinforce a company’s commitment to responsible, people‑centric operations. If you are considering entering a nomination, start by gathering quantitative data—such as diversity metrics, carbon‑reduction figures, training hours logged, or employee well‑being survey results—as well as qualitative evidence like employee testimonials, case studies, and media coverage. A compelling nomination tells a clear story: it outlines the challenge the organisation faced, the specific actions taken, and the measurable impact of those actions. To submit a nomination, visit the official BPTW Awards website, select the relevant Special Award category, and complete the online form before the 7 September deadline.
Remember that the deadline is strict; late submissions will not be considered. After submission, you will receive a confirmation email, and the judging panel will begin its review process. In summary, the extension of the voting period for the Special Awards offers a final window for companies across the UK games industry to have their exemplary work recognized. Whether your focus is on fostering a diverse workforce, reducing environmental impact, championing employee health, or driving social responsibility, there is a category that aligns with your achievements.
Take advantage of this opportunity, submit a thorough nomination, and join your peers in celebrating the best places to work in the vibrant world of games. For more information about the awards, the nomination process, or the upcoming HR Summit, please consult the GamesIndustry.biz website or contact the awards team directly.