With Gamescom now firmly in the past, the editorial team at GamesIndustry.biz has turned its attention to the evaluation process for this year’s Best Places To Work Awards. While the primary award categories have already closed for submissions and will be judged on the basis of anonymous employee surveys, we have decided to lengthen the nomination window for the Special Awards. These supplemental categories are designed to spotlight companies that excel in particular aspects of workplace excellence, such as diversity, environmental stewardship, and employee development.
The extended deadline means that nominations for the following Special Awards will be accepted until 23:59 GMT on Monday, 7 September. Unlike the headline categories, which are limited to companies that have already submitted a full application, the Special Awards are open to any UK‑based business that operates within or collaborates with the games sector.
This inclusive approach allows a broader range of organisations—whether they are large publishers, indie studios, middleware providers, or support services—to be recognised for their contributions in targeted areas. The list of Special Awards currently open for nomination includes: - **The Diversity Award** – Celebrating organisations that have implemented robust policies and initiatives to foster a workforce that reflects a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and identities. - **The Green Award** – Honouring companies that have taken measurable steps toward reducing their environmental footprint, whether through sustainable office practices, carbon‑offset programmes, or eco‑friendly production pipelines. - **HR Hero Award** – Recognising individuals or teams within HR who have gone above and beyond to support staff, drive cultural change, or introduce innovative people‑centric processes.
- **Training and Development Award** – Acknowledging firms that invest heavily in upskilling their employees, offering comprehensive training programmes, mentorship schemes, and clear pathways for career progression. - **Education Award** – Highlighting organisations that contribute to the broader educational ecosystem, such as partnerships with academic institutions, scholarship programmes, or community outreach that nurtures future talent. - **Corporate Social Responsibility Award** – Rewarding businesses that demonstrate a strong commitment to social impact, whether through charitable initiatives, community engagement, or ethical business practices. - **Health and Well‑Being Award** – Celebrating workplaces that prioritise the mental and physical health of their staff, offering supportive policies, wellness resources, and a culture that encourages work‑life balance.
Nominations can be submitted by anyone with a legitimate interest in the nominee’s work—this includes internal employees, external partners, suppliers, or even members of the public who have observed the company’s efforts. Each nomination should provide concrete examples and evidence of why the nominee deserves recognition in the chosen category. The judging panel, composed of industry veterans and experts in HR, sustainability, and corporate governance, will review all entries next week. Their deliberations will culminate in the announcement of winners at the awards ceremony scheduled for 1 October.
In addition to the awards, we would like to remind you that tickets remain available for the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit, which will take place on the morning of the awards ceremony. This year’s summit is themed “The Future of People & Work,” and will feature a slate of keynote speakers, panel discussions, and interactive workshops that explore emerging trends in talent acquisition, employee experience, and organisational design within the gaming industry. Attendees will have the chance to network with senior HR leaders, share best practices, and gain insights that can be applied directly to their own workplaces. Whether you are a studio looking to showcase your commitment to diversity, a publisher that has pioneered green production methods, or an HR team that has introduced groundbreaking wellbeing initiatives, the Special Awards provide a platform to gain industry‑wide recognition.
By extending the nomination period, we hope to give more organisations the chance to put their achievements forward and to inspire others to raise the bar across all facets of workplace excellence. To submit a nomination, visit our dedicated awards portal, fill out the brief questionnaire for the relevant category, and attach any supporting documentation such as policy documents, impact reports, or testimonial letters. The process is straightforward and designed to capture the essence of each nominee’s contribution without requiring excessive paperwork. We look forward to receiving your entries and to celebrating the many ways in which the UK games industry is leading the conversation on inclusive, sustainable, and people‑focused work environments.
If you have any questions about the nomination process or the upcoming HR Summit, please contact our awards team at awards@gamesindustry.biz. Remember: the clock is ticking—make sure your nomination is in before midnight on 7 September, and join us on 1 October for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and networking with the best and brightest in the games community.