With Gamescom now firmly in the past, the editorial team at GamesIndustry.biz has turned its attention to the crucial task of evaluating the submissions for this year’s Best Places To Work Awards. While the deadline for the headline categories—those judged on the basis of anonymous employee surveys—has already passed, we have decided to keep the window open a little longer for the Special Awards. These particular honors are designed to spotlight companies that excel in distinct, high‑impact areas such as diversity, environmental stewardship, employee development and corporate responsibility.
The extended nomination period runs until midnight on Monday, 7 September. Unlike the core Best Places To Work categories, which focus on overall workplace satisfaction, the Special Awards are stand‑alone recognitions that any UK‑based business operating within or alongside the games sector can enter.
Whether you are a large publisher, an independent studio, a middleware provider, or a support service firm, you are eligible to put your name forward for one or more of the following distinctions: - **The Diversity Award** – celebrating organisations that have demonstrably advanced inclusive hiring practices, fostered a culture of belonging, and championed under‑represented voices throughout their operations. - **The Green Award** – honouring companies that have implemented robust sustainability initiatives, reduced carbon footprints, and integrated eco‑friendly practices into game development, publishing or ancillary services.
- **HR Hero Award** – recognising human‑resources teams that have introduced innovative policies, supportive programmes, or transformative strategies that markedly improve employee experience. - **Training and Development Award** – acknowledging firms that invest heavily in upskilling their staff, offering comprehensive learning pathways, mentorship schemes, and continuous professional growth opportunities. - **Education Award** – highlighting contributions to educational outreach, partnerships with academic institutions, or the creation of learning resources that nurture the next generation of talent for the games industry.
- **Corporate Social Responsibility Award** – rewarding organisations that go beyond profit motives to make a positive impact on society, whether through charitable initiatives, community engagement, or ethical business conduct. - **Health and Well‑Being Award** – focusing on companies that prioritize mental and physical health, providing resources, benefits, and workplace environments that support overall employee wellness. Nominations can be submitted by anyone with insight into the nominee’s practices—this includes internal staff members, external partners, clients, or even industry observers.
The inclusive nomination process ensures that a broad perspective is considered when assessing each contender’s achievements. Once the submission window closes, a panel of independent judges will convene next week to review all entries. Their deliberations will be completed in time for the awards ceremony scheduled for 1 October, where the winners will be announced and celebrated. In addition to the awards, the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit remains open for registration.
This year’s summit is themed around the future of People & Work, exploring how evolving workplace dynamics, technology, and cultural shifts will shape the games industry’s talent landscape. The summit will take place earlier on the same day as the awards ceremony, offering attendees a full day of insightful panels, case studies, and networking opportunities with leading HR professionals.
If you are considering a nomination, now is the moment to gather the evidence and stories that illustrate why your organisation stands out in its respective category. Think about concrete metrics—such as diversity ratios, carbon reduction percentages, training hours per employee, or wellness program uptake—and qualitative anecdotes that capture the spirit of your initiatives. Providing clear, compelling examples will help the judges understand the depth and impact of your efforts.
For those who have already submitted a nomination, thank you for taking the time to recognize excellence within the industry. Your contributions help create a benchmark for best practices and inspire other companies to raise their standards. For those who have not yet entered, remember that the extended deadline gives you a final chance to showcase the hard work and dedication of your teams.
To submit a nomination, visit the official Best Places To Work Awards portal, select the appropriate special category, and fill out the required information. The form will ask for a brief overview of the initiative, supporting data, and any relevant testimonials or case studies. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation email and can expect to hear back from the judging panel after the review period.
We look forward to receiving a diverse range of nominations that reflect the vibrant, innovative, and socially responsible nature of the UK games sector. Whether your focus is on fostering an inclusive culture, reducing environmental impact, enhancing employee growth, or giving back to the community, there is a special award that aligns with your achievements. Don’t miss this opportunity to have your efforts recognized on a national stage and to inspire peers across the industry. Finally, remember to secure your place at the HR Summit if you haven’t already.
The event promises to deliver forward‑looking insights, practical tools, and a chance to connect with peers who are shaping the future of work in games. Together, we can celebrate success, share knowledge, and continue to build workplaces where talent thrives.