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 (BPTW) Awards. The primary award categories have already closed their entry windows, and judging for those will rely on anonymised feedback collected from employees across participating organisations.
However, recognising that many companies excel in particular niches, we have decided to prolong the nomination deadline for the Special Awards, which spotlight excellence in distinct, strategic domains. The extended nomination window runs until 23:59 GMT on Monday, 7 September. These Special Awards operate independently of the core BPTW categories and are open to any UK‑based business that either operates within the games sector or provides services to it. By widening the timeframe, we hope to capture a broader spectrum of initiatives that might otherwise go unnoticed.
The Special Awards currently on offer are: - **The Diversity Award** – celebrating organisations that have implemented robust policies and programmes to foster an inclusive workplace where people of all backgrounds feel valued and can thrive. - **The Green Award** – acknowledging companies that have taken measurable steps to reduce their environmental footprint, whether through sustainable production practices, carbon‑offset schemes, or innovative green technologies.
- **HR Hero Award** – recognising outstanding human‑resources leadership that has driven positive cultural change, improved employee engagement, or delivered innovative talent‑management solutions. - **Training and Development Award** – honouring firms that invest heavily in upskilling their workforce, offering comprehensive learning pathways, mentorship schemes, and continuous professional development opportunities. - **Education Award** – highlighting initiatives that bridge the gap between academic learning and industry needs, such as apprenticeship programmes, university collaborations, or outreach activities that inspire the next generation of game creators.
- **Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award** – rewarding businesses that demonstrate a strong commitment to social responsibility, community engagement, charitable giving, and ethical business practices. - **Health and Well‑Being Award** – focusing on organisations that prioritise the physical and mental health of their staff through wellness programmes, flexible working arrangements, and supportive workplace cultures. Nominations can be submitted by anyone with insight into the nominated company’s practices – this includes internal employees, former staff, partners, suppliers, or even external observers who have witnessed the impact of the programmes in question. All submissions should include concrete evidence of the achievement, such as metrics, case studies, or testimonials, to aid the judging panel in making informed decisions.
The judging process for the Special Awards will commence next week, with a panel of industry experts, academics, and senior HR professionals reviewing each nomination against a set of transparent criteria. Winners will be announced during the BPTW Awards ceremony scheduled for 1 October, an event that brings together leaders from across the gaming ecosystem to celebrate workplace excellence. In addition to the awards, we would like to remind you that tickets are still on sale for the upcoming GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit.
This year’s summit, titled “The Future of People & Work,” will take place on the day preceding the awards ceremony. The programme will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, and workshops that explore emerging trends in talent acquisition, employee experience, diversity and inclusion, and the evolving role of HR in a rapidly changing industry. Attendees will have the chance to network with peers, share best practices, and gain actionable insights that can be applied directly within their organisations. If your company has implemented a pioneering green initiative, launched an inclusive recruitment drive, or introduced a groundbreaking health‑and‑wellness programme, now is the perfect moment to submit a nomination.
The extended deadline ensures that even late‑blooming projects have a chance to be recognised alongside more established efforts. By participating, you not only stand a chance to win a prestigious accolade but also contribute to a broader conversation about what makes a great workplace in the games sector. To submit a nomination, visit the Best Places To Work Awards portal, select the relevant Special Award category, and complete the online form with the required details.
Remember to attach supporting documentation that illustrates the impact of the initiative. All nominations will be treated confidentially, and the identity of nominators will be protected throughout the judging process. We look forward to receiving your entries and celebrating the many ways UK‑based games companies are pushing the boundaries of workplace excellence. Whether you are a small indie studio or a large multinational, your commitment to diversity, sustainability, employee development, and social responsibility can set a benchmark for the entire industry.
Don’t miss this opportunity to have your achievements recognized on a national stage. For any questions regarding the nomination process, award criteria, or the HR Summit, please contact the GamesIndustry.biz awards team at awards@gamesindustry.biz. We are eager to assist you and ensure that your contributions receive the recognition they deserve.