With Gamescom now safely in the past, the editorial team at GamesIndustry.biz has turned its attention to the critical task of evaluating the submissions for this year’s Best Places To Work Awards. The primary awards have already closed their entry window, and those nominations will be assessed using anonymous feedback gathered directly from employees. However, recognising that excellence can also be demonstrated in more focused domains, the organisers have decided to prolong the nomination deadline for the Special Awards, which celebrate superior performance in a range of specific categories.
All nominations for the Special Awards will be accepted until 23:59 GMT on Monday, 7 September. These particular awards operate independently of the core Best Places To Work (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 entry period, the panel hopes to capture a broader spectrum of initiatives and programmes that might otherwise be overlooked in the general competition. The Special Awards currently on offer include: - **The Diversity Award** – honouring organisations that have made measurable strides in fostering an inclusive workplace where people of all backgrounds feel valued and can thrive.
- **The Green Award** – recognising companies that have implemented effective environmental sustainability strategies, reduced carbon footprints, or pioneered eco‑friendly practices within the gaming industry. - **HR Hero Award** – celebrating human‑resources teams that have introduced innovative policies, support systems, or cultural changes that significantly improve employee experience.
- **Training and Development Award** – highlighting firms that provide robust learning pathways, mentorship schemes, or up‑skilling programmes that empower staff to grow professionally. - **Education Award** – acknowledging contributions to formal or informal education, such as partnerships with academic institutions, apprenticeship programmes, or community outreach that nurture future talent.
- **Corporate Social Responsibility Award** – rewarding businesses that demonstrate a strong commitment to social impact, whether through charitable initiatives, ethical sourcing, or community engagement. - **Health and Well‑Being Award** – focusing on organisations that prioritize mental and physical health, offering resources, programmes, or workplace designs that enhance overall well‑being. Nominations may be submitted by anyone with insight into the nominated organisation—this includes internal employees, external partners, suppliers, or even customers who have observed the company’s efforts first‑hand. The inclusive nomination policy ensures that a wide range of perspectives can be considered, giving a fuller picture of each nominee’s impact.
Once the submission window closes, a panel of industry experts and senior HR professionals will review all entries. The judging process will be completed during the week following the deadline, allowing the winners to be announced at the awards ceremony scheduled for 1 October. The ceremony will not only celebrate the achievements of the winners but also serve as a platform for sharing best practices across the sector, encouraging other companies to adopt similar initiatives. In addition to the awards, tickets remain available for the upcoming GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit, which will be held on the day preceding the awards ceremony.
This year’s summit is themed “The Future of People & Work,” and will feature a lineup of thought leaders, panel discussions, and workshops that explore emerging trends in talent management, workplace culture, and employee wellbeing. Attendees will have the chance to network with peers, gain actionable insights, and learn how to future‑proof their organisations in an ever‑evolving industry. The extended deadline provides a valuable window for organisations that may have been finalising their sustainability reports, launching new diversity programmes, or completing a major health‑and‑wellness initiative. Companies are encouraged to take this opportunity to showcase the concrete steps they have taken, the challenges they have overcome, and the measurable outcomes they have achieved.
Detailed case studies, supporting data, and testimonials can all strengthen a nomination, offering judges a clear view of the real‑world impact. For those unfamiliar with the nomination process, it is straightforward: visit the Best Places To Work Awards website, select the relevant Special Award category, and complete the online form.
Applicants should provide a concise description of the initiative, evidence of its effectiveness (such as metrics, employee surveys, or third‑party recognitions), and any relevant supporting documentation. Submissions that are clear, evidence‑based, and aligned with the award criteria stand the best chance of success. In summary, the extended voting period for the Special Awards is an invitation to all UK‑based game industry businesses to put a spotlight on the work they are doing in areas that matter deeply to employees, the environment, and society at large.
Whether your company excels in fostering diversity, championing sustainability, or nurturing employee health, there is a dedicated category that can recognise and amplify those achievements. Submit your nomination by the midnight deadline on 7 September, and join your peers in celebrating the best places to work in the gaming world. Remember, the HR Summit tickets are still on sale, offering a unique chance to engage with forward‑thinking leaders and to prepare for the awards ceremony on 1 October. Don’t miss out on either the opportunity to be recognized for your exceptional work or the chance to learn from the industry’s most innovative HR practitioners.