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 Awards. While the primary award categories have already closed for submissions—these being judged on the basis of anonymised employee surveys—we have decided to prolong the nomination window for the Special Awards. These supplementary honors spotlight outstanding performance in particular domains that are vital to the health and progress of the games sector. The extended deadline means that nominations for the following special categories will be accepted until 23:59 GMT on Monday, 7 September.
Unlike the core Best Places to Work (BPTW) awards, these special recognitions are open to any UK‑based company that operates within or collaborates with the games industry, regardless of size or market position. The aim is to celebrate best practice across a broad spectrum of initiatives that contribute to a thriving, inclusive, and responsible industry ecosystem. The categories up for nomination are: - **The Diversity Award** – celebrating organisations that have implemented robust strategies to foster a workforce that reflects a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.
- **The Green Award** – recognising companies that have taken measurable steps to reduce their environmental footprint, whether through sustainable production methods, carbon‑offset programmes, or innovative eco‑friendly technologies. - **HR Hero Award** – highlighting HR teams or individuals who have gone above and beyond to support staff, drive cultural change, or introduce pioneering people‑centric policies. - **Training and Development Award** – honouring firms that invest heavily in upskilling their employees, providing clear career pathways, mentorship schemes, and continuous learning opportunities.
- **Education Award** – acknowledging contributions to formal or informal education, such as partnerships with academic institutions, apprenticeship programmes, or community outreach that cultivates the next generation of talent. - **Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award** – rewarding businesses that demonstrate a strong commitment to societal good, whether through charitable initiatives, ethical sourcing, or community engagement. - **Health and Well‑Being Award** – focusing on organisations that prioritise the mental and physical health of their staff through comprehensive 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, external partners, suppliers, or even industry observers.
All submissions will be reviewed by an independent panel of experts next week, with the final decisions announced at the awards ceremony scheduled for 1 October. In addition to the awards themselves, the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit will be taking place on the same day, just before the ceremony.
The summit’s theme this year is “The Future of People & Work,” and it will bring together thought leaders, HR professionals, and senior executives to discuss emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the labour landscape in games. Topics will range from remote‑working models and talent retention strategies to diversity and inclusion frameworks, as well as the impact of new technologies on workforce development. Seats for the summit remain available, and interested parties are encouraged to register early to secure a place. Why extend the nomination period?
Feedback from previous years indicated that many companies needed additional time to compile evidence of their achievements, especially for categories that require detailed documentation such as sustainability metrics or training programme outcomes. By allowing a longer window, we hope to capture a richer pool of candidates and ensure that deserving organisations are not excluded due to timing constraints.
If you are considering putting forward a nomination, here are a few tips to strengthen your submission: 1. **Provide concrete data** – wherever possible, include statistics, percentages, or measurable results that demonstrate impact (e.g., reduction in carbon emissions by X%, increase in employee retention by Y%). 2. **Highlight specific initiatives** – describe particular programmes, policies, or projects rather than vague statements.
Detail the rollout, participation rates, and any awards or recognitions previously received. 3. **Include testimonials** – quotes from staff members, partners, or beneficiaries can add a human dimension and underscore the real‑world effects of the initiative.
4. **Show alignment with industry standards** – reference any relevant certifications, frameworks, or best‑practice guidelines that the company adheres to. 5. **Keep it concise yet comprehensive** – aim for clarity and relevance; avoid unnecessary jargon while ensuring all key points are covered.
The judging panel will be looking for evidence of genuine commitment, innovation, and measurable outcomes. Whether your company excels in cultivating a diverse and inclusive environment, pioneering green technologies, or delivering world‑class training, this is an excellent opportunity to have your work recognised on a national stage. Remember, the deadline is midnight on Monday, 7 September.
Submissions after this time will not be considered for the special categories. To nominate, visit the official Best Places to Work Awards portal, fill out the online form, and attach any supporting documentation.
We look forward to receiving your nominations and celebrating the remarkable achievements that are driving the games industry forward. For any queries about the nomination process, the award criteria, or the upcoming HR Summit, please contact the GamesIndustry.biz awards team via the contact details provided on the website.