With Gamescom now comfortably 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 (BPTW) Awards. The primary award categories have already closed their entry windows, and the judging process for those will rely on anonymised feedback collected from employees across the sector. However, recognising that excellence can also be demonstrated in more specialised areas, the organisers have decided to lengthen the nomination period for the suite of Special Awards.
These awards spotlight companies that go above and beyond in particular domains such as diversity, environmental stewardship, human resources innovation, training, education, corporate responsibility and employee well‑being. All nominations for the Special Awards will be accepted up until 23:59 GMT on Monday 7 September.
Unlike the headline BPTW categories, which are limited to companies that meet a broader set of criteria, the Special Awards are open to any UK‑based business that operates within the games industry or provides services to it. This inclusive approach means that studios, publishers, technology providers, consultancy firms and even ancillary service companies can put forward a candidate that exemplifies best practice in the listed fields. The seven distinct Special Award categories are: 1.
**The Diversity Award** – honouring organisations that have implemented robust, measurable initiatives to promote a diverse workforce and inclusive culture. 2.
**The Green Award** – recognising firms that have taken concrete steps to reduce their environmental footprint, whether through sustainable office practices, carbon‑neutral production pipelines or innovative eco‑friendly technologies. 3. **HR Hero Award** – celebrating HR teams or individuals who have introduced groundbreaking policies or programmes that enhance employee engagement, retention, or overall workplace satisfaction. 4.
**Training and Development Award** – rewarding companies that invest heavily in up‑skilling their staff, offering comprehensive learning pathways, mentorship schemes, or partnerships with educational institutions. 5. **Education Award** – acknowledging contributions to formal or informal education in gaming, such as collaborations with schools, scholarships, or the creation of curricula that prepare the next generation of talent.
6. **Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award** – highlighting businesses that demonstrate a strong commitment to social causes, community outreach, charitable initiatives, or ethical business practices. 7.
**Health and Well‑Being Award** – focusing on organisations that prioritise mental and physical health through wellness programmes, flexible working arrangements, or supportive workplace environments. Nominations can be submitted by anyone with insight into the nominated company’s practices – this includes internal employees, former staff members, partners, suppliers, or even external observers who have witnessed the company’s impact.
The judging panel, comprised of industry veterans and subject‑matter experts, will review each submission next week. Their assessment will be based on the evidence provided, the demonstrable outcomes of the initiatives, and the overall relevance to the award’s criteria. Winners will be announced at the BPTW ceremony scheduled for 1 October, a high‑profile event that brings together leaders from across the gaming ecosystem. In addition to the awards, attendees still have the chance to purchase tickets for the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit, which this year centres on the theme “The Future of People & Work.” The summit will run earlier in the day on the same date as the awards ceremony, offering a full programme of panels, workshops and networking sessions aimed at HR professionals, people‑operations leaders and anyone interested in shaping the evolving workplace landscape within gaming.
Topics will range from talent acquisition strategies in a post‑pandemic world to the integration of AI tools in employee development, and from fostering inclusive cultures to building resilient mental‑health frameworks. For companies that have already submitted a nomination, the extended deadline provides a valuable window to refine their entry, attach additional supporting documentation, or even submit a fresh nomination for a different category. For those who have not yet entered, the clock is now ticking, and the opportunity to gain industry‑wide recognition for specialised achievements should not be missed. Whether your organisation excels at reducing carbon emissions, championing diversity, or delivering world‑class training programmes, the Special Awards offer a platform to showcase those successes to peers, potential partners and the broader gaming community.
To submit a nomination, simply visit the official BPTW website, select the relevant Special Award category, and complete the online form with a concise description of the initiative, measurable results, and any supporting evidence such as reports, testimonials or case studies. Remember that the judging panel values clarity, impact and sustainability, so be sure to articulate how the programme aligns with long‑term business goals and industry standards. In summary, the extended voting period for the Special Awards ensures that more companies can be recognised for their targeted contributions to key areas that matter to employees, the environment and society at large.
The deadline of 7 September marks the final chance to put your organisation’s best work forward, with winners to be celebrated at the October 1 ceremony alongside the main Best Places To Work accolades. Don’t miss the chance to highlight your achievements, inspire others, and reinforce your commitment to excellence in the gaming industry.