With Gamescom now safely 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. While the deadline for the flagship awards – which rely on anonymised feedback from employees – has already passed, we have decided to give nominees an extra window to put forward their entries for the Special Awards. These supplemental categories celebrate superior performance in particular aspects of workplace excellence, and we want to make sure that every deserving organisation has a chance to be recognised. The extended nomination period runs until 23:59 GMT on Monday, 7 September.
Unlike the core BPTW categories, which are limited to companies that have already submitted a full application, the Special Awards are open to any UK‑based business that operates within the games sector or provides services to it. This inclusive approach means that studios, publishers, technology providers, consultancies, educational institutions and even ancillary service firms can put forward a candidate for one of the following honours: - **The Diversity Award** – acknowledging organisations that have built truly inclusive cultures, demonstrated measurable progress in representation, and implemented policies that foster a sense of belonging for all employees.
- **The Green Award** – celebrating companies that have taken concrete steps to reduce their environmental footprint, whether through sustainable office practices, carbon‑offset initiatives, or innovative eco‑friendly game development techniques. - **HR Hero Award** – recognising individuals or teams within HR who have gone above and beyond to support staff, champion employee wellbeing, and drive strategic people initiatives that have a tangible impact on the business. - **Training and Development Award** – highlighting firms that invest heavily in upskilling their workforce, offering robust learning pathways, mentorship programmes, and continuous professional development that keep talent at the cutting edge of the industry. - **Education Award** – honoring organisations that contribute to the broader educational ecosystem, such as partnerships with universities, apprenticeship schemes, or community outreach programmes that inspire the next generation of game creators.
- **Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award** – rewarding companies that embed social responsibility into their core operations, whether through charitable giving, community engagement, or ethical business practices that benefit society at large. - **Health and Well‑Being Award** – focusing on workplaces that prioritise mental and physical health, providing resources, support systems, and a culture that actively promotes employee wellness.
Nominations can be submitted by anyone with insight into the nominated company’s practices – internal staff members, former employees, partners, or external observers are all welcome to put forward a candidate. Each submission should include a concise justification that outlines why the nominee meets the criteria for the specific award, supported by evidence such as policy documents, statistical data, case studies, or testimonials. The judging panel, composed of industry veterans, HR specialists, and sustainability experts, will review all entries next week.
Their assessment will focus on the depth of impact, originality of approach, and the sustainability of the initiatives described. Winners will be announced during the BPTW ceremony scheduled for 1 October, an event that brings together leaders from across the games 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, taking place on the morning of the awards ceremony, will centre on the theme “The Future of People & Work.” Attendees can expect insightful panels, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities that explore emerging trends in talent acquisition, employee experience, diversity and inclusion, and the evolving role of HR in a rapidly changing industry. Whether you are a small indie studio striving to create a supportive environment for your team, a large publisher implementing ambitious carbon‑reduction targets, or an educational partner delivering cutting‑edge curricula, the Special Awards provide a platform to showcase your achievements. Take advantage of the extended deadline, craft a compelling nomination, and join your peers in celebrating the best places to work in the UK games sector.
For further details on how to submit a nomination, the judging criteria, or to purchase tickets for the HR Summit, please visit the GamesIndustry.biz website or contact our awards team directly. We look forward to receiving your entries and to honouring the organisations that are setting new standards for workplace excellence in the games industry.