With Gamescom now firmly in the past, the editorial team at GamesIndustry.biz has turned its attention to the assessment phase of this year’s Best Places To Work Awards. While the primary awards—those judged on anonymous employee surveys—have already closed for entries, we have decided to lengthen the nomination window for our Special Awards, a set of recognitions that celebrate excellence in particular aspects of workplace practice.
The extended deadline means that nominations for the following special categories will be accepted up until 23:59 GMT on Monday, 7 September. These awards operate independently of the core Best Places to Work (BPTW) categories and are open to any UK‑based company that operates within the games sector or provides services to it. Whether you are a large publisher, an indie studio, a middleware provider, or a support service firm, you are eligible to put forward a candidate for any of the special recognitions listed below. - **The Diversity Award** – honoring organisations that have demonstrably advanced inclusion and representation across gender, ethnicity, disability, neurodiversity and other dimensions of difference.
- **The Green Award** – celebrating companies that have implemented robust environmental strategies, reduced carbon footprints, or pioneered sustainable production practices. - **HR Hero Award** – acknowledging individuals or teams that have gone above and beyond to support staff, champion employee wellbeing, or innovate HR processes. - **Training and Development Award** – recognising firms that invest heavily in up‑skilling their workforce, offering comprehensive learning pathways, mentorship programmes, or industry‑leading curricula.
- **Education Award** – rewarding initiatives that bridge the gap between formal education and the games industry, such as university partnerships, apprenticeship schemes, or community outreach. - **Corporate Social Responsibility Award** – highlighting organisations that contribute positively to society through charitable work, community engagement, or ethical business conduct.
- **Health and Well‑Being Award** – focusing on companies that prioritize mental health, physical wellness, and a balanced work‑life environment for their employees. Nominations may be submitted by anyone with insight into the nominated organisation’s practices—this includes internal employees, former staff members, partners, suppliers, or even external observers who have witnessed the company’s achievements.
All submissions will be reviewed by a panel of independent judges with expertise in human resources, sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and industry education. The judging process will be completed during the week following the deadline, ensuring that the results are ready for the awards ceremony scheduled for 1 October. In addition to the awards, we would like to remind you that tickets are still on sale for the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit.
This year’s summit is themed around the future of People & Work, exploring how evolving workplace models, technology, and cultural shifts will shape the games industry’s talent landscape. The summit will take place on the morning of the awards day, offering attendees the chance to hear from thought leaders, participate in interactive workshops, and network with peers before the ceremony. For organisations that are still weighing whether to submit a nomination, consider the broader impact of being recognised in these special categories.
Winning—or even being shortlisted—can enhance your employer brand, attract top talent, and provide external validation of the initiatives you have already put in place. It also offers a platform to share best practices with the wider industry, encouraging a ripple effect of positive change across the sector.
If you have questions about the nomination process, eligibility criteria, or the upcoming HR Summit, please reach out to the GamesIndustry.biz awards team via the contact details provided on our website. We look forward to receiving your submissions and celebrating the companies that are leading the way in creating inclusive, sustainable, and supportive workplaces within the games ecosystem.