With Gamescom now firmly 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 Awards. While the primary award nominations have already closed—these are assessed through anonymous feedback from employees—the organizers have decided to prolong the submission window for the Special Awards. These ancillary categories celebrate exceptional performance in particular areas of workplace excellence, and the extended deadline gives companies additional time to put forward their strongest candidates.
All nominations for the following Special Awards will be accepted until 23:59 GMT on Monday, 7 September. Unlike the core Best Places To Work categories, which focus on overall employee satisfaction, these awards spotlight distinct facets of organisational culture and responsibility. They are open to any business operating within the United Kingdom that is either directly involved in the games sector or provides services to it. Whether you are a developer, a publisher, a middleware provider, or a support service, you are eligible to put forward a nomination.
The Special Awards on offer this year include: - **The Diversity Award** – recognising companies that have made measurable progress in building inclusive teams and fostering a workplace where people of all backgrounds feel valued. - **The Green Award** – honouring organisations that have implemented effective environmental sustainability initiatives, reduced carbon footprints, or championed eco‑friendly practices within the gaming industry.
- **HR Hero Award** – celebrating human‑resources departments or individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovative policies, or exceptional support for staff wellbeing. - **Training and Development Award** – highlighting firms that provide robust learning pathways, up‑skilling programmes, and career development opportunities that empower employees to grow. - **Education Award** – acknowledging contributions to educational outreach, partnerships with academic institutions, or programmes that nurture the next generation of gaming talent.
- **Corporate Social Responsibility Award** – rewarding businesses that go beyond profit to make a positive social impact, whether through community projects, charitable work, or ethical business practices. - **Health and Well‑Being Award** – focusing on initiatives that promote mental and physical health, work‑life balance, and a supportive environment for employee wellness. Nominations can be submitted by anyone with insight into the nominee’s achievements—this includes internal staff members, external partners, clients, or even members of the broader industry community.
The judging panel, comprised of seasoned professionals and thought leaders from across the games ecosystem, will review all entries next week. Their assessment will consider the depth of impact, innovation, and demonstrable results associated with each nomination.
Winners will be announced during the awards ceremony scheduled for 1 October. In addition to the awards, tickets remain on sale for the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit, which will take place on the day preceding the ceremony. This year’s summit is themed “The Future of People & Work,” and it will explore emerging trends, challenges, and strategies shaping the human‑resources landscape in gaming.
Attendees can expect insightful keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed to equip HR professionals with the tools they need to navigate a rapidly evolving industry. The decision to extend the nomination period reflects a commitment to inclusivity and fairness, ensuring that deserving organisations have ample time to compile compelling evidence of their achievements. Companies that may have been finalising projects, gathering data, or awaiting internal approvals now have a clear window to submit a thorough and persuasive nomination package. This extension also aligns with the broader industry ethos of transparency and collaboration, encouraging a wider range of voices to participate in the recognition process.
If you are considering entering a nomination, here are a few practical tips to strengthen your submission: 1. **Gather Quantitative Evidence** – Include statistics, percentages, or measurable outcomes that illustrate the impact of your initiatives. For example, a reduction in energy consumption by a specific figure, or an increase in diversity representation across senior roles.
2. **Provide Qualitative Insights** – Share testimonials, case studies, or employee stories that bring the numbers to life and demonstrate real‑world benefits. 3. **Highlight Innovation** – Emphasise any novel approaches or pioneering methods your organisation has employed to achieve its goals.
4. **Show Alignment with Industry Standards** – Reference any relevant certifications, frameworks, or best‑practice guidelines that underpin your efforts.
5. **Keep it Concise and Structured** – Organise the nomination into clear sections (e.g., Objectives, Implementation, Results, Future Plans) to make it easy for judges to assess. By adhering to these guidelines, you can present a compelling narrative that not only meets the award criteria but also showcases your company’s commitment to excellence in the highlighted domain.
Remember, the deadline is midnight on 7 September, so there is still time to assemble the necessary documentation, seek approvals, and submit your entry. Whether you are nominating your own organisation or recognising a peer, your participation helps to elevate industry standards and celebrates the collective effort to make the games sector a better place to work.
For further details on the nomination process, award categories, or the HR Summit agenda, please visit the GamesIndustry.biz website or contact the awards team directly. We look forward to receiving your nominations and to celebrating the outstanding contributions of UK‑based gaming businesses at the upcoming awards ceremony.