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 main award entries have already closed – those are judged on the basis of anonymised employee surveys – we have decided to keep the door open a little longer for the Special Awards. These particular honours spotlight superior performance in distinct, high‑impact domains and give companies a chance to be recognised for work that goes beyond the everyday metrics of employee satisfaction. The window for submitting nominations for the special categories will remain open until 23:59 GMT on Monday, 7 September.
It is important to note that these awards operate independently of the headline Best Places to Work (BPTW) categories. They are open to any UK‑based business that either operates within the games sector or provides services to it, meaning that publishers, developers, middleware providers, marketing agencies, and even specialist consultancies are all eligible to put forward a candidate.
The seven special award tracks are as follows: - **The Diversity Award** – celebrating organisations that have implemented robust policies and programmes that foster a genuinely inclusive workplace, where people of all backgrounds feel valued and can thrive. - **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 game design. - **HR Hero Award** – honouring HR professionals or teams that have demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity, or resilience in supporting their workforce. - **Training and Development Award** – highlighting companies that invest heavily in upskilling their staff, offering continuous learning opportunities, mentorship schemes, and clear career progression pathways.
- **Education Award** – acknowledging initiatives that bridge the gap between academia and the games industry, such as apprenticeship programmes, university partnerships, or community outreach that cultivates the next generation of talent. - **Corporate Social Responsibility Award** – rewarding businesses that embed social responsibility into their core strategy, whether through charitable giving, community engagement, or ethical sourcing. - **Health and Well‑Being Award** – focusing on organisations that prioritise the mental and physical health of their employees, providing resources, support systems, and a culture that promotes work‑life balance. Nominations can be submitted by anyone – internal staff members, external partners, clients, or even members of the public who have observed exemplary practices.
Each submission should include a concise rationale, supporting evidence, and, where possible, quantitative data that illustrates the impact of the nominee’s initiatives. The judging panel, comprising industry veterans and independent experts, will review all entries next week, with the final decisions announced at the awards ceremony scheduled for 1 October.
In addition to the awards, the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit will take place on the same day, just before the ceremony. This year’s summit theme is “The Future of People & Work,” and it will explore emerging trends such as hybrid working models, employee wellbeing tech, diversity and inclusion strategies, and the evolving role of HR in a rapidly changing industry.
Seats for the summit are still on sale, offering attendees the chance to hear from thought leaders, participate in interactive workshops, and network with peers from across the sector. For businesses that are still on the fence about entering, consider the broader benefits of participation. Being shortlisted or winning a Special Award can boost a company’s reputation, aid recruitment efforts, and provide a morale lift for staff who see their hard work publicly recognised. Moreover, the nomination process itself encourages organisations to reflect on their policies and practices, often uncovering areas for improvement that can be addressed long after the awards have concluded.
To submit a nomination, visit the official Best Places to Work Awards portal, select the relevant category, and complete the online form. Remember, the deadline is strict – all entries must be received by midnight on 7 September to be considered. If you have any questions about eligibility, the nomination criteria, or the judging process, a dedicated support team is available via email and phone throughout the submission period.
In summary, the extended voting period for the Special Awards provides a valuable opportunity for UK‑based game industry companies to showcase their achievements in diversity, sustainability, HR excellence, training, education, corporate responsibility, and employee wellbeing. Take advantage of the extra time, craft a compelling nomination, and join your peers in celebrating the outstanding work that is shaping the future of the games sector.