With Gamescom now comfortably 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 entries have already closed – those are assessed using confidential feedback collected from employees – we have decided to prolong the nomination window for the Special Awards. These supplemental categories celebrate superior performance in particular domains and give organisations an extra chance to be recognised for their targeted initiatives.
The new deadline for submitting nominations to the following special categories is midnight on Monday, 7 September. Unlike the headline Best Places To Work (BPTW) awards, these special recognitions are distinct and are open to any UK‑based company that operates within, or collaborates with, the games sector. The special award categories include: - **The Diversity Award** – honouring companies that have implemented inclusive hiring practices, fostered a multicultural workplace, and demonstrated measurable progress toward a more representative workforce. - **The Green Award** – acknowledging organisations that have taken concrete steps to reduce their environmental footprint, such as adopting renewable energy, minimising waste, or championing sustainable production methods.
- **HR Hero Award** – celebrating human‑resources professionals or teams who have introduced innovative policies, improved employee engagement, or navigated complex workforce challenges with exceptional skill. - **Training and Development Award** – recognising businesses that invest heavily in upskilling their staff, offering robust learning pathways, mentorship programmes, and continuous professional development opportunities.
- **Education Award** – rewarding initiatives that bridge the gap between academia and the games industry, including partnerships with schools, scholarships, apprenticeships, or curriculum development that prepares the next generation of talent. - **Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award** – highlighting firms that give back to their communities, support charitable causes, or embed ethical considerations into their core business strategies.
- **Health and Well‑Being Award** – focusing on companies that prioritise mental and physical health, provide comprehensive wellness programmes, and create supportive environments that enable staff to thrive. Nominations can be submitted by anyone with insight into the nominee’s work – internal staff members, external partners, clients, or even industry observers. All submissions will be reviewed by a panel of experts next week, with the results announced at the awards ceremony scheduled for 1 October. In addition to the awards, tickets remain on sale for the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit, which this year centres on the evolving landscape of People & Work.
The summit will take place during the day preceding the awards ceremony, offering a valuable platform for HR leaders, talent managers, and organisational strategists to discuss emerging trends, share best practices, and explore the future of work within the gaming ecosystem. The decision to extend the nomination period reflects our commitment to ensuring that deserving companies have ample opportunity to showcase their achievements in these critical areas. Whether your organisation has pioneered a groundbreaking diversity programme, implemented a zero‑waste policy, or launched an industry‑shaping apprenticeship scheme, the Special Awards provide a venue for recognition that can inspire peers and set new benchmarks across the sector. To submit a nomination, visit the official Best Places To Work Awards portal, select the relevant special category, and complete the brief questionnaire that captures the essence of the initiative, its impact, and any supporting data or testimonials.
Detailed guidelines are available on the site to help nominators craft compelling entries that reflect both quantitative results and qualitative stories. We encourage all eligible UK‑based game developers, publishers, service providers, and ancillary businesses to consider entering. The special awards not only celebrate excellence but also highlight best practices that can be replicated throughout the industry, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and social responsibility. Remember, the deadline is midnight on 7 September, so there is still time to gather the necessary evidence, write a persuasive nomination, and submit it for consideration.
We look forward to receiving a diverse range of entries that showcase the innovative spirit and commitment to positive change that defines the modern games industry. For further information about the awards, the nomination process, or the upcoming HR Summit, please consult the GamesIndustry.biz website or contact the awards team directly. Your participation helps us shine a light on the organisations that are shaping a better, more inclusive, and sustainable future for games professionals across the United Kingdom.