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 – those are judged solely on anonymised feedback from employees – we have decided to prolong the submission window for the Special Awards, which celebrate excellence in particular domains within the industry. The extended deadline gives organisations an additional chance to put forward their candidates for a series of niche categories that highlight best‑practice initiatives beyond the usual workplace metrics.
Nominations for the following special awards will be accepted until 23:59 GMT on Monday, 7 September. These categories operate independently of the core Best Places To Work (BPTW) awards and are open to any UK‑based business that operates in, or collaborates with, the video‑games sector. - Diversity Award – recognising companies that have made measurable strides in fostering an inclusive environment for employees of all backgrounds. - Green Award – honouring firms that have implemented innovative sustainability programmes, reduced carbon footprints, or championed eco‑friendly practices throughout their operations.
- HR Hero Award – celebrating individuals or teams within HR who have introduced groundbreaking policies or initiatives that significantly improve employee experience. - Training and Development Award – acknowledging organisations that provide outstanding learning opportunities, mentorship schemes, and career‑growth pathways for staff. - Education Award – highlighting partnerships with educational institutions, apprenticeship programmes, or other efforts that cultivate the next generation of talent for the games industry. - Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award – rewarding companies that demonstrate a strong commitment to social good, community engagement, and ethical business conduct.
- Health and Well‑Being Award – focusing on employers that prioritize mental and physical health, offering comprehensive wellness programmes, support services, and a culture that values work‑life balance. Nominations can be submitted by anyone – whether an internal employee, a manager, a former staff member, or an external stakeholder who has observed the company’s achievements. Each submission should include concrete examples, supporting data where possible, and a clear explanation of why the nominee deserves recognition in the chosen category. The judging panel, comprised of industry experts and senior HR professionals, will review all entries next week, with the final decisions 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 will take place on the day preceding the ceremony. This year’s summit is themed around the future of People & Work, exploring emerging trends such as hybrid working models, AI‑driven talent management, diversity and inclusion strategies, and the evolving role of HR in a rapidly changing industry landscape. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from leading thinkers, participate in interactive workshops, and network with peers from across the sector. The decision to extend the nomination period reflects our commitment to ensuring that deserving organisations have ample time to showcase their achievements.
Many companies are still finalising sustainability reports, launching new apprenticeship schemes, or rolling out health initiatives that align perfectly with the spirit of the Special Awards. By granting an extra few days, we hope to capture a broader and more representative snapshot of the innovative work being done across the UK games ecosystem. If you are considering entering a nomination, here are a few tips to strengthen your submission: 1.
Provide quantitative evidence – statistics on diversity ratios, carbon reduction percentages, training hours per employee, or wellness programme uptake can make a compelling case. 2. Highlight employee testimonials – quotes or feedback from staff members illustrate the real‑world impact of the initiatives.
3. Emphasise longevity and scalability – projects that have been sustained over time or can be replicated by other organisations demonstrate lasting value. 4.
Align with award criteria – review the specific description for each category to ensure your examples directly address the intended focus. Remember, the Special Awards are not just a celebration of isolated successes; they serve as a benchmark for best practices that other companies can emulate. By recognising leaders in diversity, sustainability, training, education, CSR, and employee well‑being, the awards help to raise the overall standard of workplace excellence within the games industry. To submit your nomination, visit the official Best Places To Work Awards portal, select the appropriate special category, and complete the online form before the midnight deadline on 7 September.
Should you have any questions about the process, eligibility, or judging criteria, the awards support team is available via email and will respond promptly. We look forward to receiving your entries and to celebrating the outstanding contributions of UK games businesses at the awards ceremony on 1 October.
Whether you are an industry veteran or a newcomer, your participation helps to shine a light on the innovative, inclusive, and responsible practices that are shaping the future of work in gaming.