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. The primary award categories have already closed their entry windows, and those submissions will be assessed using confidential feedback gathered from employees. However, recognising that certain areas of excellence deserve separate acknowledgement, the organisers have decided to lengthen the nomination period for the Special Awards, which celebrate superior performance in distinct, high‑impact fields. 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 company that operates within the games sector or provides services to it. The list of special recognitions includes: - Diversity Award – honouring organisations that have made measurable strides in fostering inclusive workplaces and promoting representation across all levels. - Green Award – celebrating firms that have implemented robust environmental sustainability initiatives, reduced carbon footprints, or pioneered eco‑friendly production practices.
- HR Hero Award – acknowledging individuals or teams that have demonstrated exceptional human‑resources leadership, innovative policy development, or outstanding employee advocacy. - Training and Development Award – rewarding companies that invest heavily in upskilling staff, offering comprehensive learning pathways, mentorship programmes, and career‑growth opportunities.
- Education Award – recognising partnerships with educational institutions, apprenticeship schemes, or internal curricula that bridge the gap between academic study and industry needs. - Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award – highlighting businesses that contribute positively to society through charitable work, community engagement, ethical sourcing, or other socially responsible actions. - Health and Well‑Being Award – focusing on organisations that prioritise mental and physical health, providing supportive resources, wellness programmes, and a culture that values work‑life balance.
Both internal nominators—such as employees, managers, or board members—and external parties—like partners, clients, or industry observers—are welcome to put forward candidates for these accolades. The judging panel, composed of seasoned professionals from various segments of the gaming ecosystem, will review all submissions next week. Their assessments will be based on criteria such as impact, innovation, scalability, and demonstrable outcomes, ensuring that each award reflects genuine excellence.
The results of the Special Awards will be announced at the awards ceremony scheduled for 1 October. This event, which brings together leading figures from development studios, publishers, and service providers, will serve as a platform to showcase the achievements of the nominated organisations and to inspire broader industry adoption of best practices. In addition to the awards, tickets remain on sale for the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit, which will be held on the same day as the ceremony, preceding the main awards programme.
This year’s summit theme, "The Future of People & Work," will explore emerging trends in talent acquisition, employee experience, diversity and inclusion, remote and hybrid work models, and the evolving role of HR technology in the gaming sector. Attendees can expect keynote presentations from thought leaders, panel discussions featuring senior HR executives, and interactive workshops designed to equip participants with actionable insights for building resilient, forward‑thinking workplaces.
For companies that have already submitted a nomination, this extension offers a valuable window to refine their submissions, gather additional supporting evidence, or encourage colleagues to submit complementary endorsements. For those who have not yet entered, the extended deadline provides a final chance to highlight initiatives that might otherwise go unnoticed, ensuring that exemplary work in areas such as sustainability, education, and employee well‑being receives the recognition it deserves. To submit a nomination, visit the official Best Places to Work Awards portal, select the appropriate special category, and complete the required fields with concise yet comprehensive information about the program or initiative being recognized. Supporting materials—such as impact reports, employee testimonials, case studies, or quantitative metrics—should be attached where possible, as they strengthen the case for award consideration.
In summary, the extended voting period for the Special Awards underscores the industry’s commitment to celebrating not only overall workplace excellence but also targeted achievements that drive positive change across the gaming landscape. Whether you are a developer studio championing diversity, a publisher pioneering green production methods, or a service provider delivering cutting‑edge HR solutions, this is your opportunity to showcase your contributions and join a distinguished cohort of industry leaders. The deadline approaches quickly, so act now to ensure your organization’s hard‑won successes are recognized on a national stage.