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 assessed using anonymised feedback from employees – we have decided to lengthen the submission window for the Special Awards, which celebrate superior performance in particular domains. The extended deadline means that nominations for the following special categories will be accepted until midnight on Monday, 7 September.
These awards operate independently of the core Best Places To Work (BPTW) categories and are open to any UK‑based company that works within, or in partnership with, the games sector. - Diversity Award - Green Award - HR Hero Award - Training and Development Award - Education Award - Corporate Social Responsibility Award - Health and Well‑Being Award Both internal stakeholders – such as employees, managers or board members – and external parties – including partners, suppliers, or industry observers – are welcome to put forward a nomination. After the cut‑off, a panel of judges will review all submissions during the following week, with the aim of finalising the shortlist ahead of the awards ceremony scheduled for 1 October. Why the Special Awards matter These niche categories exist to highlight best‑practice initiatives that might otherwise be overlooked in a broader awards framework.
For example, the Diversity Award recognises companies that have implemented robust inclusion policies, measurable representation targets, and cultural programmes that foster a sense of belonging for all staff. The Green Award shines a light on organisations that have taken concrete steps to reduce their environmental footprint, such as adopting renewable energy, minimising waste, or integrating sustainable design principles into their development pipelines.
Similarly, the HR Hero Award celebrates individuals or teams who have gone above and beyond to support their colleagues, whether through innovative talent‑management strategies, mental‑health advocacy, or the creation of supportive workplace networks. The Training and Development Award focuses on companies that invest heavily in upskilling their workforce, offering mentorship schemes, continuous learning platforms, or formal education partnerships that enable staff to stay ahead of industry trends. The Education Award acknowledges contributions to formal and informal learning within the games ecosystem – from university collaborations and apprenticeship programmes to community‑led workshops and online tutorials.
The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award looks at broader societal impact, rewarding firms that engage in charitable activities, community outreach, or ethical sourcing practices. Finally, the Health and Well‑Being Award recognises organisations that prioritise the physical and mental health of their employees, perhaps through flexible working arrangements, wellness programmes, on‑site health facilities, or initiatives that promote work‑life balance. How to submit a nomination To put forward a candidate, simply complete the online nomination form available on the GamesIndustry.biz website.
Provide a concise overview of the nominee’s achievements, supporting evidence such as statistics, case studies, or testimonials, and explain how the initiative aligns with the specific award criteria. Remember that the judging panel will assess each entry on the basis of impact, originality, scalability, and alignment with industry best practices. Judging timeline and ceremony Once the submission window closes at midnight on 7 September, the judging panel – comprising senior industry leaders, HR experts, and sustainability specialists – will convene to evaluate each nomination.
Their deliberations will take place over the next week, ensuring that the final list of winners is ready for the awards ceremony on 1 October. The ceremony will be a high‑profile event, bringing together leaders from across the UK games industry to celebrate excellence and share insights. Additional opportunity: HR Summit Tickets remain on sale for the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit, which will run on the morning of the awards day.
This year’s summit theme, "The Future of People & Work," will explore emerging trends in talent acquisition, employee experience, and organisational culture within the games sector. Attendees will have the chance to hear from thought leaders, participate in interactive workshops, and network with peers before the awards ceremony begins.
Take action now If your organisation has demonstrated outstanding performance in any of the special categories, don’t miss this extended window to gain recognition. Submitting a nomination not only highlights your achievements but also contributes to a broader conversation about what makes a great workplace in the games industry.
Whether you are celebrating diversity, championing sustainability, or fostering employee well‑being, there is a special award waiting for you. Submit your nomination before the 7 September deadline and join us in honoring the best of the best on 1 October.