With Gamescom now safely in the past, the editorial team at GamesIndustry.biz has turned its attention to the critical task of evaluating the submissions for this year’s Best Places To Work Awards. The primary awards have already closed their entry window, and those nominations will be assessed using anonymised feedback collected from employees across the sector.
However, recognising that excellence can also be demonstrated in more focused areas, the organisers have decided to lengthen the nomination period for the Special Awards, which celebrate superior performance in a range of specific domains. The extended deadline gives organisations an extra chance to put forward their candidates for the following specialised categories, with nominations being accepted up until 23:59 GMT on Monday 7 September. Unlike the headline Best Places To Work categories, these Special Awards are distinct and are open to any UK‑based company that operates within, or collaborates with, the games industry.
Whether you are a large publisher, an indie studio, a middleware provider, or a service‑focused firm, you are eligible to put forward a nomination for any of the awards listed below. - **Diversity Award** – Celebrating companies that have made measurable strides in building inclusive workplaces where people of all backgrounds feel valued and can thrive.
- **Green Award** – Honouring firms that have implemented robust environmental initiatives, reduced their carbon footprint, or pioneered sustainable production practices. - **HR Hero Award** – Recognising individuals or teams within HR who have introduced innovative people‑centric policies, championed employee wellbeing, or transformed talent management.
- **Training and Development Award** – Acknowledging organisations that invest heavily in upskilling their workforce, offering comprehensive learning pathways and career‑growth opportunities. - **Education Award** – Highlighting contributions to formal or informal education, such as partnerships with academic institutions, mentorship programmes, or community outreach that cultivates the next generation of talent. - **Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award** – Rewarding businesses that demonstrate a strong commitment to social responsibility, whether through charitable initiatives, ethical sourcing, or community engagement.
- **Health and Well‑Being Award** – Commending companies that prioritise mental and physical health, providing resources, support systems, and a culture that promotes overall wellbeing. Nominations can be submitted by anyone with insight into the nominee’s work – internal staff members, external partners, clients, or even industry observers are all welcome to put forward a name.
The judging panel, comprised of seasoned professionals from across the games ecosystem, will review all entries next week. Their assessment will focus on tangible outcomes, innovative approaches, and the overall impact each nominee has had within their respective category. The results will be announced at the awards ceremony scheduled for 1 October.
In addition to the awards, the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit continues to offer valuable programming for professionals interested in the evolving landscape of people management within the gaming sector. This year’s summit is themed “The Future of People & Work” and will run earlier in the day on the same date as the awards ceremony.
Attendees will have the chance to hear from thought leaders, participate in interactive workshops, and explore case studies that illustrate how leading studios are reshaping recruitment, retention, and workplace culture in response to rapid industry change. Tickets for the HR Summit remain on sale, and the event promises a blend of strategic insight and practical tools that can be applied immediately within any organisation. Whether you are a seasoned HR director, a budding people operations specialist, or a senior leader looking to embed a more people‑first mindset, the summit is designed to equip you with the knowledge and networks needed to drive meaningful improvement. To summarise, the key points are as follows: 1.
**Extended nomination window** – Submissions for the Special Awards are now open until midnight on Monday 7 September. 2. **Eligibility** – All UK‑based businesses that operate in or with the games industry may nominate themselves or others.
3. **Categories** – Seven distinct awards covering diversity, sustainability, HR innovation, training, education, CSR, and health & wellbeing.
4. **Submission sources** – Both internal and external nominators are welcome. 5. **Judging timeline** – The panel will evaluate entries next week, with winners revealed at the 1 October ceremony.
6. **HR Summit** – Tickets are still available for the event focusing on the future of people and work, taking place earlier on award day. If you believe your company—or a peer you admire—has demonstrated outstanding performance in any of these specialised areas, now is the time to act. Visit the official Best Places To Work Awards website, complete the nomination form, and provide any supporting evidence that showcases the impact of the work being recognised.
Your contribution helps highlight best practices across the industry and encourages a culture of continuous improvement. Remember, the deadline is fast approaching, so don’t delay.
Submit your nomination before the clock strikes midnight on 7 September, and you could see your organisation celebrated alongside the industry’s most admired workplaces on 1 October.