With Gamescom now safely 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 purely on anonymous employee surveys – we have decided to lengthen the submission window for the Special Awards. These supplementary categories celebrate outstanding performance in particular domains and give companies a chance to be recognised for more targeted achievements.
The extended deadline means that nominations for the following special categories will be accepted up until 23:59 GMT on Monday, 7 September. Unlike the headline BPTW awards, these special recognitions are open to any UK‑based business that operates within the games sector or provides services to it.
Whether you are a large publisher, a boutique development studio, a middleware provider, or a support service firm, you are eligible to put forward a candidate for any of the listed awards. The special categories on offer are: - **The Diversity Award** – honouring organisations that have demonstrably advanced inclusive hiring practices, foster a multicultural workplace, and champion equality across all levels of the company. - **The Green Award** – recognising firms that have implemented robust environmental sustainability initiatives, reduced carbon footprints, or pioneered eco‑friendly production methods.
- **HR Hero Award** – celebrating human‑resources teams or individuals who have delivered innovative people‑management solutions, exceptional employee support, or transformative HR policies. - **Training and Development Award** – acknowledging companies that provide comprehensive learning pathways, mentorship schemes, and continuous professional development opportunities for their staff. - **Education Award** – highlighting contributions to educational outreach, partnerships with academic institutions, or programmes that nurture the next generation of game‑making talent.
- **Corporate Social Responsibility Award** – rewarding businesses that engage in meaningful community projects, charitable activities, or ethical business practices that benefit society at large. - **Health and Well‑Being Award** – focusing on organisations that prioritize mental health, physical wellness, and overall employee well‑being through supportive policies and resources. Nominations can be submitted by anyone with insight into the nominee’s work – internal employees, former staff, partners, or external observers are all welcome to put forward a candidate. Each nomination should include a concise summary of why the nominee deserves the award, concrete examples of impact, and any supporting data or testimonials that strengthen the case.
The judging panel, composed of industry experts and senior HR professionals, will review all submissions next week, with decisions announced ahead of 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 within the games sector.
The summit will run during the day preceding the awards ceremony and will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, and workshops that explore topics such as remote work, talent acquisition, diversity and inclusion strategies, and the future of employee well‑being. Attendees will have the chance to network with peers, share best practices, and gain actionable insights to apply within their own organisations.
For those interested in participating, the nomination process is straightforward: visit the official Best Places To Work Awards website, select the appropriate special category, fill out the nomination form, and attach any relevant supporting documents. Remember that the deadline is firm – all entries must be received by midnight on 7 September to be considered. Late submissions will not be entertained, as the judging timeline is tightly scheduled to ensure a smooth awards ceremony. The extension of the voting period reflects our commitment to inclusivity and thorough recognition of excellence across the industry.
By giving companies additional time to compile robust nominations, we hope to capture a broader spectrum of achievements and ensure that deserving organisations receive the spotlight they merit. Whether your company excels at fostering a diverse workforce, leading the charge on sustainability, or providing exemplary employee support, this is your chance to be celebrated alongside the industry’s best. We encourage all eligible businesses to take advantage of the extended window, craft compelling nominations, and join us in honoring the outstanding work being done across the UK games sector.
Your participation not only highlights your own successes but also contributes to a culture of continuous improvement and shared learning within the wider community. For further details on the awards, judging criteria, or the HR Summit agenda, please refer to the GamesIndustry.biz website or contact the awards coordination team directly.
We look forward to receiving your nominations and to celebrating the achievements of our industry’s most innovative and responsible workplaces on 1 October.