With Gamescom now a memory, 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 entries have already closed – those are assessed using anonymised feedback from employees – we have decided to prolong the nomination window for the Special Awards.
These particular accolades celebrate outstanding performance in distinct sectors of the games‑industry ecosystem and are designed to highlight best practice beyond the general workplace environment. The new deadline for submitting nominations to the following special categories is midnight on Monday 7 September.
Unlike the headline Best Places To Work categories, these awards are stand‑alone recognitions and are open to any UK‑based company that operates within or collaborates with the games sector. The list of eligible special awards includes: - **The Diversity Award** – honouring organisations that have made measurable strides in fostering inclusive cultures and promoting representation across gender, ethnicity, ability, and other dimensions of diversity.
- **The Green Award** – recognising firms that have implemented robust environmental initiatives, reduced carbon footprints, or pioneered sustainable production methods in game development and publishing. - **HR Hero Award** – celebrating human‑resources teams or leaders who have introduced innovative policies, support structures, or employee‑centred programmes that dramatically improve staff experience. - **Training and Development Award** – acknowledging companies that invest heavily in up‑skilling their workforce, offering comprehensive learning pathways, mentorship schemes, or partnerships with educational institutions.
- **Education Award** – rewarding organisations that contribute to formal or informal education in gaming, whether through curriculum development, scholarships, community outreach, or collaborations with schools and universities. - **Corporate Social Responsibility Award** – highlighting businesses that demonstrate a strong commitment to societal impact, charitable endeavours, ethical sourcing, or community engagement beyond profit motives. - **Health and Well‑Being Award** – focusing on initiatives that safeguard mental and physical health, provide wellness resources, and create supportive environments that help employees thrive. Nominations may be submitted by anyone with insight into the nominee’s practices – this includes internal staff, external partners, suppliers, or even customers who have observed the company’s efforts first‑hand.
All submissions will be reviewed by an independent panel of industry experts next week, with the final decisions announced at the awards ceremony scheduled for 1 October. In addition to the awards, the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit is still open for registration. This year’s summit will explore the future of People & Work, delving into emerging trends such as hybrid work models, employee well‑being technology, diversity and inclusion strategies, and the evolving role of HR in a rapidly changing industry. The summit will take place during the day preceding the awards ceremony, offering attendees a chance to network, learn from thought leaders, and discuss actionable solutions that can be applied within their own organisations.
For those unfamiliar with the Special Awards, they serve a crucial purpose: while the main Best Places To Work categories assess overall employee satisfaction and organisational culture, the special categories shine a spotlight on targeted areas where companies can demonstrate leadership and innovation. By extending the nomination period, GamesIndustry.biz hopes to capture a broader range of exemplary projects that might otherwise be overlooked due to tight timelines. If you are considering a nomination, think about concrete examples that illustrate impact.
For the Diversity Award, you might reference specific recruitment targets, mentorship programmes for under‑represented groups, or measurable improvements in workforce composition. For the Green Award, detail any carbon‑reduction metrics, renewable energy adoption, or sustainable packaging initiatives that have been implemented. When nominating for the HR Hero Award, highlight policy changes that have led to higher retention rates or employee satisfaction scores. All entries should be submitted through the online nomination portal, where you will be asked to provide a brief description of the initiative, supporting evidence such as statistics or case studies, and contact information for a reference who can verify the claims.
The panel will evaluate each submission based on criteria like originality, measurable outcomes, scalability, and alignment with industry best practices. Remember, the deadline is strict – all nominations must be received by 23:59 GMT on 7 September. Late submissions will not be considered, so we encourage you to gather the necessary documentation and submit as early as possible.
The awards ceremony on 1 October will be a virtual event, streamed live to allow participants from across the UK and beyond to join in celebrating the achievements of their peers. We look forward to receiving your nominations and to recognizing the companies that are pushing the boundaries of excellence in the games industry. Whether you are nominating a colleague, a department, or an entire organisation, your contribution helps shine a light on the positive changes shaping the future of work in gaming.