With Gamescom now comfortably in the past, the editorial team at GamesIndustry.biz has turned its attention to the evaluation phase of this year’s Best Places To Work Awards. While the primary award categories have already closed for submissions and will be judged solely on confidential employee surveys, we have decided to lengthen the nomination window for our Special Awards.
These supplemental categories celebrate exceptional performance in particular domains and give organisations a chance to be recognised for achievements that go beyond general workplace satisfaction. The extended deadline means that nominations for the following special categories can be submitted until 23:59 GMT on Monday, 7 September. Unlike the headline awards, which rely on internal employee feedback, the Special Awards are open to any UK‑based business that operates within the games sector or provides services to it. This broader eligibility encourages a diverse range of companies—from indie studios to large publishers, from educational providers to sustainability consultants—to put forward their most compelling initiatives.
The list of Special Awards includes: - **The Diversity Award** – honouring organisations that have implemented robust strategies to promote inclusive hiring, equitable career progression, and a workplace culture where differences are celebrated. - **The Green Award** – recognising companies that have made measurable strides in reducing their environmental footprint, whether through carbon‑neutral production pipelines, sustainable office practices, or innovative eco‑friendly game design.
- **HR Hero Award** – celebrating human‑resources teams that have introduced groundbreaking policies, support systems, or employee‑centred programs that markedly improve staff experience. - **Training and Development Award** – acknowledging firms that invest heavily in upskilling their workforce, offering mentorship schemes, continuous learning opportunities, and clear pathways for professional growth.
- **Education Award** – rewarding entities that contribute to the broader educational ecosystem, such as partnerships with schools, scholarships, or curriculum development that nurtures the next generation of game creators. - **Corporate Social Responsibility Award** – highlighting businesses that demonstrate a strong commitment to social good, whether through community outreach, charitable initiatives, or ethical business practices. - **Health and Well‑Being Award** – focusing on organisations that prioritise mental and physical health, providing resources such as wellness programmes, flexible working arrangements, and supportive mental‑health policies. Nominations may be submitted by anyone with insight into the company’s operations—internal staff members, external partners, clients, or even industry observers.
This inclusive approach ensures that the most deserving candidates are identified, regardless of who initiates the nomination. Once the submission period closes, a panel of independent judges will review each entry throughout the following week.
Their assessments will be based on the evidence provided, the impact of the initiatives, and alignment with the award’s criteria. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony scheduled for 1 October.
In addition to the awards, tickets are still on sale for the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit, which will take place earlier on the same day as the ceremony. This year’s summit centres on the future of People & Work within the gaming industry, offering a programme of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking sessions that explore emerging trends such as remote‑first work models, diversity and inclusion strategies, mental‑health support, and the evolving role of HR technology. Attendees will gain actionable insights that can be applied directly to their own organisations, making the event a valuable complement to the awards themselves. For those considering a nomination, it is advisable to gather concrete data—statistics, case studies, employee testimonials, and any third‑party recognitions—that illustrate the tangible outcomes of the programmes being highlighted.
The more detailed and evidence‑based the submission, the stronger the case for winning. Remember that the Special Awards are not merely a token of appreciation; they serve as a benchmark for best practice across the industry and can enhance a company’s reputation among peers, potential hires, and investors. To submit a nomination, visit the official Best Places To Work Awards portal, select the appropriate category, and fill out the required fields.
The platform will guide you through each step, prompting you to upload supporting documents and provide a concise narrative of why the nominated organisation stands out. If you have any questions about the process, a dedicated support team is available to assist via email or phone. In summary, the extended voting period offers a final chance for UK‑based game companies and service providers to showcase their achievements in diversity, sustainability, HR excellence, training, education, corporate responsibility, and employee well‑being. By participating, you not only put your organisation in the spotlight but also contribute to a broader conversation about what makes a workplace truly exceptional in the dynamic world of games.
The deadline approaches quickly, so gather your evidence, craft a compelling story, and submit your nomination before midnight on 7 September. We look forward to celebrating the industry’s finest innovators at the awards ceremony on 1 October, and we hope to see many of you at the HR Summit for an inspiring day of learning and connection.