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. The primary awards have already closed their entry window, and judging for those categories is proceeding based on anonymised feedback gathered from employees across the sector. However, recognising that many organisations excel in particular niches, the organisers have decided to prolong the nomination period for the Special Awards, which spotlight excellence in distinct fields of practice.
All nominations for the following Special Awards will be accepted up to 23:59 GMT on Monday, 7 September. These categories operate independently of the core Best Places To Work (BPTW) awards and are open to any UK‑based company that either works within the video‑games industry or provides services to it. The list of special recognitions includes: - **The Diversity Award** – celebrating organisations that have made measurable progress in fostering inclusive workplaces where people of varied backgrounds feel valued and can thrive. - **The Green Award** – honouring firms that have implemented robust environmental policies, reduced their carbon footprint, or pioneered sustainable production methods.
- **HR Hero Award** – acknowledging human‑resources teams or individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, or support for staff wellbeing. - **Training and Development Award** – rewarding companies that invest heavily in upskilling their workforce, offering comprehensive learning pathways and career‑growth opportunities. - **Education Award** – highlighting initiatives that bridge the gap between academia and the games sector, such as apprenticeship schemes, university collaborations, or mentorship programmes.
- **Corporate Social Responsibility Award** – recognising businesses that contribute positively to society through charitable work, community engagement, or ethical business practices. - **Health and Well‑Being Award** – focusing on organisations that place employee health at the forefront, providing mental‑health resources, flexible working arrangements, and wellness programmes. Nominations may be submitted by anyone with insight into the nominated company’s performance in the relevant area, whether that be internal staff members, external partners, clients, or industry observers. Each submission should include concrete examples, data points, or anecdotes that illustrate why the nominee deserves recognition.
The judging panel, composed of senior industry professionals and independent experts, will review all entries next week, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process ahead of the awards ceremony scheduled for 1 October. In addition to the awards, the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit continues to welcome participants.
This year’s summit is themed around the future of People & Work, exploring emerging trends such as hybrid working models, talent retention in a competitive market, and the impact of technology on HR practices. The summit will take place during the day preceding the awards ceremony, offering attendees a chance to network, share best practices, and gain insights from thought leaders before the evening’s celebrations. For companies that have already made strides in any of the highlighted areas, this extension provides a valuable window to showcase their achievements to a broader audience.
Submitting a nomination not only positions the organisation for potential award recognition but also amplifies its reputation as a leader in responsible and progressive workplace practices. Moreover, the visibility gained through the awards can attract top talent, strengthen stakeholder confidence, and reinforce the company’s commitment to continuous improvement. If you are considering entering a nomination, here are a few tips to strengthen your submission: 1.
**Be Specific** – Detail the exact initiatives, policies, or programmes that set the company apart. Quantify results where possible (e.g., percentage reduction in emissions, number of employees trained, diversity metrics). 2. **Provide Evidence** – Attach supporting documents, case studies, or testimonials that corroborate the claims made in the nomination.
3. **Highlight Impact** – Explain how the initiative has positively affected employees, the community, or the environment, and why it matters in the broader context of the games industry. 4. **Show Longevity** – Demonstrate that the effort is sustained over time rather than a one‑off project, indicating a genuine commitment to the award’s core values.
The deadline of 7 September is fast approaching, so act now to ensure your company’s hard work receives the recognition it deserves. Whether you are nominating your own organisation or championing a peer that exemplifies excellence, this is an opportunity to celebrate the diverse ways in which the games industry is evolving to become more inclusive, sustainable, and people‑centred. Tickets for the HR Summit remain available, and we encourage anyone interested in the future of workplace culture within gaming to attend. The summit will feature panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions designed to equip HR professionals with the tools they need to navigate the rapidly changing world of work.
We look forward to receiving your nominations and to honoring the outstanding contributions of UK‑based companies at the Best Places To Work Awards ceremony on 1 October.