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. While the primary award nominations have already closed – those are judged solely on anonymous feedback from employees – we have decided to lengthen the submission window for the Special Awards. These supplementary categories celebrate exceptional performance in distinct areas of workplace excellence, and we want to give every eligible organisation ample time to put forward their candidates.
The extended deadline for nominations is midnight on Monday, 7 September. Unlike the headline categories, the Special Awards are administered separately and are open to any UK‑based company that operates within, or collaborates with, the games sector. Whether you are a developer, a publisher, a service provider, or a support business, you may put forward a nomination for any of the following distinctions: - **The Diversity Award** – honouring organisations that have demonstrably advanced inclusive hiring practices, fostered a culture where diverse voices are heard, and implemented measurable programmes that reduce bias across the workplace. - **The Green Award** – recognising firms that have taken concrete steps toward environmental stewardship, such as reducing carbon emissions, adopting sustainable production methods, or championing eco‑friendly initiatives within the industry.
- **HR Hero Award** – celebrating HR professionals or teams that have delivered innovative people‑management solutions, championed employee wellbeing, or navigated complex workforce challenges with creativity and empathy. - **Training and Development Award** – acknowledging companies that provide robust learning pathways, mentorship schemes, and up‑skilling opportunities that empower staff to grow alongside the rapidly evolving gaming landscape.
- **Education Award** – rewarding organisations that have made a significant impact on gaming education, whether through partnerships with academic institutions, the creation of educational content, or the establishment of apprenticeship and scholarship programmes. - **Corporate Social Responsibility Award** – highlighting businesses that go beyond profit to make positive contributions to society, such as community outreach, charitable collaborations, or ethical supply‑chain practices. - **Health and Well‑Being Award** – focusing on initiatives that promote mental and physical health, work‑life balance, and a supportive environment that helps employees thrive both inside and outside the office.
Nominations can be submitted by anyone with insight into the nominated company’s practices – internal staff members, former employees, partners, or external observers are all welcome to put forward a name. Each submission should include concrete examples, data points, or anecdotes that illustrate why the nominee deserves recognition in the chosen category. The judging panel, composed of industry veterans and subject‑matter experts, will review all entries 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 will be taking place on the day preceding the ceremony.
Tickets remain on sale, and this year’s summit theme is "The Future of People & Work," a timely discussion that will explore emerging trends in talent acquisition, remote‑work dynamics, employee engagement, and the evolving role of HR in a technology‑driven industry. Attendees will hear from leading practitioners, participate in interactive workshops, and gain actionable insights that can be applied directly to their own organisations. We encourage all eligible companies to seize this extended window and submit their nominations.
The Special Awards provide a valuable platform to showcase the unique strengths and forward‑thinking initiatives that set your organisation apart in a competitive market. Whether you excel in fostering a diverse and inclusive culture, championing sustainability, or delivering outstanding employee development programmes, this is your chance to be recognised by peers and industry leaders alike. To submit a nomination, visit the dedicated awards portal, fill out the brief questionnaire for the relevant category, and attach any supporting documentation that strengthens your case. Remember, the deadline is 23:59 GMT on 7 September, so act promptly to ensure your entry is considered.
We look forward to receiving a diverse array of submissions that reflect the breadth of talent and commitment across the UK games industry. Together, let’s celebrate the workplaces that not only create great games but also nurture the people behind them.