With Gamescom now firmly 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. The primary award categories have already closed their entry windows, and those submissions will be assessed using confidential feedback gathered directly from employees. However, recognizing the importance of highlighting specific areas of excellence, the organizers have decided to prolong the nomination period for a suite of Special Awards. These awards are designed to spotlight organisations that excel in particular domains such as diversity, sustainability, human resources, training, education, corporate responsibility and employee wellbeing.
The extended deadline gives companies an additional window until 00:00 GMT on Monday 7 September to put forward their candidates for the following special recognitions: - **Diversity Award** – honouring firms that demonstrate a genuine commitment to building inclusive workplaces where people of all backgrounds can thrive. - **Green Award** – celebrating organisations that lead the way in environmental stewardship, reducing carbon footprints, and promoting sustainable practices within the gaming sector. - **HR Hero Award** – acknowledging human‑resource teams or individuals who have implemented innovative policies that markedly improve staff experience and retention. - **Training and Development Award** – rewarding companies that invest heavily in upskilling their workforce, offering robust learning pathways and career progression opportunities.
- **Education Award** – recognizing contributions to educational initiatives, whether through partnerships with academic institutions, apprenticeship schemes, or community outreach programs that foster talent pipelines. - **Corporate Social Responsibility Award** – highlighting businesses that go beyond profit motives to make a positive impact on society, through charitable work, ethical sourcing, or community engagement.
- **Health and Well‑Being Award** – focusing on organisations that prioritise the mental and physical health of their employees, providing resources, support systems, and a culture that encourages balance. These Special Awards operate independently of the core Best Places To Work categories and are open to any UK‑based enterprise that works within or alongside the video‑games industry.
Nominations may be submitted by individuals inside the company, such as employees or managers, as well as by external stakeholders like partners, clients, or industry observers. This inclusive approach ensures a broad perspective on each nominee’s achievements. After the nomination window closes, a panel of experts will convene next week to assess the submissions against a set of criteria tailored to each award’s focus.
The judging process will be swift yet thorough, with results announced ahead of the awards ceremony scheduled for 1 October. Winners will be celebrated at a high‑profile event that brings together industry leaders, talent acquisition professionals, and thought‑leaders in people management. In addition to the awards, the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit is still accepting registrations. This year’s summit, themed “The Future of People & Work,” will take place on the morning of the awards ceremony.
Attendees can expect a packed agenda featuring keynote speakers, panel discussions, and workshops that explore emerging trends in workforce strategy, diversity and inclusion, remote and hybrid work models, mental health support, and the evolving role of HR technology in the gaming sector. The summit offers a valuable opportunity for HR practitioners, senior leaders, and anyone interested in shaping the next generation of workplace culture within games. For those considering a nomination, it is advisable to gather concrete evidence of the initiatives being recognised. This might include quantitative data such as diversity statistics, carbon reduction figures, training completion rates, or employee wellness survey results.
Qualitative anecdotes—stories of how a particular program transformed employee experiences or contributed to community outcomes—can also strengthen a submission. Providing clear, compelling documentation helps the judges understand the impact and sustainability of the nominee’s efforts. Overall, the extension of the voting period reflects the organisers’ commitment to ensuring that deserving companies have ample opportunity to be recognised for their specialised contributions. Whether your organisation has pioneered a groundbreaking sustainability project, championed inclusive hiring practices, or built a robust learning ecosystem, the Special Awards present a platform to showcase those achievements to a wider audience.
By participating, you not only gain visibility for your initiatives but also contribute to a broader conversation about best practices in the games industry’s evolving workplace landscape. If you have any questions about the nomination process, eligibility criteria, or the upcoming HR Summit, please reach out to the GamesIndustry.biz awards team. They are ready to assist with guidance on preparing a strong entry and can provide further details about the event agenda. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate excellence, inspire peers, and help set the benchmark for what a great place to work looks like in the dynamic world of gaming.