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 deadline for the flagship awards—those judged on anonymised employee surveys—has already passed, we have decided to prolong the nomination window for the Special Awards, which celebrate superior performance in particular domains.
The revised cutoff for submitting nominations in the following categories is midnight on Monday, 7 September. These special recognitions operate independently of the core Best Places To Work (BPTW) categories and are open to any UK‑based organisation that works within or alongside the video‑games sector. - Diversity Award – honouring companies that demonstrate inclusive hiring practices, equitable career progression and a culture that embraces a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.
- Green Award – acknowledging firms that have implemented robust environmental initiatives, reduced carbon footprints, and championed sustainable production methods. - HR Hero Award – celebrating human‑resources teams that have introduced innovative policies, supportive employee programmes, and effective talent‑management strategies. - Training and Development Award – recognising organisations that invest heavily in upskilling staff, providing continuous learning opportunities and clear pathways for professional growth. - Education Award – highlighting contributions to educational outreach, partnerships with academic institutions, and programmes that inspire the next generation of game creators.
- Corporate Social Responsibility Award – rewarding businesses that engage in community projects, charitable activities and ethical practices that benefit society at large. - Health and Well‑Being Award – focusing on initiatives that promote mental and physical health, work‑life balance and overall employee wellness. Nominations may be submitted by anyone—whether an internal employee, a former staff member, a partner company, or an external observer—who can attest to the nominee’s achievements in the relevant area.
The judging panel will convene next week to review all submissions and determine the winners, who will be announced during the awards ceremony scheduled for 1 October. In addition to the awards, tickets remain available for the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit, which this year centres on the future of People & Work. The summit will run earlier on the same day as the awards ceremony and will feature a lineup of industry experts discussing emerging trends, best practices, and strategic approaches to talent management in an ever‑evolving market. Why the extension matters Extending the nomination period reflects our commitment to inclusivity and ensures that organisations of all sizes have ample opportunity to showcase their achievements.
Many companies are still finalising sustainability reports, rolling out new diversity initiatives, or completing large‑scale training programmes, and the extra time allows these efforts to be documented and recognised appropriately. By widening the window, we also encourage a broader range of nominations, which enriches the competition and highlights the diverse ways in which the games industry is progressing beyond pure financial performance. How to submit a nomination The nomination process is straightforward. Visit the official Best Places To Work Awards portal, select the relevant special category, and complete the online form.
You will be asked to provide a concise description of the initiative, supporting evidence such as metrics, case studies or testimonials, and any relevant documentation that illustrates the impact of the programme. Remember that entries will be evaluated on criteria such as originality, measurable outcomes, scalability, and alignment with industry standards.
Tips for a strong entry include: - Clearly articulate the problem the initiative addressed and the solution implemented. - Include quantitative data wherever possible (e.g., percentage reduction in energy use, number of employees trained, improvement in employee satisfaction scores).
- Highlight any partnerships with external organisations, NGOs or academic institutions that added value. - Emphasise the long‑term sustainability of the effort and its potential to serve as a model for other companies.
What’s next? After the judging panel finalises its decisions, the winners will be celebrated at the awards ceremony on 1 October. The event will be streamed live, allowing a global audience to witness the recognition of excellence across the UK games sector.
Winners will receive a trophy, public acknowledgment on GamesIndustry.biz, and the opportunity to share their best practices with peers during the HR Summit’s networking sessions. We encourage all eligible businesses to take advantage of the extended deadline and submit their nominations. Whether you are proud of a groundbreaking green policy, a forward‑thinking diversity programme, or a comprehensive employee wellness strategy, this is your chance to have your work highlighted on a prominent industry platform. The extended voting period ensures that no deserving initiative is left out, and we look forward to receiving a diverse and inspiring array of submissions.
For any questions about the nomination process, eligibility criteria, or the upcoming HR Summit, please contact the GamesIndustry.biz awards team via the email address provided on the awards website. We are eager to support you in showcasing the outstanding contributions your organisation makes to the gaming community and beyond.