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 categories have already closed for submissions and will be judged on the basis of anonymised employee feedback, we have decided to lengthen the nomination window for the Special Awards.
These supplemental honors are designed to spotlight companies that demonstrate excellence in particular domains, ranging from diversity and environmental stewardship to training and corporate responsibility. The extended deadline means that nominations for the following Special Award categories will be accepted until 23:59 GMT on Monday, 7 September. Unlike the headline Best Places to Work categories, which focus on overall employee satisfaction, these awards are targeted at specific initiatives and programs. They are open to any UK‑based business that operates within the games sector or provides services to it.
Whether you are a developer, publisher, middleware supplier, or a support service firm, you are eligible to put forward a nomination. The list of Special Awards currently includes: - **The Diversity Award** – Recognising organisations that have implemented robust strategies to foster inclusive workplaces, ensuring representation across gender, ethnicity, disability, and other dimensions of diversity. - **The Green Award** – Celebrating companies that have taken measurable steps to reduce their environmental footprint, such as adopting renewable energy, minimising waste, or championing sustainable production practices.
- **HR Hero Award** – Honouring HR professionals or teams that have introduced innovative policies, programs, or support mechanisms that significantly improve employee experience. - **Training and Development Award** – Acknowledging firms that invest heavily in upskilling their staff, offering comprehensive training pathways, mentorship schemes, and career progression opportunities.
- **Education Award** – Highlighting organisations that contribute to education within the games industry, whether through partnerships with academic institutions, apprenticeship schemes, or community outreach programmes. - **Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award** – Rewarding businesses that demonstrate a strong commitment to societal impact, including charitable initiatives, community engagement, and ethical business practices.
- **Health and Well‑Being Award** – Recognising companies that prioritise the mental and physical health of their workforce through wellness programmes, flexible working arrangements, and supportive workplace cultures. Nominations can be submitted by anyone with insight into the nominee’s practices—this includes internal staff members, external partners, clients, or even industry observers. Each submission should provide concrete examples, supporting data, and, where possible, testimonials that illustrate how the nominee meets the criteria for the specific award.
The judging panel, composed of senior industry experts and independent consultants, will review all entries next week. Their assessment will focus on the depth of impact, innovation, and sustainability of the initiatives described. The results of the Special Awards will be announced at the Best Places to Work Awards ceremony scheduled for 1 October. This event brings together leaders from across the gaming ecosystem to celebrate workplaces that set the benchmark for employee satisfaction and organisational responsibility.
In addition to the awards presentation, the evening offers networking opportunities, keynote speeches, and a chance to share best practices with peers. For those interested in further professional development, tickets remain available for the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit, which will take place earlier on the same day as the awards ceremony. This year’s summit theme, "The Future of People & Work," will explore emerging trends in talent acquisition, employee well‑being, diversity and inclusion, and the evolving role of HR technology in the games industry.
Attendees can expect panels featuring thought leaders, interactive workshops, and case studies that provide actionable insights for building resilient, forward‑thinking teams. In summary, the extended nomination period offers a valuable window for companies to showcase the specific programmes and policies that set them apart. Whether your organisation has pioneered a groundbreaking diversity initiative, implemented a comprehensive sustainability plan, or created a best‑in‑class training curriculum, we encourage you to submit a nomination before the 7 September deadline. Your participation not only highlights your achievements but also contributes to a broader conversation about what makes a great workplace in the dynamic world of video games.
To submit a nomination, visit the Best Places to Work Awards portal on the GamesIndustry.biz website, select the appropriate Special Award category, and complete the online form with all required details. Should you have any questions about the nomination process or need assistance with your entry, the awards team is on hand to provide guidance.
We look forward to receiving your submissions and celebrating the exceptional work being done across the industry.