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 award categories have already closed for submissions; those entries are assessed using confidential feedback gathered directly from employees.
In contrast, the Special Awards – which celebrate superior performance in particular disciplines – have been given an additional window for nominations, allowing more companies to put forward their candidates. The extended deadline for nominating a business in any of the special 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 either works within the games sector or provides services to it. Whether you are a developer, a publisher, a middleware supplier, a consultancy, or a support service provider, you are eligible to be considered for these accolades. The list of special award categories includes: - **The Diversity Award** – honoring firms that have implemented inclusive hiring practices, fostered a culture of belonging, and demonstrated measurable progress in representing a broad spectrum of backgrounds.
- **The Green Award** – recognizing companies that have taken concrete steps toward environmental stewardship, such as reducing carbon footprints, adopting renewable energy, or integrating sustainable practices into their production pipelines. - **HR Hero Award** – celebrating human‑resources teams that have gone above and beyond to support staff, innovate talent‑management processes, or champion employee wellbeing. - **Training and Development Award** – acknowledging organisations that invest heavily in upskilling their workforce, providing robust learning pathways, mentorship programmes, and continuous professional development opportunities. - **Education Award** – rewarding entities that contribute to educational initiatives, whether through partnerships with academic institutions, apprenticeship schemes, or community outreach that nurtures the next generation of game creators.
- **Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award** – highlighting businesses that demonstrate a strong commitment to ethical conduct, community engagement, charitable activities, and responsible corporate governance. - **Health and Well‑Being Award** – focusing on companies that prioritize mental and physical health, offering comprehensive wellness programmes, flexible working arrangements, and supportive resources for staff. Nominations can be submitted by anyone with insight into the nominee’s practices – internal employees, external partners, suppliers, or even customers may put forward a candidate. All submissions will be reviewed by a panel of industry experts next week, with the results announced at the awards ceremony scheduled for 1 October.
In addition to the awards, the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit remains open for registration. This year’s summit is themed around the future of People & Work, exploring emerging trends, strategic workforce planning, and the evolving role of HR in a rapidly changing industry.
The summit will take place during the day preceding the awards ceremony, offering attendees a chance to network, learn from thought leaders, and discuss best practices before the evening’s celebrations. The decision to extend the nomination period reflects the organisers’ desire to ensure that deserving companies have ample opportunity to be recognized for their contributions in these specialized areas. Many firms have expressed interest in the special categories but needed extra time to gather the necessary evidence and testimonials to support their applications.
By pushing the deadline to the end of the week, GamesIndustry.biz hopes to capture a broader and more diverse pool of nominees, ultimately enriching the prestige of the awards. If you are considering entering a nomination, here are a few practical tips to strengthen your submission: 1. **Gather Quantitative Data** – Wherever possible, include statistics that demonstrate impact, such as percentages of diverse hires, reductions in energy consumption, or numbers of employees who have completed training programmes. 2.
**Provide Qualitative Evidence** – Testimonials from staff, case studies, or narrative descriptions of initiatives can add depth and context to the raw numbers. 3.
**Highlight Innovation** – Awards often favour organisations that have introduced novel approaches, whether it’s a groundbreaking mentorship model, a cutting‑edge sustainability technology, or a unique community outreach effort. 4. **Show Alignment with Industry Standards** – Reference any relevant certifications, standards, or frameworks that the company adheres to, such as ISO 14001 for environmental management or the Diversity and Inclusion Charter. 5.
**Be Concise Yet Comprehensive** – The nomination form typically has word limits; make sure each point is clear, compelling, and directly addresses the criteria of the chosen award. Remember that the special awards are not merely ancillary recognitions; they spotlight critical aspects of modern workplace excellence that are increasingly important to employees, investors, and the broader public.
Achieving recognition in any of these categories can enhance an organisation’s reputation, attract top talent, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to responsible business practices. To submit a nomination, visit the official Best Places to Work Awards portal, select the appropriate special category, and complete the required fields.
Ensure that all supporting documents are uploaded before the midnight deadline on 7 September. After the judging panel convenes next week, the winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 1 October, where they will be celebrated alongside the recipients of the main BPTW awards. Don’t miss this chance to showcase your company’s achievements in diversity, sustainability, employee development, and more. Whether you are a seasoned participant in previous years or a first‑time entrant, the extended voting period gives you the flexibility to craft a compelling case for why your organisation deserves to be honoured among the best places to work in the UK games industry.