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 primary awards—those judged on anonymised employee surveys—has already passed, we have decided to lengthen the nomination window for our Special Awards, which celebrate excellence in particular domains within the games sector. These Special Awards are distinct from the flagship Best Places To Work categories and are open to any UK‑based company that operates in, or collaborates with, the video‑games industry.
Whether you are a large publisher, an indie studio, a middleware provider, or a support service firm, you are eligible to put forward a nomination for one of the following honours: - **The Diversity Award** – recognising organisations that have made measurable progress in building inclusive workplaces where people of all backgrounds feel valued and can thrive. - **The Green Award** – celebrating companies that have implemented effective environmental strategies, reduced their carbon footprint, or pioneered sustainable practices in production and operations. - **HR Hero Award** – highlighting HR teams or individuals who have introduced innovative people‑management solutions, championed employee wellbeing, or dramatically improved talent acquisition and retention.
- **Training and Development Award** – acknowledging firms that invest heavily in upskilling their staff, provide robust learning pathways, and foster continuous professional growth. - **Education Award** – honouring initiatives that bridge the gap between education and industry, such as apprenticeship schemes, university collaborations, or mentorship programmes that prepare the next generation of game‑makers.
- **Corporate Social Responsibility Award** – rewarding organisations that demonstrate a strong commitment to social impact, whether through charitable giving, community outreach, or ethical business practices. - **Health and Well‑Being Award** – focusing on companies that prioritise mental and physical health, offering resources, programmes, and a culture that supports employee wellness.
Nominations for these categories will be accepted until 23:59 GMT on Monday, 7 September. Submissions can be made by anyone with insight into the nominated company’s performance in the relevant area—this includes internal staff, external partners, clients, or even industry observers.
All entries will be reviewed by an independent panel of experts next week, with the results announced at the awards ceremony scheduled for 1 October. If you are considering a nomination, here are a few pointers to strengthen your submission: 1.
**Provide concrete evidence** – Include specific metrics, case studies, or examples that illustrate how the company has achieved its goals. For the Green Award, this might be a reduction in CO₂ emissions measured in tonnes; for the Diversity Award, it could be the percentage increase in under‑represented groups within the workforce. 2.
**Highlight impact** – Explain not only what was done, but also why it matters. How has the initiative improved employee satisfaction, operational efficiency, or community perception? 3.
**Show sustainability** – Emphasise whether the effort is a one‑off project or part of a long‑term strategy. Judges look for programmes that are embedded in the company’s culture and have lasting benefits.
4. **Include testimonials** – Quotes from employees, partners, or beneficiaries add a personal dimension and validate the claims you are making. 5. **Keep it concise yet thorough** – While detail is important, aim for clarity.
Use bullet points or headings to make the information easy to digest. The extended deadline reflects our commitment to ensuring that deserving organisations have ample time to compile robust nominations, especially given the busy post‑Gamescom period.
We understand that many companies are still finalising their sustainability reports, diversity audits, or HR initiatives, and we want to give them the chance to showcase their achievements. In addition to the awards, tickets are still on sale for the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit, which will be held on the day preceding the ceremony.
This year’s summit is themed “The Future of People & Work,” and will feature panels, workshops, and keynote speakers addressing topics such as remote‑work dynamics, talent pipelines, mental health strategies, and the evolving role of HR technology in the games industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with peers, share best practices, and gain insights that can directly inform their award submissions. Whether you are a seasoned veteran of the industry or a newcomer eager to make a mark, the Special Awards provide a platform to recognise the hard work and innovative thinking that drive our sector forward.
By submitting a nomination, you not only celebrate your own achievements but also inspire other companies to raise their standards in areas that matter to employees, the environment, and society at large. Remember, the clock is ticking—make sure your nomination reaches us before the midnight deadline on 7 September.
We look forward to reading your stories of excellence and to celebrating the very best of the UK games industry at the awards ceremony on 1 October.