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 headline categories—those judged solely on anonymous employee feedback—has already passed, we have decided to keep the window open a little longer for the Special Awards. These particular honors spotlight exceptional performance in distinct areas of workplace excellence, and we want to give every eligible organisation ample time to put forward their strongest candidates. The extended nomination period runs until midnight on Monday, 7 September.
Unlike the core Best Places to Work categories, the Special Awards are stand‑alone recognitions that any UK‑based company operating within or alongside the games sector can enter. Whether you are a large publisher, an indie studio, a middleware provider, or a support service firm, you are welcome to nominate yourself or be nominated by an external party for any of the following distinctions: - **Diversity Award** – Celebrating organisations that have made measurable progress in building inclusive teams and fostering a culture where diverse voices are heard and valued.
- **Green Award** – Honouring companies that have implemented robust environmental sustainability initiatives, reduced their carbon footprint, or pioneered eco‑friendly practices within the gaming industry. - **HR Hero Award** – Recognising individuals or departments that have gone above and beyond to support employee wellbeing, talent acquisition, and strategic HR development. - **Training and Development Award** – Highlighting firms that invest heavily in upskilling their workforce, offering comprehensive learning pathways, mentorship programmes, and continuous professional development. - **Education Award** – Acknowledging contributions to formal and informal education, such as partnerships with academic institutions, apprenticeship schemes, or community outreach that cultivates the next generation of game creators.
- **Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award** – Rewarding businesses that demonstrate a strong commitment to social responsibility, whether through charitable initiatives, ethical sourcing, or community engagement. - **Health and Well‑Being Award** – Focusing on organisations that prioritize mental and physical health, providing resources, support systems, and a work environment that promotes overall employee wellness.
Nominations can be submitted by anyone—internal staff members, external partners, or even industry observers—so long as the nominee meets the eligibility criteria of being a UK‑registered entity involved in the games ecosystem. Once the nomination window closes, a panel of independent judges will review all submissions throughout the following week. Their assessments will be based on the evidence provided, such as policy documents, case studies, employee testimonials, and measurable outcomes, ensuring a transparent and merit‑based selection process.
The winners of the Special Awards will be announced at the Best Places to Work Awards ceremony scheduled for 1 October. This event not only celebrates the achievements of the headline categories but also shines a spotlight on the nuanced ways companies are shaping a better, more inclusive, and sustainable industry. In addition to the awards, we would like to remind you that tickets are still on sale for the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit, which will take place on the day preceding the ceremony.
This year’s summit is themed “The Future of People & Work” and will feature a lineup of thought‑leaders, practitioners, and innovators discussing emerging trends in talent management, workplace culture, and the evolving role of HR in a rapidly changing sector. Attendees will have the chance to network with peers, participate in interactive workshops, and gain actionable insights that can be applied directly to their own organisations.
Whether you are a seasoned HR professional, a founder looking to benchmark your company’s practices, or simply an enthusiast interested in the broader conversation about workplace excellence, the extended nomination period offers a valuable opportunity to have your achievements recognised on a national stage. Don’t miss the chance to showcase the hard work your team has put into building a diverse, sustainable, and people‑focused environment.
To submit a nomination, visit the official Best Places to Work Awards portal, fill out the required details for the relevant category, and attach any supporting documentation that illustrates your impact. Remember, the deadline is 23:59 GMT on 7 September, so act now to ensure your submission is considered. We look forward to receiving your entries and celebrating the remarkable contributions that are driving the games industry forward, both behind the scenes and in the public eye.