With Gamescom now safely 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 nominations have already closed – these are assessed using anonymised feedback from employees – we have decided to lengthen the submission window for the Special Awards. These particular honors spotlight superior performance in distinct, high‑impact domains within the games sector. Nominations for the following special categories will be accepted up until 23:59 GMT on Monday, 7 September.
Unlike the flagship Best Places to Work categories, these awards are stand‑alone recognitions and are open to any UK‑based business that operates within or collaborates with the games industry. - Diversity Award – celebrating organisations that champion inclusive hiring, equitable workplace practices and cultural representation. - Green Award – acknowledging firms that have made measurable strides in environmental stewardship, carbon reduction and sustainable production.
- HR Hero Award – honouring individuals or teams that have delivered exceptional human‑resources initiatives, from talent acquisition to employee engagement. - Training and Development Award – recognising companies that invest heavily in up‑skilling staff, providing robust learning pathways and career progression opportunities. - Education Award – highlighting partnerships with educational institutions, apprenticeship schemes and outreach programmes that nurture the next generation of game‑makers.
- Corporate Social Responsibility Award – rewarding businesses that demonstrate a genuine commitment to societal impact, charitable work and ethical governance. - Health and Well‑Being Award – focusing on employers who prioritise mental health, work‑life balance and overall employee wellness. Both internal stakeholders—such as managers, team leads and employees—and external observers, including partners, suppliers or industry peers, may put forward nominations. The judging panel will convene next week to review all submissions, with the final decisions slated for announcement at the awards ceremony scheduled for 1 October.
In addition to the awards, tickets remain on sale for the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit, which this year centres on the evolving landscape of People & Work. The summit will run earlier in the day on the same date as the awards ceremony, offering a comprehensive programme of panels, workshops and networking sessions aimed at helping HR professionals navigate future challenges in talent management, diversity, remote work and wellbeing. The decision to extend the nomination deadline stems from a desire to ensure that deserving organisations have ample time to present their achievements, especially given the fast‑moving nature of the games industry where initiatives can launch and mature within short cycles.
By providing this extra window, we hope to capture a broader spectrum of innovative practices—whether it’s a studio that has introduced groundbreaking green production techniques, a publisher that has rolled out a nation‑wide apprenticeship programme, or a developer that has instituted a holistic mental‑health strategy for its staff. If you represent a company that has implemented notable policies or programmes in any of the listed areas, we strongly encourage you to submit a nomination.
Detailed guidelines for each award category are available on our website, outlining the criteria judges will use, such as measurable outcomes, employee feedback, and the scalability of the initiative. Submissions should include supporting evidence—case studies, statistical data, testimonials or any relevant documentation—that illustrates the impact of the program. The judging process will be conducted by a panel of seasoned industry experts, HR leaders and sustainability consultants who will assess each nomination against a transparent rubric.
Their evaluation will consider not only the results achieved but also the strategic intent behind the initiatives, the level of employee involvement, and the potential for other organisations to replicate the success. Winning a Special Award offers significant benefits beyond the accolade itself. Recipients gain heightened visibility within the industry, attract top talent, and strengthen their brand reputation among investors, partners and consumers who increasingly value responsible business practices. Moreover, the recognition serves as a benchmark for continuous improvement, motivating companies to set higher standards and share best practices with peers.
To submit your nomination, visit the dedicated awards portal, fill out the online form for the relevant category, and upload any supporting files before the 7 September deadline. Should you have any questions about the nomination process or require assistance, our awards team is ready to help via email or phone. We look forward to receiving your submissions and celebrating the outstanding contributions that make the UK games industry a leader in workplace excellence, sustainability, education and social responsibility.