With Gamescom now firmly in the rear‑view mirror, the editorial team at GamesIndustry.biz has turned its full attention to the evaluation process for this year’s Best Places To Work (BPTW) Awards. While the primary award nominations have already closed – those are judged exclusively on confidential feedback gathered from employees – we have decided to lengthen the submission window for the Special Awards. These particular honors are designed to spotlight companies that demonstrate exceptional performance in distinct, high‑impact domains within the gaming sector.
The revised deadline for nominating organisations in the special categories is now set for midnight on Monday, 7 September. Unlike the headline BPTW categories, which focus on overall workplace culture and employee satisfaction, the Special Awards operate as a separate track and are open to any UK‑based business that either works directly in the games industry or provides services to it.
This inclusive approach ensures that a wide variety of firms – from indie developers to large publishers, from middleware providers to specialist consultancies – have the chance to be recognized for their contributions in areas that matter to the industry’s future. The Special Awards currently on offer are: - **The Diversity Award** – celebrating organisations that have made measurable strides in fostering inclusive hiring practices, cultivating a workforce that reflects a broad spectrum of backgrounds, and creating an environment where every voice is heard.
- **The Green Award** – honoring companies that have implemented robust sustainability initiatives, reduced their carbon footprint, or pioneered eco‑friendly production methods that set new standards for environmental responsibility. - **HR Hero Award** – acknowledging the individuals or teams whose innovative human‑resources strategies have significantly improved employee engagement, retention, and overall wellbeing. - **Training and Development Award** – recognizing firms that invest heavily in upskilling their staff, offering comprehensive learning pathways, mentorship programmes, and continuous professional development that empower employees to grow alongside the fast‑evolving industry.
- **Education Award** – rewarding organisations that partner with academic institutions, run apprenticeship schemes, or develop educational content that nurtures the next generation of talent for games development. - **Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award** – highlighting businesses that go beyond profit motives to make a positive impact on society, whether through charitable initiatives, community outreach, or ethical business practices. - **Health and Well‑Being Award** – focusing on companies that prioritize mental and physical health, providing resources such as wellness programmes, flexible working arrangements, and supportive policies that promote a balanced lifestyle.
Nominations can be submitted by anyone with insight into the nominated company’s practices – this includes internal employees, external partners, clients, or even industry observers who have witnessed the organisation’s achievements firsthand. The judging panel, composed of seasoned professionals from across the gaming ecosystem, will review all entries next week. Their assessment will be based on a combination of quantitative data, qualitative evidence, and the overall impact of the initiatives described. Winners will be announced during the awards ceremony scheduled for 1 October.
In addition to the awards, the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit continues to welcome participants. This year’s summit is themed around the future of People & Work, exploring how evolving workplace dynamics, emerging technologies, and shifting employee expectations will shape the industry in the years ahead. The summit will run during the day preceding the awards ceremony, offering a blend of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities for HR leaders, talent managers, and anyone interested in the strategic side of people management within games. If you have not yet secured a place, tickets remain available and can be purchased through the GamesIndustry.biz website.
Attending the summit not only provides valuable insights into best practices and upcoming trends but also offers a chance to connect directly with the organisations that may soon be celebrated at the awards. To recap, the key dates and actions are as follows: - **Nomination deadline:** Midnight, Monday 7 September.
- **Judging period:** The week following the deadline, culminating in the awards ceremony. - **Awards ceremony:** 1 October, where all Special Award winners will be revealed alongside the main BPTW categories. - **HR Summit:** Held on the day before the ceremony; tickets are still on sale.
We encourage all eligible businesses to take advantage of this extended window to showcase the innovative programs and policies that set them apart. Whether your company has championed diversity, reduced its environmental impact, delivered cutting‑edge training, or fostered a culture of health and wellbeing, the Special Awards provide a platform to celebrate those achievements and inspire others across the sector. For more information on how to submit a nomination, the criteria for each award, or to purchase tickets for the HR Summit, please visit the GamesIndustry.biz awards page or contact the awards team directly.
Your participation helps highlight the best practices that are driving the games industry forward, and we look forward to recognizing the outstanding work being done across the UK’s vibrant gaming community.