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 flagship awards – which are assessed on the basis of anonymous employee surveys – has already passed, the organizers have decided to keep the window open a little longer for the Special Awards.
These particular accolades are designed to spotlight companies that excel in distinct, high‑impact areas such as diversity, environmental responsibility, employee health, and professional development. The extension means that nominations for the following seven categories will be accepted until 23:59 GMT on Monday, 7 September.
Unlike the core Best Places to Work categories, which are limited to a shortlist of companies that have completed the full employee‑feedback questionnaire, the Special Awards are open to any UK‑based business that operates within the games sector or provides services to it. This broader eligibility encourages a wide range of organisations – from indie studios and publishing houses to technology providers and consultancy firms – to put their best foot forward and be recognised for the specific contributions they make to the industry’s overall health and sustainability. The seven Special Award categories are: 1. **The Diversity Award** – Celebrating companies that have implemented robust policies, programmes, and cultural practices that promote inclusion across gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality and other dimensions of identity.
2. **The Green Award** – Honouring businesses that have taken measurable steps to reduce their carbon footprint, adopt renewable energy, minimise waste, or otherwise embed environmental stewardship into their operations. 3.
**HR Hero Award** – Recognising HR professionals or teams that have demonstrated exceptional leadership in talent acquisition, employee relations, or strategic workforce planning, especially under challenging circumstances. 4. **Training and Development Award** – Acknowledging organisations that provide outstanding learning opportunities, mentorship schemes, and career‑progression pathways for their staff. 5.
**Education Award** – Highlighting initiatives that bridge the gap between academic study and industry practice, such as apprenticeship programmes, university partnerships, or outreach to schools. 6. **Corporate Social Responsibility Award** – Rewarding firms that give back to their communities, support charitable causes, or embed ethical considerations into their business model. 7.
**Health and Well‑Being Award** – Commending companies that prioritise mental health, physical wellness, work‑life balance, and supportive workplace environments. Nominations can be submitted by anyone with insight into the nominee’s work – this includes internal employees, former staff, business partners, suppliers, or even members of the public who have observed the company’s impact. The open‑nomination model ensures that the awards reflect a comprehensive view of each organisation’s achievements, rather than being limited to self‑reported data.
Once the submission deadline passes, a panel of industry experts and senior HR practitioners will review all entries. The judging process will take place during the week following the deadline, with results announced at the awards ceremony scheduled for 1 October. In addition to the awards, GamesIndustry.biz is still selling tickets for its annual HR Summit, which this year centres on the theme “The Future of People & Work.” The summit will run on the morning of the awards ceremony and will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, and workshops that explore emerging trends in talent management, remote work, diversity and inclusion, and the evolving role of HR technology in the games sector.
Attendees will have the chance to network with peers, share best practices, and gain insights that can be directly applied to their own organisations. For companies that are still on the fence about entering, the extended deadline offers a valuable chance to showcase initiatives that might otherwise go unnoticed. Whether a studio has launched a groundbreaking apprenticeship programme that funnels fresh talent into game development, or a publisher has achieved carbon‑neutral status through innovative supply‑chain reforms, the Special Awards provide a platform for public recognition and industry‑wide celebration.
To submit a nomination, visit the official Best Places to Work Awards portal, select the appropriate category, and complete the brief questionnaire that asks for concrete examples, supporting data, and, where possible, testimonials from staff or beneficiaries. Detailed guidelines are available on the site to help nominators craft compelling submissions that highlight impact, scalability, and sustainability. In summary, the extended voting period for the Special Awards is a reminder that excellence in specific domains is just as vital to a healthy games industry as overall employee satisfaction.
By encouraging a diverse range of nominations, the awards aim to inspire more companies to adopt best practices in areas such as environmental stewardship, inclusive culture, and employee wellbeing. The deadline is fast approaching, so interested parties should act promptly to ensure their achievements are considered.
The awards ceremony on 1 October will not only celebrate the winners but also provide a showcase of the innovative approaches that are shaping the future of work in games.