With Gamescom now comfortably 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 entries have already closed—these are assessed using anonymous feedback collected from employees—we have decided to prolong the nomination window for the Special Awards, which celebrate superior performance in a range of focused areas. The new deadline for submitting nominations in the following categories is midnight on Monday, 7 September. Unlike the core Best Places to Work (BPTW) awards, these special recognitions are distinct and are open to any UK‑based company that operates within, or collaborates with, the video‑games sector.
The special categories include: - The Diversity Award – honouring organisations that have demonstrably advanced inclusive hiring practices, fostered a multicultural workplace, and championed equity across all levels of their operation. - The Green Award – recognising businesses that have implemented effective environmental strategies, reduced carbon footprints, adopted sustainable production methods, or otherwise contributed to the ecological health of the industry.
- HR Hero Award – celebrating human‑resources professionals or teams who have introduced innovative policies, improved employee engagement, or delivered exceptional support during challenging times. - Training and Development Award – acknowledging firms that have invested heavily in upskilling their workforce, offering robust mentorship programmes, continuous learning opportunities, and clear career progression pathways. - Education Award – rewarding companies that partner with academic institutions, develop educational content, or provide apprenticeships and scholarships that nurture the next generation of game‑making talent. - Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award – highlighting organisations that go beyond profit motives to make a positive social impact, whether through community outreach, charitable initiatives, or ethical business conduct.
- Health and Well‑Being Award – focusing on employers that prioritise mental and physical health, offering comprehensive wellness programmes, flexible working arrangements, and resources that support a balanced lifestyle. Nominations may be submitted by anyone with insight into the company’s performance—whether an internal employee, a former staff member, a partner, or an external observer.
This inclusive approach ensures that the judging panel receives a well‑rounded perspective on each nominee’s achievements. The evaluation of these submissions will take place next week, with the results announced at the awards ceremony scheduled for 1 October. In addition to the awards, tickets remain available for the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit, which this year centres on the future of People & Work. The summit will be held during the day preceding the awards ceremony and will feature panels, workshops, and keynote speakers addressing emerging trends in talent acquisition, employee experience, and organisational culture within the gaming industry.
The extension of the nomination deadline reflects our commitment to giving every deserving organisation ample time to present its case. We recognise that many companies are still finalising their sustainability reports, rolling out new diversity initiatives, or completing large‑scale training programmes, and we want these efforts to be considered fairly. By allowing a longer submission period, we hope to capture a broader spectrum of innovative practices and highlight the companies that are truly leading the way.
If you are part of a studio, publisher, middleware provider, or any ancillary business that contributes to the gaming ecosystem, we encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the strides your organisation has made over the past year. Consider the tangible outcomes of your diversity policies, the measurable reductions in energy consumption, the success stories from your training cohorts, or the positive feedback from employees regarding health and well‑being initiatives.
These narratives form the backbone of a compelling nomination. To submit a nomination, simply visit the dedicated awards portal on the GamesIndustry.biz website, select the appropriate category, and provide a concise yet detailed description of the achievement, supported by any relevant data, testimonials, or case studies. Remember that the judging panel values specificity and evidence; vague claims will carry less weight than concrete examples that illustrate impact. We look forward to receiving a diverse array of submissions that showcase the best of what the UK games industry has to offer in terms of people‑centric excellence.
Whether you are nominating your own company or recognising a peer, your input helps to set the benchmark for workplace standards across the sector. The awards ceremony on 1 October will not only celebrate the winners but also provide a platform for sharing best practices, inspiring other organisations to elevate their own standards. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this important conversation about the future of work in games. Submit your nominations before the extended deadline, and consider joining us at the HR Summit to engage with thought leaders and peers who are shaping the next chapter of people and work in the industry.