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 primary awards have already closed their entry window and will be judged on the basis of anonymised employee surveys, we have decided to keep the door open a little longer for the Special Awards.
These supplementary categories are designed to spotlight organisations that excel in particular aspects of workplace excellence, such as diversity, environmental stewardship, employee development and corporate responsibility. The nomination period for the Special Awards has therefore been extended until 00:00 GMT on Monday, 7 September. Unlike the core Best Places to Work categories, which are limited to companies that have submitted the standard questionnaire, the Special Awards are open to any UK‑based business that operates within the games sector or provides services to it. This inclusive approach means that studios, publishers, technology providers, education providers and even ancillary service firms can put forward a nomination for one or more of the following honours: - **The Diversity Award** – recognising an organisation that has demonstrated measurable progress in building a workforce that reflects a broad range of backgrounds, identities and perspectives.
- **The Green Award** – celebrating a company that has implemented effective sustainability initiatives, reduced its carbon footprint, or pioneered eco‑friendly practices within its operations. - **HR Hero Award** – highlighting an individual or team that has gone above and beyond to support staff, champion best‑practice HR policies, or innovate in people management.
- **Training and Development Award** – acknowledging a firm that invests heavily in upskilling its employees, offers robust mentorship programmes, or creates clear pathways for career advancement. - **Education Award** – honouring an organisation that contributes significantly to games‑related education, whether through partnerships with academic institutions, apprenticeship schemes, or community outreach. - **Corporate Social Responsibility Award** – rewarding a business that demonstrates a strong commitment to ethical conduct, community engagement, charitable activities, or socially beneficial projects.
- **Health and Well‑Being Award** – recognizing an employer that prioritises mental and physical health, provides comprehensive wellness resources, or fosters a supportive workplace culture. Nominations may be submitted by anyone with insight into the company’s practices—employees, former staff, partners, suppliers, or even external observers. Each submission should include concrete examples, quantitative data where possible, and a clear narrative that illustrates why the nominee deserves recognition in the chosen category.
All entries will be reviewed by a panel of industry experts and HR professionals next week, with the final decisions announced at the awards ceremony scheduled for 1 October. 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 morning of 1 October, just before the ceremony. This year’s summit theme, “The Future of People & Work,” will feature thought‑leading speakers, interactive workshops, and panel discussions that explore emerging trends in talent acquisition, employee experience, remote work, and the evolving role of HR technology in the games industry.
Attendees will have the chance to network with peers, share best practices, and gain actionable insights that can be applied within their own organisations. The extension of the nomination deadline reflects our commitment to ensuring that deserving companies receive the recognition they have earned, even if they were unable to submit a nomination before the original cut‑off.
We understand that many organisations are still finalising their sustainability reports, rolling out new diversity initiatives, or completing large‑scale training programmes, and we want to give them the opportunity to showcase these achievements. To submit a nomination, simply visit the Best Places to Work Awards portal, select the relevant Special Award category, and fill out the required fields. Be sure to attach any supporting documentation—such as policy documents, impact reports, employee testimonials, or media coverage—that can substantiate your claims. The portal will close automatically at midnight on 7 September, after which no further edits will be possible.
We encourage all stakeholders in the UK games ecosystem to take part, whether you are nominating your own company, a partner, or a competitor whose efforts you admire. Recognising excellence in these niche areas not only celebrates individual achievements but also sets benchmarks for the wider industry, encouraging all players to strive for higher standards in diversity, sustainability, employee wellbeing and social responsibility.
Finally, remember that the awards ceremony on 1 October will be a hybrid event, streamed live for those who cannot attend in person. Winners will be announced on stage, and each award will be accompanied by a short video highlighting the nominee’s key contributions. It promises to be an inspiring evening that showcases the very best of what the UK games industry can achieve when it puts its people and planet first. We look forward to receiving your nominations and to celebrating the outstanding work being done across the sector.
Good luck, and see you at the HR Summit and the awards ceremony!