The evening of the awards ceremony was a vibrant showcase of the UK games sector’s commitment to fostering positive workplace environments. Hosted at the historic Royal Institution in London, the 2026 GamesIndustry.biz Best Places to Work Awards marked the culmination of the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit, bringing together industry leaders, HR professionals, and a host of enthusiastic attendees. The event was underpinned by the generous support of a range of sponsors, including Amiqus, Playground Games, IO Interactive, Games London, and Special Effect, whose contributions helped make the night both memorable and impactful.
The selection process for the awards is rooted in a rigorous methodology that places employee experience at its core. Each participating studio or publisher invites its staff to complete an anonymous survey, the results of which account for a substantial 80 percent of the overall score.
This approach ensures that the voices of those who live the day‑to‑day reality of the workplace are the primary drivers of the outcome. The remaining 20 percent of the evaluation is derived from detailed submissions provided by the companies themselves.
These submissions outline internal policies, initiatives, and programs that aim to enhance employee wellbeing, professional growth, and overall workplace culture. In addition to the core categories, the awards feature a suite of special recognitions. These are judged by the editorial team at GamesIndustry.biz, who bring an industry‑wide perspective to the assessment. One of the standout honours is the "G into Gaming" award, presented by Liz Prince MBE of Amiqus, which celebrates organisations that have made significant strides in promoting diversity, inclusion, and accessibility within the gaming sector.
Despite a challenging backdrop characterised by recent layoffs, studio closures, and widespread job insecurity across the broader tech landscape, the submissions for this year painted an encouraging picture of resilience and proactive stewardship within the UK games community. Companies highlighted a range of initiatives that go beyond the basics of compensation and benefits. Employees praised concrete actions such as mental‑health support programmes, flexible working arrangements, sustainability commitments, and robust mentorship schemes.
These elements have become increasingly standardised across the industry, reflecting a collective understanding that a thriving workplace is essential for creative excellence and long‑term business success. The competition among nominees was fierce, with several categories decided by razor‑thin margins. This closeness underscored how deeply ingrained best‑practice policies have become, particularly in areas like mental‑health awareness, environmental responsibility, and talent development.
For instance, many studios now offer dedicated mental‑health days, on‑site counselling, and partnerships with external wellbeing providers. Environmental sustainability measures range from carbon‑offsetting game servers to zero‑waste office practices. Educational and mentorship programmes frequently pair junior staff with seasoned veterans, fostering knowledge transfer and career progression. The ceremony itself was a celebration of these achievements, punctuated by a dynamic photo gallery that captured the excitement on stage and the pride of the winners.
Each award recipient was given a moment to address the audience, often sharing personal anecdotes about how their company’s culture had positively impacted their professional journey. The atmosphere was one of mutual admiration, with peers acknowledging each other's dedication to creating workplaces where creativity can flourish without compromising personal wellbeing. A heartfelt thank you was extended to the event’s sponsors—Amiqus, Playground Games, IO Interactive, Games London, and Special Effect—whose financial and logistical support was instrumental in delivering a high‑quality experience. Their involvement not only underscores the importance of recognising workplace excellence but also demonstrates a broader industry commitment to investing in the people who drive innovation.
Looking ahead, the GamesIndustry.biz Best Places to Work Awards will return in 2027, continuing the tradition of spotlighting organisations that set the benchmark for employee satisfaction and corporate responsibility. Companies interested in sponsoring or otherwise contributing to the next edition of the awards are encouraged to reach out via matt_butlin@gamesindustry.biz. The ongoing dialogue between employers, employees, and industry stakeholders promises to keep pushing the standards higher, ensuring that the UK games sector remains a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive environment for all its talent.
In summary, the 2026 awards not only honoured the standout firms of the year but also highlighted a broader cultural shift within the gaming industry. By valuing employee feedback, championing mental health, embracing sustainability, and fostering mentorship, the UK games community is laying a solid foundation for a future where creativity and wellbeing go hand in hand. The photo gallery serves as a visual testament to these achievements, capturing the smiles, applause, and shared sense of purpose that defined the night.