Next Gen Skills Academy researching women working in games

The Next Gen Skills Academy has launched a new survey that will investigate the career challenges that face women in the games industry.

The Gender Balance Workforce Survey – which you can find here – calls on women to share their stories, and identify any barriers and issues they have encountered so far in their career. 

The survey launches today and will close on Wednesday, December 24th. Those who participate will be given the option to take part in more detailed phone interviews.

In order to maintain balance, companies and men working in games will also be consulted. Anyone who wishes to contribute should email info@nextgenskillsacademy.com.

The results will be analysed by an advisory group and distilled into key issues that will be explored in a series of workshops in February.

According the Creative Skillset census in 2012, only 14 per cent of the games industry workforce are women. Earlier this year, Develop conducted its own research showing that only 15 per cent of the staff at UK studios are female.

"An Internet Advertising Bureau study published earlier this year found that 52 per cent of gamers in the UK are women, yet women only make up 14 per cent of the industry workforce," said NGSA managing director Gina Jackson. 

"It’s important that the games industry is made up of a range of people reflective of the demographics of its customers, to ensure relevance to the mass market and the commercial success of the UK games industry.

"The results of the Gender Balance Workforce Survey will help us work towards strengthening our industry and ensuring that the British games industry remains relevant and competitive on a global scale."