Ukie is partnering with the University of Sheffield on the project, called the UK Games Industry Diversity Census.

The new research aims to produce "the most detailed analysis of workforce diversity" conducted in the games sector, Ukie said. The online survey will include questions about participants’ current roles, diversity profile and backgrounds.

Legal experts from the University of Leeds have advised on the project, which is funded by the Arts & Humanities Research Council.

The organisation said companies including Sega Europe, Creative Assembly, Hutch Games and Ustwo Games have confirmed they will support participation in the survey.  

Jo Twist, chief executive of Ukie, said: "This new census will give us for the first-time a crucial understanding of the diversity make-up of the games industry and we’re calling on everyone who currently works for a UK based-games business to complete it.  

"We know as an industry, that more needs to be done to improve diversity, to make the sector an inclusive and welcoming place for people of all backgrounds to want to work. By taking part in the census, businesses and individuals working in the sector can help us produce the evidence base we need to drive positive transformation in the sector."

Ukie is a not-for-profit trade body for the games and interactive entertainment industry, representing startups, developers, publishers and service companies.