Welcome! If you are looking for a way to turn your classroom into an exciting game show, you are in the right place. Many teachers and students want to know how to make Gimkit games because they are much more fun than a standard quiz. Gimkit was actually created by a high school student, so it feels like a real video game. It uses “money” and power-ups to keep everyone excited.
When you make Gimkit sets, you aren’t just giving a test; you are creating an adventure. It is simple to start, and you don’t need to be a computer genius to get it right. In this guide, I will show you exactly how to build your own “Kits” from scratch. We will walk through every step together so you can start playing with your friends or students today. Let’s dive in and see how easy it is to make Gimkit magic happen!
The Story Behind the Game: Josh Feinsilber
Before we start building, it’s cool to know who started this. Josh Feinsilber created this platform while he was still in school. He wanted a game that didn’t get boring after five minutes.
| Feature | Details |
| Creator Name | Josh Feinsilber |
| Role | Founder & Lead Developer |
| Original Purpose | High school project for classroom engagement |
| Main Goal | To create a game students actually want to play |
| Key Innovation | The “In-game Economy” (Earning virtual money) |
| Headquarters | Seattle, Washington, USA |
Step 1: Create Your Free Account
The first thing you need to do to make Gimkit games is to sign up. You can go to their website and use your Google account or an email address. If you are a teacher, choose the teacher account so you can manage your classes easily. If you are a student, check with your teacher first to see if they have a join code for you.
Once you are logged in, you will see a big “New Kit” button. This is your gateway to fun. It is very important to set up your profile correctly so your work stays saved. Every time I make Gimkit sets, I make sure my folders are organized by subject. This helps me find my games quickly when the school bell rings.
Step 2: Start Your First Kit from Scratch
To make Gimkit kits, click that “New Kit” button. You will need to give your game a name. Make it something catchy! Instead of “Math Quiz,” try “The Great Division Battle.” You can also pick a cover photo to make it look professional. You can search for free photos right inside the app or upload your own funny meme.
After you name it, you choose the language and the subject. This helps the system understand what you are teaching. When you make Gimkit games this way, it feels like you are building a real app. Don’t worry if you aren’t sure about the name yet. You can always go back and change the title or the picture later if you get a better idea.
Step 3: Adding Your Questions and Answers
Now comes the part where you actually make Gimkit content. You can type in your questions one by one. For each question, you provide the correct answer and a few “distractors” or wrong answers. Try to make the wrong answers a little bit tricky so students really have to think. This makes the game more challenging and rewarding.
If you are in a rush to make Gimkit sets, you can use the “Bank” feature. This lets you search for questions other teachers have already shared. It is a massive time-saver! I always tell my fellow teachers that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Just make sure the questions match what you taught in class so the kids don’t get frustrated.
Step 4: Use KitCollab for Team Building
Did you know your students can help you make Gimkit games? This feature is called KitCollab. It is one of my favorite tools because it takes the work off the teacher’s shoulders. You send a link to your students, and they each submit a question. You get to click “Accept” or “Reject” on their ideas.
When students help make Gimkit kits, they feel like they own the game. They get excited when they see their own question pop up on the screen during the live play. It also teaches them how to write good questions. It turns a solo task into a big group project that everyone enjoys. It’s a win-win for everyone in the room!
Step 5: Importing from Quizlet or CSV
If you already have flashcards on Quizlet, you can make Gimkit games in seconds. You just export your Quizlet set and paste the text into Gimkit. This is perfect for vocabulary lists or science terms. You can also upload a CSV file if you have your questions saved in an Excel sheet or a Google Doc.
I love using this method when I have a huge list of words to cover. You don’t have to type everything twice! When you make Gimkit sets using imports, just double-check the formatting. Sometimes the words can get mixed up if there are extra commas. A quick look-over ensures your game runs smoothly without any glitches or errors for the players.
Step 6: Choosing the Right Game Mode
After you make Gimkit questions, you have to decide how the class will play. There are many modes like “Classic,” “Trust No One” (which is like Among Us), or “Snowball Fight.” Each mode changes the rules of the game. Some modes are better for groups, while others are great for students playing by themselves at home.
When you make Gimkit experiences, think about the energy of your class. If they are very loud and excited, a team mode is perfect. If they need to focus quietly, the “Classic” mode is usually best. Switching up the modes keeps the students from getting bored. They will always look forward to seeing what new game style you have picked for the day.
Step 7: Setting Up the In-Game Shop
The “money” system is what makes people want to make Gimkit games over other quizzes. As students answer questions correctly, they earn virtual cash. They can spend this cash in the shop to buy “Power-ups.” These power-ups can double their points or even let them “freeze” another player’s screen for a few seconds.
When you make Gimkit settings, you can actually turn these power-ups on or off. I usually keep them on because it adds a layer of strategy. Students have to decide if they want to save their money or spend it to get ahead. It’s a secret way to teach them about math and budgeting while they are having a blast with their friends.
Step 8: How to Host a Live Game
Once you make Gimkit kits, it is time to host! Click the “Play” button on your Kit. This will give you a code (a string of numbers). Students go to the Gimkit website on their devices and enter that code. You will see their names pop up on your screen as they join the lobby.
I always like to play some upbeat music while waiting for everyone to join. When you make Gimkit live, you are the leader of the game. You can see who is in the lead and who might need a little help. It is a great way to see in real-time if the class understands the lesson or if you need to explain it again.
Step 9: Assigning Kits as Homework
You don’t just have to play live; you can also make Gimkit assignments for homework. Instead of a boring worksheet, students can play the game at their own pace at home. You set a “Cash Goal” or a time limit. Once they reach the goal, their homework is finished. They will actually enjoy doing their work!
As a teacher, you can see a report of how they did. When you make Gimkit homework, you get data on which questions were the hardest for the class. This helps you know what to talk about the next day. It turns grading into a quick glance at a chart rather than hours of marking papers by hand. It really saves a lot of time.
Step 10: Reviewing Reports and Growth
The final step after you make Gimkit games is to look at the results. Gimkit gives you a detailed report of every student’s performance. It shows you the “Accuracy” percentage for the whole class. If everyone missed question five, you know you need to teach that topic again. It is a very powerful tool for learning.
I find that when I make Gimkit a regular part of my week, student grades go up. They start to remember the facts because they want to win the game. It transforms the classroom into a place of excitement and growth. It’s not just about the points; it’s about making sure every student feels like they can succeed and have fun while doing it.
Conclusion: Start Your Gimkit Journey Today
Learning to make Gimkit games is one of the best things you can do for your classroom or study group. It is easy, fast, and incredibly fun. We have talked about how to create an account, add questions, use KitCollab, and even assign homework. Now, it is your turn to take these steps and build something amazing.
The more you make Gimkit sets, the better you will get at it. Don’t be afraid to try out different game modes or let your students take the lead. It is all about creating a positive and engaging environment. So, what are you waiting for? Head over to the site and make Gimkit your new favorite way to learn and play!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it free to make Gimkit games?
Yes! There is a “Gimkit Basic” version that is free to use. It allows you to create kits and play several game modes. There is also a paid version called “Gimkit Pro” that offers even more features and modes.
2. How many players can join a game?
Even on the free plan, you can host a large number of students. It is designed for full classrooms, so usually, 35 to 60 players can join a live session without any issues.
3. Can I make Gimkit games on my phone?
Yes, you can use the web browser on your phone or tablet to build and host games. The website is mobile-friendly, so you can work on your kits even when you aren’t at a computer.
4. Can students make their own games?
Absolutely! Students can create their own accounts and make Gimkit sets to help them study for exams. It is a great way for them to practice active recall and test their friends.
5. How long does it take to create a kit?
If you use the “Question Bank” or import from Quizlet, you can make Gimkit kits in less than five minutes. If you type everything by hand, it might take 10 to 15 minutes depending on the length.
6. Are there any age limits for using it?
Gimkit is generally safe for all school-aged children. Teachers usually manage the accounts for younger kids, while older students can manage their own. It is a very safe and friendly platform.
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