How to Start a Gimkit Game: A Comprehensive Guide

Creating your first Gimkit game

To create a kit from scratch in Gimkit, select a game mode from the Mode Picker, then create a kit from scratch by adding your own questions or using the Question Bank. After creating your kit, customize game options to fit your class needs. When making a new Gimkit game, focus on engaging themes and interactive elements to maximize student participation.

Step-by-step guide to make a Gimkit game

1. Select a game mode

• Use the Mode Picker: Click "Play Live" on any Kit to open the Mode Picker, where you can browse and select a Gimkit Game Mode that fits your needs when starting a Gimkit game
• Consider game mode labels: Look for descriptive labels like "Calming", "Strategic", or "Collaborative" to choose the right mode for your desired outcomes
• Explore various modes: Gimkit offers modes such as Classic, 2D, The Floor is Lava, and Draw That! to help you make a new Gimkit game

2. Create your kit (question set)

• Use the Question Bank: Search for questions from public Kits and add them to your own when creating or editing a Kit to start a Gimkit game
• Create a kit from scratch: Add your own questions to tailor the content to your specific learning objectives when making a Gimkit game
• Consider question variety: Include different question types to keep students engaged and test various skills in your new Gimkit game

3. Customize game options

• Set game goals: Define cash goals or question goals to determine when the game ends as you make a Gimkit game
• Adjust mode-specific options: For 2D modes, customize rewards per question to balance gameplay and learning when creating a kit from scratch
• Configure standard options: Set options like connect class, join late, and nickname generator to fit your class needs when starting a Gimkit game

4. Choose an engaging theme

• Consider seasonal themes: Use themes like winter, summer, or fall to create a relatable context for your new Gimkit game
• Explore unique settings: Try themes like ancient ruins, mazes, or underwater worlds to spark interest as you make a Gimkit game
• Match theme to content: Align your game theme with the subject matter to reinforce learning when creating a kit from scratch

5. Implement interactive elements

• Add prop interactions: Use prop toggling, moving, or damaging to create engaging gameplay elements when you start a Gimkit game
• Create animations: Use frame-by-frame techniques to add visual interest to your game as you make a new Gimkit game
• Incorporate crafting systems: Add depth to gameplay with simple crafting mechanics when creating a kit from scratch

6. Set up completion rules

• Define clear goals: Set cash goals or question goals for students to complete the assignment in your new Gimkit game
• Balance difficulty: Adjust goals to ensure the game is challenging but achievable when you make a Gimkit game
• Enable auto-save: Ensure progress is saved automatically every minute to prevent loss of work as you start a Gimkit game

Setting up and customizing your Gimkit game

To set the team mode in Gimkit, select the Team game mode when starting a new game. Setting the team mode allows you to start a Gimkit game with collaborative gameplay. Gimkit offers various game modes including Classic, Team, and Survival. You can also customize map options to set background terrain, game clock, and UI elements. Create personalized quizzes using Gimkit creative tools, aligned with your curriculum using various question formats. Leverage real-time feedback and analytics tools to enhance student performance during team gameplay.

Game modes and setup

• Classic Mode: Players answer multiple-choice questions as fast as possible to earn the most points. The faster the correct answer, the higher the score. This is a great way to start a Gimkit game for beginners.

• Team Mode: To set the team mode, divide players into teams to foster teamwork and communication. Teams work together to answer questions and earn points collectively.

• Survival Mode: Another way to make a Gimkit game mode is Survival, where players start with a set number of lives and lose one for each incorrect answer. The goal is to answer as many questions correctly while conserving lives.

• Explore Mode: A self-paced option without time pressure, allowing students to review and reinforce knowledge in a stress-free environment. This is an excellent choice when learning how to start a Gimkit game for the first time.

Customization options

Quiz creation

• Personalized quizzes: Use the "Gimkit creative" feature to craft quizzes tailored to your specific curriculum. This ensures content relevance and meaningfulness for students when you start a Gimkit game.

• Question formats: Incorporate various formats like multiple-choice, true or false, and fill-in-the-blank to challenge students effectively and assess understanding. These options help you make a Gimkit game mode that suits your teaching style.

• Pre-made kits: Access a library of quality content created by other educators, providing an excellent starting point and fostering community sharing. This is helpful when learning how to start a Gimkit game quickly.

Map customization

• Background Terrain: When you start a Gimkit game, set the default terrain or background of your map using the Background Terrain option. Choose any terrain tile for the floor of your map without manually placing individual blocks.

• Game Clock: As you set the team mode or make a Gimkit game mode, set the clock to count up or down from a chosen number of minutes, or disable it entirely. The game ends automatically when the clock reaches zero if counting down.

• User Interface: Customize the UI of your map to tailor the game's visuals and layout to your preferences. This is an important step in how to start a Gimkit game that engages students.

Gameplay features

• Real-time feedback: Implement immediate feedback on student answers, reinforcing correct responses and offering explanations for incorrect ones. This helps students reflect on their learning and make real-time adjustments as they play your Gimkit game.

• Power-ups: Incorporate various power-ups like extra time, answer elimination, or timer freeze to add strategic elements to gameplay. These features can enhance the experience when you set the team mode.

• Leaderboard: Enable the leaderboard feature to allow students to track their progress and rankings, adding motivation to the learning process. This is a key component when you make a Gimkit game mode.

Performance enhancement

• Analytics tools: Utilize detailed insights into student performance to track individual and class progress, identify strengths and areas for improvement, and provide targeted support. These tools are crucial when learning how to start a Gimkit game effectively.

• Adaptive learning: Implement technology that adjusts question difficulty based on student performance, ensuring appropriate challenges and preventing boredom or frustration. This feature is particularly useful when you set the team mode.

• Smart Repetition: Use this Gimkit creative feature to repeat questions students missed more often, prioritizing those answered incorrectly the first time through a lottery system. This helps reinforce learning as you make a Gimkit game mode.

Hosting and launching your Gimkit game

To host a live game on Gimkit, create a kit, select a game mode, and generate a join code for students. For classroom use, sign up as a teacher, start a class on Gimkit, and invite students. Choose from various game modes to play on Gimkit, creating an engaging game show for the classroom experience.

Creating and hosting a live Gimkit game

Preparing your game

• Create a kit: To start a Gimkit game, click the "New Kit" button on your dashboard, enter the kit's name, language, and subject, add kit info, choose a cover image, and add questions from the Question Bank or create them manually
• Customize your kit:
  • Use the Question Bank to search for and add questions from public kits
  • Import flashcard sets by copying and pasting terms and definitions
  • Attach images to questions (available for paying subscribers)

Launching a live game

• Select kit and game mode: To host a live game, choose your desired kit and game mode from the Mode Picker
• Set game options: Customize settings such as goal, player maximum, and whether to allow late joining
• Generate join code: Share the game code or QR code with students to join the game and start playing on Gimkit
• Use Nickname Generator: Set it to "On" to automatically assign safe names to students

Managing the live game

• Monitor progress: Keep track of student performance using the Gimkit dashboard as you host a live game
• Engage students: Be enthusiastic, encourage cheering, and celebrate successes in this game show for the classroom
• Add time: Click the timer in the upper right-hand corner to add 1 minute during 2D game modes (up to 58 minutes total)
• Remove players: Remove students with inappropriate names or those who shouldn't have joined
• End game early: Click the end game button in the upper right-hand corner of your host screen if needed

Starting a class on Gimkit

• Sign up as a teacher: Create an account on www.gimkit.com by clicking "Sign Up" and choosing the "Teacher" option to start a class on Gimkit
• Create a class: Set up a new class for your students
• Invite students: Share the class code or link with your students to join and start playing on Gimkit
• Organize students: Group students into sections if needed

Playing game modes on Gimkit

• Choose from 15 game modes: Select from options like "Classic," "The Floor is Lava," and "Trust No One" to suit your learning objectives and create a game show for the classroom
• Use non-kit modes: Try "This or That," Polls, or Trivia to quickly start a Gimkit game without creating a kit
• Implement team modes: Foster collaboration by using team-based game modes when you play a gamemode on Gimkit

Tips for successful Gimkit hosting

• Ensure technical readiness: Update devices, check internet connection, and test game setup before you start a Gimkit game
• Provide pre-game review: Offer a quick review or hints before starting the game
• Facilitate post-game discussion: Analyze tricky questions and reinforce concepts after the game
• Encourage student-generated kits: Promote peer teaching and unique project formats in your game show for the classroom

FAQ

How do I create a custom Gimkit game?

To create a custom Gimkit game, select a game mode, create a kit by adding your own questions or using the Question Bank, and customize game options. Focus on engaging themes and interactive elements to maximize student participation.

What are the steps to set up a Gimkit game for my class?

To set up a Gimkit game, create a kit, select a game mode, customize options, and generate a join code for students. Ensure you've signed up as a teacher and created a class on Gimkit before inviting students to join.

Can students create their own Gimkit games?

Yes, students can create their own Gimkit games. Encourage student-generated kits to promote peer teaching and unique project formats in your classroom.

How do I choose different game modes in Gimkit?

To choose different game modes in Gimkit, use the Mode Picker when starting a new game. Gimkit offers various modes like Classic, Team, Survival, and Explore, each with unique gameplay features.

What features can I customize in a Gimkit game?

In a Gimkit game, you can customize quiz content, map settings, gameplay features, and performance tracking tools. Options include personalizing questions, setting background terrain, adding power-ups, and utilizing analytics tools.