In today’s classrooms, traditional teaching methods are making room for more interactive and tech-driven approaches. One of the tools leading this change is Gimkit—a game-based learning platform that turns quizzes into exciting competitions. If you’ve ever wondered how to become a Gimkit host, this article is just for you.
Hosting a Gimkit game is a great way to make learning fun, whether you’re a teacher, tutor, or even a student leading a study session. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to get started, how to run a smooth game, and tips to keep everyone engaged.
What Does a Gimkit Host Do?
Being a Gimkit host means you’re in charge of running the game. Think of it like being the game master. You control what quiz is played, how the game works, who joins, and when the game starts and ends. You also get to watch everything unfold live—see who’s answering quickly, who’s earning virtual cash, and who might need a little help.
As the host, your main job is to keep things running smoothly and make sure everyone has a good time while learning. Whether you’re in a classroom or hosting a remote session over Zoom or Google Meet, Gimkit makes it easy to manage and interact with your players.
How to Start Hosting a Game on Gimkit
If you’re new to the platform, don’t worry. Hosting your first Gimkit game is super simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:
1. Create a Free Account
To host games, you’ll need to create an account at gimkit.com. Signing up is free, and once you’re in, you’ll have access to all the tools you need. You can upgrade later for more features, but the free version is great for getting started.
2. Choose or Create a Kit
A “kit” is just a fancy name for a quiz. You can either make your own kit by adding your own questions and answers or choose from tons of ready-made kits shared by other educators. Want to review vocabulary words? Practice math skills? There’s probably already a kit for it.
3. Click “Play Live”
Once you’ve picked a kit, click “Play Live” to host a live game. This is where the fun begins. You’ll get to choose the game mode and customize how the game works.
Picking the Right Game Mode
Gimkit offers several game modes, and each one feels a bit different. Here are a few popular ones:
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Classic Mode: Each player competes on their own. They earn money by answering questions correctly and can buy power-ups to boost their game.
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Team Mode: Players work together in teams. This is great for building collaboration.
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Infinity Mode: A fast-paced, timed challenge where the goal is to answer as many questions as possible before the timer runs out.
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Special Modes: Gimkit often releases limited-time modes like “Trust No One” (a social deduction game) or “The Floor is Lava.” These can add excitement and variety.
Each mode changes the pace and style of the game, so pick one based on the mood of your group and what you want them to get out of it.
Customizing the Game Settings
Before you launch the game, you can tweak a few things to fit your needs. You can:
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Set a time limit for the whole game
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Decide how much money players start with
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Turn power-ups on or off
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Choose whether players see correct answers after each question
These settings give you control over how long the game lasts and how competitive or relaxed it feels.
Sharing the Game Code with Players
When your game is ready, Gimkit gives you a code. Players go to gimkit.com/join and enter that code to join the game. You can also share a direct link or QR code to make it even easier.
Wait until everyone has joined, and then click “Start Game.” You’re now officially a Gimkit host!
Hosting Tips to Keep the Game Fun and Smooth
Being a host isn’t just about clicking buttons—you also get to set the tone for the whole game. Here are some tips to keep things fun and effective:
1. Keep the Energy High
Your excitement is contagious! If you’re pumped about the game, your players will be too. Use encouraging words, cheer on players, and celebrate little wins throughout the session.
2. Explain the Rules Clearly
Before you start, take a moment to explain how the game works. Especially if you’re using a new mode, let players know how to play and what the goal is. This avoids confusion and helps everyone jump in with confidence.
3. Watch the Progress
As the game runs, you can see how each player is doing—how many questions they’ve answered, how much money they’ve earned, and who’s in the lead. Use this info to shout out top players or give quiet encouragement to those who are a bit behind.
4. Mix It Up
Don’t use the same game mode every time. Try something new! Switching modes or kits can keep things fresh and engaging. Players love variety, especially when unexpected game elements are involved.
After the Game: Reviewing and Reflecting
Once the game ends, you get access to detailed reports. These show you which questions were the hardest, who answered what, and how everyone performed. This is a great tool for figuring out what to review later or where students might need more support.
You can also assign kits as “homework” so students can play on their own time. They’ll get the same fun experience, and you can still track their progress.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Like any tech tool, things might not always go perfectly. Here are some common issues and how to handle them:
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Game won’t start? Make sure your internet connection is stable, and reload the page if needed.
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Players can’t join? Double-check the game code or send the direct link.
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Some players get bored? Try a more exciting mode or add some fun trivia questions unrelated to the topic.
Staying calm and flexible will go a long way when you’re hosting a live game.
Why Hosting a Gimkit Game Is Worth It
Being a Gimkit host is more than just running a quiz—it’s about creating a learning experience that sticks. Games keep students engaged, help them practice without pressure, and make reviewing concepts feel like fun instead of a chore.
Plus, it gives you, as the host, a new way to connect with your players. Whether you’re teaching, reviewing, or just looking to make learning more interactive, Gimkit is an excellent tool to have in your teaching toolkit.
Final Thoughts
Hosting a Gimkit game is simple, fun, and super effective. With just a little setup, you can turn a boring study session into an exciting competition that keeps everyone learning. Whether you’re working with a group of students, tutoring one-on-one, or even studying with friends, becoming a Gimkit host is a great way to make education engaging and memorable.