By Henry 
Picture this: it’s Tuesday afternoon. A low-energy haze has settled over your classroom. Then, you utter three magic words: “Let’s play Gimkit.” Instantly, you see backs straighten and eyes light up with anticipation. The difference-maker in this transformation? You. The Gimkit host.
Being the Gimkit host isn’t just about clicking “Start Game.” It’s about becoming a learning architect, a motivator-in-chief, and a data detective all at once. You hold the keys to a dynamic tool that can turn review sessions into epic battles for knowledge. If you’re ready to move from simply using Gimkit to mastering it, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into what it truly means to host a game that your students will beg to play again.
Think of a Gimkit host as the director of a play. You don’t just provide the script (the questions); you set the stage, guide the actors (your students), and shape the entire experience. Your role breaks down into three key areas:
- The Game Master: This is your most visible role. You select the Kit (the question set), choose the game mode, set the time limit, and launch the session. You’re the one who builds the excitement and keeps the energy high throughout the game.
- The Customization Wizard: A powerful Gimkit host doesn’t just use pre-made Kits. You tailor the experience. You can adjust game settings like starting cash, answer bonuses, and even create your own custom questions to perfectly align with your current lesson plan.
- The Data Analyst: After the final buzzer, your job isn’t over. Gimkit provides a goldmine of data on student performance. As the host, you can see which questions were commonly missed, identify students who are struggling, and gather actionable insights to inform your next lesson.
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be. Hosting your first game is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps, and you’ll be a pro in no time.
- Choose or Create Your “Kit”: Your Kit is your question set. You can browse the vast Gimkit gallery for a pre-made set on virtually any topic, or use the “KitCollab” feature to have your students help build it live. For maximum impact, creating your own ensures it matches your curriculum perfectly.
- Select a Game Mode: This is where the magic happens. Gimkit offers a variety of modes, each with a different feel. Classic is a great starting point, but don’t be afraid to try Trust No One (a hidden identity mode) or The Floor is Lava for a fun twist.
- Configure Your Game Settings: Here’s your control panel. You can set:
- Game Time: Aim for 5-15 minutes to keep the energy focused.
- Starting Cash: How much money do students begin with?
- Bonus for Correct Answers: This speeds up the game.
- Incorrect Answer Penalty: Adds a layer of challenge.
- Launch and Share the Game Code: Click “Start Game,” and Gimkit will generate a unique code. Display this code on your board, and students simply go to gimkit.com/play on their devices and enter it. No complex logins required!
- Facilitate and Observe: Once the game begins, your role shifts to cheerleader and observer. Walk around the room, celebrate big moves, and notice who is engaged and who might need a little nudge.
Anyone can host a game, but a master Gimkit host uses strategy to maximize learning. Here are some pro tips to elevate your game.
- Use the Data, Don’t Just View It: After the game, open the “Reports” section. Look for patterns. If 70% of the class missed a question about photosynthesis, that’s a clear sign you need to re-teach that concept. This turns a fun game into a powerful formative assessment tool.
- Differentiate on the Fly: Gimkit allows you to assign specific Kits to individual students. If you notice a group is struggling, you can assign them a remedial Kit for the next round, while another group tackles an advanced set. This is differentiation made simple.
- Embrace Student-Created Content: Use KitCollab to have your students submit questions for a review session. This not only saves you time but also encourages them to think critically about the most important concepts.
- Mix Up the Modes: Don’t get stuck in a rut with the Classic mode. Each game mode encourages different skills. Capture the Flag promotes teamwork, while Humans vs. Zombies is pure, fast-paced fun. Changing modes keeps the experience fresh and exciting.
Once you’re comfortable, Gimkit offers deeper features that make the Gimkit host role even more powerful.
- Assignments: You don’t always have to host live. You can assign Kits as homework for students to complete independently, at their own pace. You still get all the same valuable data.
- Power-Ups: In many modes, students can purchase in-game power-ups. As the host, you can enable or disable these to control the game’s chaos level and strategic depth.
- Audio and Themes: Engage different senses by enabling sound effects and changing the visual theme of the game to match a holiday or unit of study. It’s a small touch that shows you’ve put thought into the experience.
Being a successful Gimkit host is a journey, not a destination. It starts with launching your first game and grows into a nuanced understanding of how to use this incredible tool to foster engagement and uncover learning gaps. The most important thing is to start, experiment, and have fun with your students.
Your Next Steps as a Gimkit Host:
- Run your first game this week using a pre-made Kit.
- Explore one new game mode each month.
- After your next game, spend five minutes analyzing the report data.
- Try creating one custom Kit for an upcoming unit.
- Share your favorite hosting tip with a colleague in the teachers’ lounge!
What’s your favorite Gimkit game mode? Share your experience and your top hosting tip in the comments below!
You May Also Read: UGA eLC: Your Digital Campus for Learning Success
Do I need a paid Gimkit account to be a host?
You can host games with a free Gimkit account, but it has limitations (like a cap of 5 players). To host a full class, you’ll need a Gimkit Pro subscription, which is well worth the investment for the data and customization features.
What if a student loses their internet connection during a game?
No problem! As long as the game is still live, students can re-join using the same game code. Their progress and cash are usually saved.
Can I host a Gimkit game for remote or hybrid learners?
Absolutely! Gimkit is perfect for this. Share your screen via Zoom or Google Meet to display the game, and students can join from home using the code just like they would in class.
How is being a Gimkit host different from hosting a Kahoot!?
While both are great, Gimkit is often described as a more sustained, strategy-based game. Kahoot! is typically a fast-paced race. Crucially, as a Gimkit host, you get much more detailed and actionable data on individual student performance after the game ends.
My students are very competitive. How can I manage this?
You have the power to adjust settings! Consider lowering the penalty for wrong answers to reduce risk-aversion. You can also emphasize that the goal is learning and improvement, not just winning. Using team-based modes can also channel competition in a positive way.
Can I import question sets from other platforms like Quizlet?
Yes! This is a huge time-saver. Gimkit allows you to easily import your existing flashcards from Quizlet or a CSV spreadsheet directly into a new Kit.
Is there a limit to how many games I can host?
With a Gimkit Pro account, you can host an unlimited number of live games and create an unlimited number of Kits.