Who Made Gimkit? The Amazing Story of Josh Feinsilber & How to Play
Have you ever wondered who made Gimkit while sitting in class and battling your friends for virtual cash? It is a great story! Gimkit was actually created by a high school student named Josh Feinsilber. Back in 2017, Josh was a student at Gibson Ek High School in Washington State. He wanted to make learning more like a game because he found traditional quizzes a bit boring. He teamed up with his co-founder, Jeff Osborn, to bring this idea to life.
What started as a simple school project quickly turned into a worldwide hit. Teachers loved it because it kept students focused, and students loved it because it felt like playing a real video game. Josh worked on it during his high school years and even did internships as a developer to get better at coding. Today, he still leads the team and keeps adding cool new modes to the platform.
What is Gimkit and Why is it So Popular?
Before we dive deeper into who created Gimkit, let’s talk about what is a gimkit exactly. Think of it like a mix between a quiz and a strategy game. Unlike other quiz sites where you just answer questions, in gimkit, you earn “money” for every correct answer. You can then spend that money in an in-game shop to buy power-ups, themes, and upgrades. This makes the game very competitive and exciting!
The platform is a “gamified” tool for teachers. It uses “kits,” which are just sets of questions on any subject. Whether you are learning math or history, you can use a gimkit code to jump into a live match. It is famous for its “2D worlds” where you can walk around as a little character called a “Gim.” This is why so many people search for gimkit/join every single day.
When Was Gimkit Created? A Brief Timeline
If you are curious about when was gimkit made, the first version launched in May 2017. It wasn’t always the big site it is today. In the beginning, it was much simpler. Josh Feinsilber once joked that he was obsessed with “gradients” in the early design! By 2018, the game started to get famous in schools across the country.
Over the years, the team has added many updates. For example, they released “Gimkit 3.0” which made the game run smoother and added features like KitCollab. Now, in 2026, the game has “Seasons” with new items and modes. People often ask when was gimkit created because they can’t believe a high schooler built something so professional that millions of people use every month.
Gimkit Biography & Company Details
| Feature | Details |
| Founder | Josh Feinsilber |
| Co-Founder | Jeff Osborn |
| Launch Date | May 2017 |
| Headquarters | Seattle, Washington, USA |
| Primary Use | Classroom Gamified Learning |
| Top Competitors | Kahoot, Blooket, Quizizz |
| Availability | Web-based (gimkit.com) |
How to Play Gimkit: A Beginner’s Guide
Learning how to play gimkit is super easy. First, your teacher will host gimkit and show a screen with a gimkit join code. You go to gimkit/join on your device and type in that code. Once the game starts, you see questions on your screen. When you get one right, you get money. If you get one wrong, you lose a little bit of money.
But here is the secret: don’t just answer questions! You need to go to the shop to buy upgrades. You can buy “Multiplier” to get more money per question or “Insurance” so you don’t lose as much when you make a mistake. You can also play gimkit live in different modes like “The Floor is Lava” or “Humans vs. Zombies.” It’s all about strategy!
How to Create a Gimkit Game for Your Class
If you are a teacher or a student who wants to make a challenge, you’ll need to know how to create a gimkit. First, go to the gimkit dashboard after you gimkit login. Click on the “New Kit” button. You will give your kit a name and pick a language.
Now, you can add questions! You can type them in one by one, or you can use the gimkit create tool to import questions from other sites like Quizlet. If you want to know how to make a gimkit game even faster, try the “Question Bank” to find questions other people have already made. Once you are done, just hit “Finish,” and you are ready to gimkit host a session!
Can You Play Gimkit By Yourself?
Many students wonder, can you play gimkit by yourself? The answer is yes! While it is usually a group game, there is a way for how to play gimkit by yourself. Teachers can assign a kit as an “Assignment.” This lets you play at your own pace without a live host.
Another way to play solo is by using the gimkit home features or practice modes. This is great if you want to study for a big test or just want to see how much money you can earn. Just remember that some special 2D modes might require more than one player to be really fun.
Is Gimkit Free or Do You Have to Pay?
A very common question is, is gimkit free? Yes, there is a version called Gimkit Basic that is totally free to use. It lets you host games and use most of the features. However, there is also Gimkit Pro. The Pro version unlocks all the game modes and lets you add images or audio to your questions.
For most people, the free version is plenty. If your school has a lot of money, they might buy a “School License” so every teacher gets the Pro version. But if you are just starting out, don’t worry—you can still join gimkit and have a blast without spending a dime!
Troubleshooting: Why is Gimkit Not Working?
Sometimes, you might find that gimkit is down or acting glitchy. If you are wondering why is gimkit not working, first check your internet connection. Most of the time, the problem is just a slow Wi-Fi signal. You can also check site monitors to see is gimkit down for everyone else.
If the site is up but you can’t join, make sure you have the right gimkit join code. If the gimkit code is old, it won’t let you in. Also, try to clear your browser cache or use a different browser like Chrome. Most “hacks” or gimkit hacks you see online are actually fake and might make the site stop working for you, so stay away from those!
Secrets: How to Get the Gimfish in Gimkit
One of the coolest things to do in the “Fishtopia” mode is catching rare fish. Everyone wants to know how to get the gimfish in gimkit. The gimfish is a mythic fish worth a lot of money ($5,000 to $6,500!). To catch it, you have to follow special steps:
- Eat the three different berries.
- Catch the “Berry Fish” at Lucky Lake.
- Sell the Berry Fish and eat the “Golden Berry” that appears.
- Go back to Lucky Lake and keep fishing until the gimfish appears!
It is very rare, so don’t give up if you don’t get it on your first try. It is a total game-changer if you manage to snag one!
Final Thoughts on the Magic of Gimkit
Now you know who made gimkit, how it started as a high school project, and how you can become a pro at it. Whether you are using gimkit/live to compete with your class or just exploring the gimkit dashboard to make your own kits, it is an amazing tool for learning. It turns boring study sessions into epic battles for glory and virtual riches.
Remember to play fair and avoid those “how to hack gimkit” videos—they usually don’t work and can get you in trouble. Instead, focus on your strategy, buy the right upgrades, and have fun!
Would you like me to help you create a list of fun questions for your first Gimkit game?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who created Gimkit?
Gimkit was created by Josh Feinsilber in 2017 while he was still a high school student. He wanted to make a more engaging way for students to learn.
2. How do I join a Gimkit game?
To join, go to gimkit.com/join and enter the unique gimkit join code provided by your teacher or host.
3. Is there a way to play Gimkit for free?
Yes, is gimkit free? Absolutely! The Basic version is free for everyone. There is a Pro version with more features, but it is not required to play.
4. How to share a gimkit with others?
Once you have created a kit, you can how to share a gimkit by clicking the “Share” button on your dashboard or by simply hosting a live game for others to join.
5. How to delete a kit in gimkit?
If you want to know how to delete a kit in gimkit, go to your “My Kits” section, click the three dots on the kit you want to remove, and select “Delete.”
6. What should I do if my gimkit code isn’t working?
If the gimkit code isn’t working, double-check that you typed it correctly. If it still fails, the host might have ended the game or the code might have expired.
