Creating a Game in Gamably

This post will give you a detailed description of how to best make a Game on Gamably using one of the three options for Game creation. Before we jump into the semantics of Game Creation lets first talk about the universal aspects of creating a Game with Gamably: Themes.

Choosing a Theme

Before creating a game in Gamably, take a moment to consider your theme. A well-chosen theme boosts student engagement, strengthens buy-in, and makes your PBIS or classroom management system feel more cohesive and fun.

Here are a few quick theme ideas to get you started:

• Connect your game to a story your students already love. Whether it’s superheroes, wizards, spies, or space explorers, story-driven themes make it easier to build excitement and structure rewards around a fun narrative.
  • Tip: Keep it broad (e.g., “space adventure” instead of “Star Wars”) to keep things flexible and copyright-safe.
• Not every theme needs to come from fiction. Many teachers love using simple, quirky themes that are easy to customize — like everyday superheroes, time travelers, or even lemons (yes, lemons!).
  • Why it works: These themes are accessible for all age groups and easy to tie into your classroom expectations, PBIS points, or other reward systems.
• Animal-themed games are great for team-building. Use group names like “the Den” (wolves), “the Pride” (lions), or even “a Murder” (ravens) to make your classroom feel like a connected community.
  • Bonus: Students can help design mascots or choose their “creature” as part of team identity building.

Choose a theme that fits your goals — whether you’re reinforcing PBIS behavior expectations, building SEL skills, or just making learning more fun. The right theme sets the tone and helps students buy in from day one. Once you have a theme in mind. You’re ready to Create a New Game.

Creating a Game Options

Start on the Games you Manage page! To create a game you will click the Create a New Game button (pictured above). Then you need to select how to create the game. Navigate to different parts of this blog post by clicking one of the following links:

• Start From Scratch
• Start With a Template
• Copy An Existing Game

Start From Scratch

After you click Start From Scratch, if you are using a free-account, you will directed to screen showing that you will be creating a Limited Free Game versus a Full Feature Game. If you are a premium user you will automatically create a Full Feature Game (you can turn on/off any features later on).

Next, you will start to give your Game an identity. You choose a name, a link for the game, and descriptions for the Game. If you have a theme in mind this a great time to introduce lore. AI can be a great help in developing a backstory to your Game and even for naming Elements, Challenges, Badges, Etc. All of these selections can be edited later on if you are not quite ready yet.

Then, you’ll decide what Header, Icon, Background, and Button Color to use, or to upload your own content to create an especially unique experience. You will also be able to edit these selections at anytime once your Game is created so don’t fret if you don’t love it on your first try. The button color will automatically update based on your selections but you can change it afterwards if you want to. Here’s a Sample Theme.

Lastly, you choose the way you plan on adding Players. Once your are happy with your selections, confirm your design on the Review Before Finalizing page. Then click the Finalize Game button!

Start With A Template

Starting with a Template Game in Gamably is an easy way to start with something for new users. If you are not sure what kind of Game Elements you would like to include, let us guide you. As previous teachers we know what some essential items are for classroom systems and have organized them into Games for you already. We have provided you with some Free Version Templates and will soon have more complicated ones (on the way!). For Free Templates you can use Rewards and a Store or Roman Mythology Race (Points and a Leaderboard). To turn your sticker chart into a digital sticker chart, use the Rewards and a Store template. This will allow you to start with some basic items in a store that your students can purchase as you distribute them coins.

If you are looking to create more of a friendly competition between players and/or teams than you will want to use the Roman Mythology Race. If you dislike the theme that will be something you can edit once you have created the Game. Using this template will generate a Game that is based on Players earning XP and competing to reach higher positions on a Leaderboard. The teams (themed as myths) are created already and a leaderboard comparing the teams based on their team earnings. If you want more you can add leaderboards to have players compete. Also, you can change the names of the teams or the theming of the game if you want something else. Check out this blog post on Creating Teams for inspiration!

Copy an Existing Game

Gamably makes it easy to duplicate an existing game you’ve already created — saving you time and helping you keep a consistent gamification system across multiple classes, groups, or school terms.

When you copy a game, all of the original elements stay intact. This includes your challenges, Teams, Badges, Levels, Items, and more that you’ve already built. It’s perfect for reusing a proven Game without starting from scratch. Once your game is duplicated, you’ll want to update its identity and design. To do this, open the Settings menu, then:

• Go to the Information tab to update the game’s name and description
• Go to the Design tab to change the header image, icon, background, and button color

This feature is ideal for teachers who want to keep their classroom games fresh each Semester/Quarter/Year while maintaining consistency in how behavior expectations and rewards are applied. By using Gamably’s copy feature, educators can streamline their classroom management, reinforce PBIS goals, and keep students engaged with less effort and more creativity.

Final Thoughts on Creating a Game in Gamably

Whether you’re starting from scratch, using a ready-made template, or duplicating an existing game, Gamably gives you flexible tools to build engaging, PBIS-aligned classroom games that match your teaching style and student needs.

By first choosing a thoughtful theme, and then selecting the game creation method that works best for you, you can design a unique experience that promotes positive behavior, builds classroom community, and keeps students motivated throughout the year. With customizable elements like headers, icons, and team systems, creating a gamified classroom has never been easier or more fun.

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