Check out the Unseen Original 3D Art!
Back in 2003, in our earliest days of development, Webkinz World looked very different.
Initially, Webkinz was brought to life with rendered 3D designs. Our pets and characters were planned to be rendered 3D as well, but we quickly realized that this direction wasn’t working.
For example, take a look at this rendering of the original bedroom:
Early versions of the bedroom didn’t offer many customization options, and items were just added like stickers. Our early testers made it clear that they wanted more control over their home.
Plus, check out this rendering of the original Adoption Center:
These early designs lacked the warmth we wanted and were large files that took too long to display. The lack of Ms. Birdy made the center seem empty and lifeless.
In the end, our team scrapped months of work and made massive changes in order to transform Webkinz into the colorful and dynamic world of play that you can still enjoy today.
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WOW! I never thought I’d get to see how Webkinz looked all the way back in 2003! I have a bazillion questions, but I’ll limit myself to just two: Firstly, on the jigsaw puzzle toy in the top image, is that an old version of the Webkinz logo? And secondly, any chance of releasing more behind-the-scenes pre-release info and/or pictures? I’d absolutely love to see some more, and plus, it would tie into the “Look how far we’ve come” feeling of the upcoming 20th anniversary!
THANK YOU SO MUCH i really like learning Webkinz history the art looks cool. Will there be any other parts of Webkinz history posted? i really hope so this is cool.
Now this makes me wonder what the early concepts of pets looked like in 3D!
So cool! I had no idea. I would LOVE to see more early concept art of Webkinz! What is original webkinz made in then? a 2d/3d style? I would love to see more into the development, this stuff has always fascinated me.
Wow!! This is so interesting! Thank you for sharing! I never would have guessed it looked like this. The old Adoption Center room theme is so pretty. It doesn’t really fit the vibe of an adoption center but I think it would be so cool if the “theme” that was used in it could inspire a new theme in Next, no? And maybe be transferrable to Classic! For the anniversary coming up! Or perhaps just a theme that could be added in the future.
The overall feel of it reminds me so much of VeggieTales LOL
Now that you mention it, you’re right!
This is so cool to see!
Wow, it does remind me of those vinyl stickers we played with as kids. What a difference now! The adoption center looked like it was on a ship. Lol
Have any of these items been/will be recreated in Webkinz next?
I love the window, rug, side table & storage in the first picture, window, desk & wastebasket in the second picture & everything in the third picture.
Thank you for all the improvements so much fun and we appreciate all you do.