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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These are so charming! I absolutely love how playful the renderings are and how much they reflect the style of the time with all the curvy design elements. What a wonderful look into the past!
This is fascinating! It’s interesting as well that Webkinz Next exists as the second and improved iteration of this 3D direction. Thanks for sharing!
this is crazy to see!! so glad you shifted gears
The adoption center is so cozy and sweet. As a longtime webkinz fan (since 2007) it’s touching to see the beginnings of the webkinz world. Its obvious that developers have been wanting to create a 3D world for it’s players, but I think you made the right choice pivoting to the endearing 2D world that we know and love today. The artist who provide us amazing furniture items for our homes are so talented at 3D modeling and I think you guys found a way to blend the two into the classic webkinz experience. … That being said I don’t think that Next is nearly as successful aesthetically or from a player standpoint. I’m sorry to say that I tried playing next but it was an uncomfortable and boring experience. I personally have zero interest in what happens on Next, its just not for me. That being said, I hope the developers continue using their incredible modeling skills to bring us fun things to enjoy in classic.
Same. I tried next but it felt creepy and uncanny
wow!!!
This is so cool! I’ve been a member since 2006 so I really appreciate this!
So fun to learn that. Thank you for sharing!!
The charm and warmth of Webkinz World is unmatched. So glad it turned out the way it did.
forever grateful for every person who worked hard to make the Webkinz Classic game we enjoy so much. thank you!
Just ahead of your time. Glad you were able to created it in the end.