As most of you know, browser support for the Flash plug-in will be ending in 2020. When this happens, you will no longer be able to start up Chrome or Firefox and play Webkinz. At the end of 2017 we made a small announcement that we were developing a desktop version of our mobile application to deal with the end of browser support. That application was completed, but we weren’t very happy with it. Screens designed for small phones don’t look great when blown up on a large monitor, and more importantly, what was going to happen to great sections like the Curio Shop, Wish Factory and the Clubhouse that aren’t in our mobile version? We knew we could do better. So we dug deep, got creative, and we can now show you this…
This is the new Webkinz Desktop. This version includes everything that Webkinz has to offer – all the games, items, and features – because it IS Webkinz. Webkinz Desktop still uses Flash – do not delete the plug-in! – but doesn’t require a browser to play the game.
And Webkinz has never looked better! You’ll be able to play Webkinz full screen to see your pet’s rooms even closer. Complete challenges, enjoy all of our events, join friends in the park – it’s all there!
Webkinz Desktop is nearing completion. To ensure that we haven’t missed anything, we will be running a small private beta test in about three weeks. Once that is complete, we will release the application to everyone! Webkinz Desktop is currently for Windows only, but we do plan to make a Mac version available soon after.
We are very excited for the release of Webkinz Desktop, as it will allow us to continue to provide a great Webkinz experience for years to come.
I am very confused. Wasn’t the reason you were doing this is because Flash will no longer be supported? And then this new version uses Flash? I have no problem with it not using a browser…. it just makes it like the other online games that I play. One question: what will you use so that we can connect with our friends in the game? Will we now have to connect through something like FB, or in fact, FB?
Flash will no longer be supported by browsers such as Chrome, and will no longer be actively developed by Adobe. Flash will remain, as it does now, a powerful game engine. So we’ve created an application that allows you to play everything Webkinz has to offer by continuing to use Flash as the underlying game engine. As for connecting with your friends, all of the multiplayer functionality in Webkinz will remain as it is. You’ll still have a friends list, KinzPost, the Clubhouse with trading, the Tournament Arena, etc. Your browser doesn’t provide that connectivity, our game does.
Yay! So glad the end of one thing just meant an opportunity for something new!
Thank you I am a Senior and do enjoy my Webkinz on my computer.
Wow! So excited! That looks sharp! Question? We can still interact with all of out WW friends as usual?
looks like it
Thank you so much! I have been a long time player of Webkinz, and I am so grateful that there will be a way for me to continue playing with my Webkinz. After over 12 years, they have become very dear to my heart, and I am looking forward to 12+ more years continuing to have fun with them!
Since Webkinz Desktop doesn’t use a browser, will we still need wi-fi access to play?
The desktop application will require an active internet connection to work.
Thanks, Sally! :)
Will Webkinz Desktop be compatible with older PC models such as Windows Vista?
We have not tested on Windows Vista, but the application does work on Windows 7 and above.
I have a windows Vista laptop so here’s hoping it works. *fingers crossed*
do we have to download webkinz desktop to play?
Only when it stops working in browsers.
Just wondering, will there still be a Webkinz mobile app and will different games and activities continue to be added to it? I really like the Webkinz mobile app and I’m looking forward to a desktop app that has everything that the website does.
Just want to say love love love all the positive comments. It’s refreshing for people to see the positive in this new change moving forward..KUDOS to you all
Sorry. Not feeling very positive since learning that if I can’t somehow get another computer, I can no longer play this game I have a lot invested in…monetarily and emotionally.