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.
Could this also mean we can get the Mazin’ Hamsters back? That was one of my favorite parts of Webkinz.
So many people have asked that question & I have to admit it was the first thing my son asked when I told him about the new app. I hardly dare to hope!
YES!!! So happy and relieved you found a way around this. I was so upset that we might not be able to use Webkinz in 2020. Great job thinking up a creative way around this!
Will Desktop Webkinz run / work automatically on a public computer, like an internet cafe or computers at your local public library, or will something have to be downloaded? Sometimes there are certain downloads / functions that can’t be used on the library computers since they are public. ♪♫LadyBeauty♪♫
In other words how is this going to affect players that don’t have their own computers and do rely on the use of public computers that you can’t put apps on. Will we still be able to play and how? I know some of us older players have spent quite a bit of money on plush pets, estore points, and deluxe memberships and really want to continue to play Webkinz because it is a safe and wonderful place to log in to and play at the end of a hard day. I don’t want to give up this special place, community, and hobby. Please find a way that players like me can continue to enjoy Webkinz. ♪♫LadyBeauty♪♫
That is a concern, LadyBeauty, and I hope this can work out for you. Do you have a cell phone you can put the mobile app on? That would keep your account accessible while waiting for future developments. Lap top/desktop computers are expensive & not a casual expenditure for many! If nothing else, I’ll be happy to send you the seasonal gifts & prizes that you can’t currently get on mobile until the situation is resolved. We don’t want to lose you!
I don’t have a smart phone so I can’t use apps, but I do have a friend that manages my account on Holidays, special events, etc. when the library isn’t open and I don’t have access to a computer or internet. I just need to know if once I use a search engine and type in Webkinz, then click on Log In, if I will be automatically in Webkinz World or if something has to be done or applied to the actual computer before I can even log in. If the later is the reality, then I have a serious problem. ♪♫LadyBeauty♪♫
Thanks Webkinz and Ganz for all your help in keeping Webkinz going, I love coming in here and playing. I have the desk top only, so I hope all goes well, I would hate to see my world in Webkinz get lost!!
how do we apply to be in the beta
How will we be able to download it? Will it be on another site or in the Microsoft Store?
I know animal jam gives you a link….so this should work the same way
Did I mention how awesome it is that you have a pet named “Harry” in that magic train station room? Love it! ;)
LOL! How very observant of you!
Yay! I’m very relieved that Webkinz will not go down so easily! However, I also only have a Chromebook so not sure what “only works on Windows” means. Mac I know is an Apple product, is Windows just computers and not laptops/Chromebooks? Help Sally?? Also, I just want to say thank you for the team who have worked so hard to keep Webkinz alive. It’s a place for me to relax and forget about the world for awhile and I’m happy it will still be around. Thank you for your hard work!
Oh yes, another question is will Webkinz Newz still be around as well or is that not part of the Webkinz website and will be removed? Meaning no updates to Webkinz? Sorry if this is a stressful question, I understand the project is still an early release one.
Webkinz Newz is not based on Flash :)
Chromebooks run on an Android operating system — they don’t run Windows 7, 8 or 10 or a Mac OS. A laptop that runs any of those is fine. Desktop just means not a mobile device like a phone or tablet in this context.
Im not sure i understand. I have only ever used a desk top computer to play WW for more then 10 years and I dont seem to get how it will work. I only use chrome because the other browsers would not work for me. I am wondering how the daily activities etc are going to work. lots of worries due to the amount of money spent and the number of pets to keep up.
windows is an operating system. so is macintosh. so is android. It is software that runs the basic functions of your system, how it understands files, how it processes them etc. The application looks like it only supports or will support for the near future the operating systems sally mentioned. Android is used on many phones, seemingly also chromebooks as I have learned today, so it would count as that. If you ever see windows or mac when you start up, apparently you’ll be fine
So everyone who plays on a chromebook is out of luck, game over?
Sounds like if you are playing on a chromebook you are out of luck. maybe they will give refunds for time not used on memberships sense the are the ones discontinuing the platform use
Okay got it now. Glad Webkinz Newz will still be around. Thank you for clarification Sally! :)
I am glad to find out that you have found a way for us to not have to part with a lot of game features. I have been very worried that we would end up losing many arcade games, areas like magical forest and adventure park. I do feel relieved to know we won’t be losing those. I hope all goes smoothly and works out for the best. It will be hard only being able to load up one account at once, for floating events but maybe those can float a little faster in the future to help out with the extra time it will take to have to catch on one at a time.
Will games and other things still be added to the mobile app? Even though we’ll now have a desktop app, it’s still nice to be able to do Webkinz on tablets and phones.
Yes…we need the app to run like the desktop version ASAP lol