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.
Will there be any new features in Webkinz World? Perhaps separate the W-Shop and e-store again? In addition to having fun activities, there should be things like multiple stores on the Kinzville map like a grocery store specifically for food, and a furniture store. There should be new hosts, too! I would like for things to be a bit more complicated and complex, but then I remember that Webkinz is more targeted towards younger players, so it should be kept simple and easy to play. I just think there should be more for the older players to do, too!
What happens if you have a Linux machine not a windows one? Thank you.
So, as I understand it, this new webkinz desktop has everything original webkinz has to offer? If that’s correct, that makes me so happy! I was worried I wouldn’t be able to do the wonderful things like the curio shop when 2020 came around. Like this, it’ll be just like normal webkinz! :D
Wow, I can’t believe this is finally happening, I have been waiting for this! :D
I think our next contest should be a design the room contest for a certain pet.
Ooo, I’d love to be one of your Beta testers!!!
This is wonderful news.
You had me at Full Screen!! :)
So the one and only computer i have is a chromebook and i now have to buy a new computer to play? or what?
You will still be able to play the game from the internet browser on your chromebook, no need to run and buy a new computer. This is just introducing a kind of shortcut to webkinz unto a computers desktop. Kind of like when Amazing World is downloaded, you don’t have to access the internet browser to play it. Hope this helps jaxmom9960 and who knows, maybe they will make to where you can use it on Chrome OS. Im quite excited even though it’ll take me a little longer to access it since I have a mac :D
sry but what is a “chromebook” and who would buy one? no offense, just a baffling concept. good luck, k.
A Chromebook is a light laptop made by Google (which makes it Android, instead of Mac or Windows format). It only uses Google Chrome browsers and has access to the Google Play store. These laptops can’t really play big downloaded games, though, so I assume it’ll never be able to play Webkinz Desktop version, even if they did make an “Android” version available. =(
I also wonder how Webkinz Desktop will affect chromebook users.
Someone else had that question…..just read through for an answer :)
Sally Webkinz says:
March 8, 2019 at 4:31 pm
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.
So if you are a MAC user, you will not be able to play until that version comes out?
You won’t be able to play the desktop version–until one comes out for a Mac. It’ll still be fine on your browser. :)
yep.. i’m a little sad but we can be patient and wait just a little longer :D
No, don’t worry! They aren’t getting rid of the current Webkinz yet, I’m pretty sure. You’ll still be able to play on the web. But in 2020, when they can’t use the website Webkinz anymore, they’ll make sure they have your Mac version ready by then.
They aren’t going to remove the browser version until everyone is able to access the app.
Looks that way…but you still can play on chrome or whatever browser you use, til then…..