Hi everyone, Steve Webkinz here. In case you missed it, we recently announced that we will be releasing a NEW version of the previously-planned Webkinz Desktop App.
After our initial announcement, our players understandably had some questions. I will try to answer some of those questions the best that I can, here.
Q: Is the Webkinz desktop app a new version of Webkinz?
A: No. The Webkinz desktop app is only a new “gateway” to access your current Webkinz account. Instead of using a web browser like Chrome, Firefox, Explorer, or Safari to log in, you will instead be able to install the app and then use it to connect over the internet to your Webkinz account.
Q: If Flash is going away in 2020, how will Webkinz still work if it is still using Flash?
A: Flash isn’t completely “going away” in 2020; web browsers just won’t support it after that date. The new Webkinz desktop app replaces the need to use a web browser in order to access your Webkinz account. It is designed to run the Flash programming used for Webkinz.
Q: How do I get the Webkinz desktop app (or Flash) onto my computer once it’s released?
A: Once it is released, you will be able to find a direct link to download the desktop app from the homepage of Webkinz.com. If you require Flash player to be installed on your computer, we will also be providing a link to a verified publisher.
Q: Can the Webkinz desktop app be used on a mobile device like a tablet or phone?
A: No, you will still need the Webkinz mobile app to access your Webkinz account on mobile devices. The desktop app will work on desktop or laptop computers running Windows 7,8 and 10, and eventually with MacOS.
Q: When will the Windows and MacOS versions be released?
A: There will be a “closed beta” (i.e., testing by a few hand-picked players) for the Windows version in a couple of weeks. The MacOS beta for the Webkinz desktop app should start a few weeks after the Windows beta, so both versions will be up and running long before Flash is blocked from web browsers.
Q: Will the desktop app also be made available for computers running other operating systems, like my Chromebook?
A: Once the Windows and MacOS versions are released, we will review what other operating systems are in use by our players. We will make a decision about creating additional versions once that investigation is complete.
Q: Will you still be adding new features from Webkinz to the mobile app?
A: Our immediate plans include adding more games to the mobile arcade and to continue working on minor bug and feature fixes. Once we have fully transitioned to the desktop app, we will review all of our properties before determining any further future plans.
Q: Will I be able to run multiple accounts at the same time on the same computer using the desktop app?
A: No. The desktop runs in a single account in full-screen mode.
Q: Will the layout for the Webkinz desktop app look the same as the current version of Webkinz.com?
A: The gameplay area screen layout will look exactly the same. The only difference is that it will now take up the full screen, as we will be removing the outer frame where we currently display ads.
Q: Will I still be able to use Webkinz.com, WebkinzNewz.com and GanzeStore.com?
A: Webkinz Newz and the Ganz eStore websites do not use Flash, so they are not affected by the change by web browsers in 2020. For Webkinz.com, only the game itself runs on Flash. The homepage and its linked pages do not run on Flash, so those parts of Webkinz.com will essentially remain the same.
Q: Will the new Webkinz Desktop App include Mazin’ Hamsters?
A: No. The desktop app only runs Flash. It cannot run Unity 3D, the programming that was used to create Mazin’ Hamsters.
Q: Can I request to join the beta testers for the new Webkinz desktop app?
A: While we have already selected a few initial players to test out the Webkinz desktop app, you can always request to join the beta by sending an email to: ganzworldsupport@ganz.com, but do not expect a reply unless we decide to expand the number of beta testers. Also, please DO NOT send a request to join the beta to Webkinz Customer Support to avoid clogging up the pipeline of people requesting technical help.
This has been Steve Webkinz reporting for Webkinz Newz! Do you have any other questions about the Webkinz desktop app? And what would you like me to report on next?Let me know in the comments below.
Sounds great thanks Steve! I was so worried our beloved Webkinz would be totally different and honestly i am glad it is staying the same in many ways. Thank you for sharing these questions as many of us sure were wondering. Also, ooh i wouldn’t mind trying out the beta! How exciting for those who will be chosen. Again, very glad Webkinz is carrying on and keeping what we love most about it!
Good morning Steve!! Thank you for answering our questions! I’m so glad to read that other operating systems will be reviewed and considered. I myself have friends who play on Chromebooks, and they would be very sad not to be able to play anymore. Thanks again and have a great day!
Okay, thank you for answering some of those questions, Steve! I do hope you can make a “Webkinz Desktop” version for Chromebook.. I really like Chromebooks, because they’re cheap, light, and easy. It’ll be kind of annoying for me to have to use a desktop computer (talk about uncomfortable psshhh), since we don’t have any other laptop besides the Chromebook, and I always use the Chromebook for everything. Nevertheless, Webkinz Desktop looks great! It’s interesting that there will be no ads. That’ll be almost weird, heheh.. we won’t see as many of your wonderful advertising puns! ;P It’s kind of sad that the Mobile App doesn’t seem to have any grand plans for adding the rest of WW, but that’s alright. I don’t mind- I never had that stuff (park, clubhouse, curio shop, academy, etc) on a device before, so I don’t need it now. But yeah, my main beef is with the Chromebook stuff. I really hope you can figure that out!
A bit off topic, but is Bathtub battles available for free members?
yes
Please can you let us know if we will still be able to participate in collection events, trophy contests, challenges and other special events on the mobile app, so that players can do this when they are away from their main computer/laptop and on vacation, etc? It is a problem taking a heavy laptop away on vacation or a trip, so being able to do it on the mobile app would be great.
Steve mentioned for now…nothing new to the mobile app :( maybe games but they are focusing on desktop app only for now
Can I request to play the beta? I run both MacOS and Windows on my Mac. ☺
While we have already selected a few initial players to test out the Webkinz desktop app, you can always request to join the beta by sending an email to: ganzworldsupport@ganz.com, but do not expect a reply unless we decide to expand the number of beta testers. Also, please DO NOT send a request to join the beta to Webkinz Customer Support to avoid clogging up the pipeline of people requesting technical help.
I have 4 accounts. Will I need 4 apps to run each account?
2 laptop just to play against your self. Log on 1 time and them off for each account . But with 2 laptop we should be able to play against ourselves.
ZUMs = WILL we still be able to play ZUMs ??CAN you please if possable make the game less than an HOUR and release rewards so they are postable ? Like the ZUM SIGN and pedistal and costumes.
JUMBLEBERRYS PLEASE DON’T MAKE ME LOSE THEM !! Webkinz Friends you made me lose them they cost a lot. PLEASE let me keep mine. GIVE out the ROCKERS plushy LION its AWESOME !! My MOST SPECIAL PLUSHY !!!
SO GLAD I have moved SPECIAL items for years to main account . AMAZING FRIENDS was downloadable will it be like that to find ? IF SO the pets there could DANCE , TWIRL and even play AIR GUITAR !! COULD this be POSSIBLE for our pets (YES/NO or MAYBE) ? World was huge but home area I ran out of space in 3 years . They had extra areas to buy for space . WEBKINZ FRIENDS also ran out of HOME SPACE HUGE amounts of stuffin my dock .