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.
good Day team; I only have a 9.0 windows computer. It can’t go any futher I hve tons of kin cash and am pretty far with even m family stuff. I don’t have mney for a new computer. does this mean I lost everything?
Windows does not have a “9.0″ Operating System. Are you referring to Mac (Apple) OS9? Or Windows Vista?
excuse me it was the one before 10 came out. on windows
That’s Windows 8 :) You’ll be fine
I see people worrying about not being able to be on two accounts at once? I’m not sure as i do not have two accounts but i’m sure it is just as a quick and easy as it is now to log in and out as you please to switch back and fourth. It really wont be that bad! Also for people wondering if it absolutely has to be full screen, in most cases if you press ALT+Enter it will make the screen almost look like a browser screen with the exit button in the top right and everything. I am not sure if this is included in the new Webkinz but by far every full screen game i’ve played works when you press that combo. Honestly i hope it does as well considering i like to read Webkinz Newz, do peek-a-newz and browse Ganz Estore. So i hope it is implemented but i wouldn’t worry i am sure it most likely is!
It will mean that any event that takes up a lot of time, the time will be doubled if you have two accounts, tripled for three and so on. Thinking about how long it takes to sit and stare at the screen to catch one set of floaties in an event like winterfest, fallfest or the pet medallions we are catching now… those easily take a half hour to an hour to catch them all. So with two accounts, that means it will take 1-2 hours instead just for catching floaties on two accounts. That’s a lot of extra time to spend staring at the screen for those types of events.
2 accounts you can use 2 servers now and be on Chrome on 1 and FireFox on another . FIND EACH other and send gifts play games together get done faster so we can actually play with our pets. there are others with many accounts and use all and play all . Think if your sister was in 1 room and you in another playing against each other . Now thing playing a split screen laptop against your self with the same different servers. NOW POOF its all gone.
The webkinz app on tablets rocks for floats :)
Hi xxmgn – For me, it’s not about ease of going back and forth. For me, being on two different accounts at the same time allows me to play against myself when we have to complete challenges that require us to play in the Tournament Arena. I haven’t the time or patience to play against someone else that is also looking to win, or against a Host that doesn’t let you win. Also, I administer four accounts, so like jsforfr said, Floaty events are going to take a really long time. So, “quick and easy”, for me and those in similar situations – not so much.
estore does use flash I have to allow it to see a lot of items
Thanks for the info.
You didn’t exactly say when windows version would be available. I don’t understand what I will be able to do when the desktop app starts. My Mom has given me lots of cash gifts to spend at Ganz estore and I don’t even know when I will be able to play?
We will be starting the Windows beta with a select group of players in the next couple of weeks. Once we iron out the initial bugs, we will be opening it up to other players. We will keep everyone informed here on Webkinz Newz about when the desktop app will be ready and how to get it.
STEVE can we have time with both to change over and be able to use BOTH so we can get used to the change. NOT like WEBKINZ FRIENDS LOSS or the older WEBKINZ
As per your last question, Steve: Can you please tell us why we haven’t seen any new plush releases for over 4 months? Is Ganz no longer releasing new Webkinz Plush? Are they moving in to a virtual only release? Will we ever see another plush Webkinz?
I too would love an answer to this question! I figured that the lack of plush was because of so much time and effort being put into the desktop version. I love plush and hope their is a future for them too.
seems more like a budget thing, downtime while they prepare this app for everyone
how are you going to chose these test players?
Steve Webkinz, I have some questions. Will these changes to Webkinz.com open the door to being able to run a version of Webkinz desktop or mobile app on Kindle Fire devices or is that completely out of the control of the Ganz/Webkinz team? Another thing I’m wondering about is what if your computer quits working and you have to get a new one but you can’t get Flash on it even before 2020 would you be able to still use the Webkinz desktop app or not. Will Webkinz desktop app work with Windows 10? Thank you in advance for answering any or all of my questions as best you can. Sorry what I’m asking might sound silly but this is uncharted territory for us.
You can still get Flash, it’s not going away completely. As Steve stated in one of the answers, the desktop will run on Windows 7, 8, and 10.
Will this “cloud” type server site be super secure for players? Lots of games using this kind of “cloud” app have issues with “bad actors” hacking 2 steal your items. Hope you’ve built in this kind of protection.
Webkinz is already a “cloud” app. The desktop app is simply a new gateway to our cloud servers. It will actually be more secure because Ganz will now be in control of that gateway, instead of having to always adapt to changes being made by Chrome, Firefox, Explorer, Safari, etc.
Thank you so much for telling us this! I am looking forward to see how the app turns out.