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.
Is there a place to talk about deluxe accounts – what is up with the monthly deluxe boxes? The same gifts every month – why bother – and who needs more spree coins when the prizes never change. Everything is getting very stale
So they’re no longer trying to convert everything to the mobile app? Understandable, considering the player base isn’t what it used to be, but sad. Flash is still going away so without flash updates won’t webkinz eventually go away too? or become glitchy to the point where it’s unplayable?
As was already stated in my FAQ, Flash isn’t going away. Also, fewer Flash updates will actually mean fewer glitches. Most Flash glitches occur when they make a change which conflicts with something in our existing code.
I don’t know if it’s improvements on your end or my internet got better?????? But- I was able to play 3 games on my ipad on webkinz and actually could finish all 3 games without getting shut down!! Can’t wait for the desktop app!!!
Steve , being as we will not have the ability to do more than one account at a time on the desk top version , I truly hope Webkinz will take this into account when there are floaty events and speed up the time between each floaty . Webkinz has to be willing to work with it’s players as well and make this as user friendly as possible. The rate at which something float now is very time consuming but tolerable when you can do 2 accounts at a time , on the desktop option we won’t be able to do that and I fear that a lot of us just won’t have the time to sit there and wait.
Great suggestion!
So, I have a chromebook, 2 accounts-was thinking of opening a 3rd, both deluxe with a ton of kc and money constantly being spent at the estore. So, do i now need to figure out how to buy a new computer just to play bc I have a chromebook? I just bought a pet of the month membership plus my deluxe accounts will go into 2020…if you decide to not do something for ppl like me to be able to play….would you be giving me money back for the memberships I can no longer play? I get the point behind what you are doing. It’s a great idea…I just cannot imagine that thought of not adapting certain OS’s- like chromebook- would be a good idea considering that will exclude certain players now and new players in the future. I’m very afraid that I will be left out in the cold because my OS is in the minority :( Any words of encouragement for Webkinites like myself who are worried??? Thank you so much for all of the great work you guys do!! I’m in love with webkinz!
I’m gonna miss being able to throw house parties with myself lol. I’m glad you guys are doing this! Will being able to invite players over to your house be added back via your phone? Thanks!
I hope that one day Mazin Hamsters returns to Webkinz. It was one of my favorite parts of Webkinz. I doubt it will return, but one can always hope…
Me, too- I still really miss Mazin Hamsters, it was one of my favorite things to play in WW.
love that my comment got deleted even though i didn’t say anything rude. will we still have the ability to peek between programs yes or no, it would be convenient if i could multitask like currently (I don’t mean multiple accounts, i mean between webkinz and then a browser or whatever)
None of your comments have been deleted.
ahh yes my mistake apologies
Steve, you haven’t mentioned a Linux machine. What about Linux? There is no Flash for Linux. Thank you.
Linux and Chromebook (Android) OS will both be evaluated once the Windows and Mac versions are complete.
I’m not sure that this is going to help me because I don’t own my own computer or have an internet provider. I have to use public computers at my local library and I don’t think that it will be allowable to install the app on the library’s computers. I don’t want to think about having to say good bye to Webkinz. It is my special place to go for a couple hours after a hard day at work, not to mention I have over 150 pets on my account, close to 200 rooms in my castle, at least 30 to 40 pets which I haven’t adopted yet, and I have spent a lot of money over the years between plush pets, E-Store and my Deluxe Membership. I don’t know what to do. ♪♫LadyBeauty♪♫
I checked with one of the librarians and no, you can not down load an app even if it is just for your time on line and would be deleted when the computer reboots for the next person. So I guess my days for playing Webkinz are drawing to to an end with the new year of 2020. Buying a computer and having the internet provider do their installations is not an option for me either. I wish it were, but it’s not. This makes me very sad. ♪♫LadyBeauty♪♫