Hi everyone, Steve Webkinz here. In case you were unaware, Adobe Flash will no longer be supported by web browsers (like Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.) at the end of 2020. This was a big problem for Flash-based games like Webkinz, so in May this year, we announced the release of the Webkinz desktop app!
While the Webkinz desktop app still runs on Flash, it works like its own web browser, running the game on your computer and connecting to your account over the internet.
Unlike the Webkinz mobile app, the desktop app offers ALL of the same features and functions currently on the website. However, whether you use your user name and password to log in through the web, the desktop app, or the mobile app–in all instances–you are connecting to the SAME account.
Below are answers to some of the frequently asked questions about the Webkinz desktop app:
Q: Where do I get the Webkinz desktop app?
A: You can download the Webkinz desktop app directly from Ganz on the Webkinz.com homepage.
Q: What computer do I need to run the Webkinz desktop app?
A: The Webkinz desktop app can be downloaded and run on a desktop of laptop computer running Windows 7, 8, or 10, and on Apple computers running MacOS.
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 install the app and then use it to connect over the internet to your Webkinz account.
Q: How come the Webkinz desktop app is saying that I need to install Flash when I already have it on my computer?
A: While you may already have Flash for web browsers installed on your computer, the Webkinz desktop app runs on a different version. Follow the link provided when installing the app to download the correct version of Flash. If you haven’t installed it yet, or if the app keeps prompting you to download it, visit the Adobe Flash Player download site, select your operating system and then select the version for “Opera and Chromium”.
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 (available for either Android or Apple devices) to access your Webkinz account on mobile devices.
Q: Will the desktop app also be made available for computers running other operating systems, like Chromebook?
A: Unfortunately, our developers have found that the Android operating system on Chromebooks works in a similar way to their mobile platform in preventing Flash-based apps from running. However, we are still pursuing a new technical solution which will potentially make all features in Webkinz available on all platforms.
Q: Will you still be adding new features from Webkinz to the mobile app?
A: Our current focus for the Webkinz mobile app is adding more games to the Arcade and more features to the pet room. That said, the new technical solution mentioned in the previous question could also potentially improve the mobile app.
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 a single account in full-screen mode. Also, if you have multiple accounts, you will need to fully quit and close the app before re-opening and logging in again with a different user name in order to receive any log in gifts or prizes for those secondary accounts.
Q: Does the layout for the Webkinz desktop app look the same as the current version of Webkinz.com?
A: The gameplay area screen layout looks exactly the same. The only difference is that it now takes up the full screen, as we have removed the outer frame where we currently display web ads.
Q: Are you going to make a version of the Webkinz desktop app that isn’t full screen so I can access other stuff on my computer while its running?
A: No, the app only works in full screen mode. However, you can still minimize the app, or access your toolbar by using several keyboard shortcuts. Just Google “minimize full screen game” to find instructions for your computer.
Q: Will I still be able to use Webkinz.com, WebkinzNewz.com and GanzeStore.com?
A: Webkinz Newz does not use Flash. The Ganz eStore has some animated item images using Flash files, but those are being updated before the end of 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: Does the 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.
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.
Wasn’t this exact special report posted previously months ago?
no, they had to update to tell us about how they’re doubling down on not having a windowed mode
Maybe just maybe someone there has programming knowledge that isn’t from the 90′s and could update this game to NOT use flash like all the rest out there????? Can’t tell you how disappointing this game is becoming. I will be killing 2 of our 3 deluxe memberships and all other accounts once we can no longer play in browser. Sure hope you stop with all the floaty events and things that already take us HOURS to do on multiple accounts because the way this is going with only access to one at a time no one can be on here 24-7. Whatever happened to Ganz promoting OUTDOOR PLAY???? And please for the love of all that is holy FIX THE 502 BAD GATEWAY ERROR on Chrome!!!!
its not just on chrome
Yes
One thing that I haven’t found out yet is if we will be able to get the add prizes that we were getting before. They are all really nice and I would love to have some more of the computer desks. I love the Welder outfit as I have that on a cat that has his name after a stray cat with the same name that we had when I was growing up.
Will the wacky carnival be added to when you try to log out of the desktop app?
“However, we are still pursuing a new technical solution which will potentially make all features in Webkinz available on all platforms.” Does this mean you are working on a version that doesn’t use Flash? I hope so because with Flash no longer being supported and updated, it will be a security vulnerability and I would rather not run it if I don’t have to. Thanks for all your hard work in this transition!
I will miss the ability to open multiple accounts at the same time. The only way I can win games like Zingoz Switcherooz is to play against myself.
With my luck I would still lose!!
~nanamama12, Bwaaa-ha-haaaa! XD I am right there with you, ~Alphaowlbear, and ~nanamama12! Game-challenged people of the world unite! We should play one another and throw the game. Although, I am actually so in the dark about the WW version of this game that I might actually win by accident. LOL!
Oh boy, I wish I had that amount of estore points and kinzcash! :D
Referring to what bubbashuka?
good observation!!
Holy cannolis Steve Webkinz!! You are a millionaire! And your estore balance is enviable. Does work pay for all of that? If so, I think that you will help to change a lot of players career aspirations! LOL! I love your griffin in the train station room. Is he by any chance “Harry Potter”? I think I spy ‘Hedwig’ sitting on a bench. ;)
Thank you for the report Steve! It answered a lot of questions I had. My biggest complaint is that the app only works in full screen mode. I normally have Webkinz up while I’m accessing other things on my computer so that’s a huge step down for me. I’m still grateful we’ll get to be playing webkinz at all after Flash is disabled though, so thank you webkinz team for making that possible :)
We really, really need the ability to minimize this app. It’s virtually unusable without it. Please consider doing this.
“you can still minimize the app, or access your toolbar by using several keyboard shortcuts. Just Google “minimize full screen game” to find instructions for your computer.”
the fact you have to use an external solution really should be unacceptable but it isn’t :/
Steve not being able to minimize the window means not having access to information…picture trying to input a feature code from a Podkinz episode? You would have to minimize the screen 4 times to get the entire code to input or write it down which feels like a step backward in time.