Special Report – With Steve Webkinz!

 

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.

 

98 Responses to Special Report – With Steve Webkinz!

  1. rainbowmaddie14 says:

    Do you still make plush toys or just estore pets?

  2. gelfling01 says:

    I run five accounts and have not had to quit the desktop app to switch between them. Using Win 10, so maybe is that only true on certain systems?

  3. Tru1 says:

    Steve, I realize that Webkinz need to run adds on the free accounts and I was even willing to overlook the game closing just about the time the floaties were supposed to appear but now the floaties are flying under the adds that are running. Is there anything that can be done about these issues. Also, the site crashes whenever I have reached when I play the games. It is so bad I will not play the games any more. I have lost hundreds of webkinz dollars this way as well as a lot of fun. Thanks for any help you can give me.

  4. sewnina says:

    I still cannot get the desktop app to run even after downloading the Flash Player that is attached to the link given above.

  5. sparklysnail says:

    i have a question that isn’t related to Flash (as far as i’m aware): what happened to the daily Treasure Hunt on WebkinzNewz? it vanished earlier this month but i haven’t seen any news about why

  6. geoprimedonna says:

    Steve, I was wondering if you could run a series of special reports on previous Ganz games, Webkinz Jr and Nakamas being two in particular that I had in mind. I wanted to tap into my nostalgia and recall the adorable books and foods available in the Webkinz Jr W-Shop, and maybe have the Paws for Caring videos uploaded for nostalgic purposes.

  7. Powerann says:

    Since we will no longer be able to open two accounts at the same time, for pity’s sake (and my sanity!!), might I suggest you: 1. GREATLY speed up the timing in between floaties; and, 2. Eliminate COMPLETELY the need to go to the MUCH-HATED Tournament Arena for future challenges, etc. Because there’s just no way I (and I’m sure I’m not alone!) will have that much time to devote to Webkinz. And speaking for myself, that will only translate to less $$$’s I’ll be spending on this “little” hobby of mine.

  8. bashopper says:

    Can you begin using the desktop app and then go back to using the browser version for a while and then use the desktop app again? I mean, of course, while they are both still available through 2020.

  9. gml1939 says:

    I don’t think having to write down a code is a step back in time. I know i am from a prehistoric era; I feel it every day. But I still have a pencil and paper from my childhood in the 1950′s. Just so thankful to Webkinz/Ganz teams for making sure there is Webkinz after Flash. Thx!!!

    • barkopinko1916 says:

      it should be because computers are made nowadays to multitask. webkinz shouldn’t take up the entire screen all the time with the only way to quit being a keyboard shortcut that you have to look up to know about at all, which is a bit ridiculous when especially kids are expected to know that too.

      • mea91 says:

        there’s alot of kids that play full screen games and would probably know the shortcut, but I understand how it might be frustrating to have to use it. I would appreciate being able to change the resolution of the desktop app, but I understand that things have been coming one step at a time, and I love that I can still play Webkinz using the app, which I really love. they’re investing the time and money to save what we love about the site, and I think it’s super cool! ^w^

  10. Cherrycheesecake says:

    Steve Webkinz, would it cause a problem to use the mobile app and the web app at the same time?

    • Steve Webkinz says:


      You can only be logged in to your account through one portal at a time. If you log in through the mobile app while on the desktop app, you’ll be booted out of the desktop app.

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