Sign up for a free account to play games, care for your pets, make friends and decorate your rooms! The Webkinz Rumors – Who is the Webkinz Killer? All of the rumors about the Webkinz killer have been collected here for your entertainment. Are the rumors true or is this all just a big hoax? Read the rumors, then review the evidence and decide for yourself. Rumor 1 – The Penguin Virus. Some say the killer is a virus that attacks your.
The website assures users that Webkinz World is “a safe, happy and fun place to play” and that the stories are just rumors. “Many people have been writing in, asking about a rumor that is going around,” the message states. “The rumor is about something in Webkinz World hurting Webkinz pets.
| Virtual plush toy world | |
| URL | webkinz.com |
|---|---|
| Commercial | Yes |
Webkinz are stuffed animals that have a playable online counterpart, www.webkinz.com, in 'Webkinz World.' Webkinz were originally released by the Canadian toy company Ganz on April 29, 2005. The toys are enjoyed by a wide variety of age groups and are similar to many other small plush toys; however, each Webkinz toy has an attached tag with a unique 'Secret Code' printed on it that allows you to play with your pet in the 'Webkinz World' website. On Webkinz World, the Secret Code allows the user to own a virtual version of the pet for online play. Lil' Kinz are smaller, less expensive versions of Webkinz, while the Signature collection is larger, higher-quality, and slightly more expensive. Sales of plush Webkinz toys are limited to the United States and Canada, but international users can buy virtual pets from the online eStore.[1] In 2006, Webkinz had one million online accounts, and according to one estimate published in Wired they made $100 million in 2006.[2] In 2011, Webkinz made its first commercial on TV. Webkinz was updated in 2015 to Webkinz X, making it more kid-friendly.
Types of Webkinz[edit]
There are many types of Webkinz: regular pets, wild animals, mythical creatures, and made-up ones. They all come with codes that can be entered on the computer at www.webkinz.com Along with the regular Webkinz toys, there are also smaller, less expensive versions called Lil' Kinz as well as larger, slightly more expensive versions in the Signature collection launched in April 2009. The Signature collection later ended in December 2013. In May 2009, Birthstone Pets were released. One new Birthstone Pet was released for every month. In April 2010, Ganz replaced the Birthstone Pets with the Zodiac Pets. Again, one Zodiac Pet will be released every month. In 2011, CandyKinz were released. In June 2012, Rockerz Pets were released. In 2019, Ganz announced that no new plush pets would be released as of now, but purely virtual pets can still be purchased, accounts can be made, and the website still operates.[3]
Gameplay[edit]
Each Webkinz stuffed animal and Webkinz accessory comes with an 8-character code. By registering this code at www.webkinz.com, the customer 'adopts' this pet in the virtualWebkinz World. Without the code, the user will not get access to the full Webkinz World, but they can create a free account. On January 19, 2011, Ganz announced that Webkinz World accounts would no longer expire, meaning users would not have to buy a new pet each year to renew their account. However, some games, furniture, and other features are limited with a free account. Young adults who had active accounts on the website, have even revisited their pets to catch up on their health as an online trend.[4]
The Webkinz World is an online play area with its own economy completely controlled by Ganz. The user receives money (called KinzCash) by adopting new pets, playing online games, answering general knowledge questions, and through daily activities like clicking 'I love my Webkinz!', spinning the Wheel of WOW, playing Wishing Well 2, or completing jobs (minigames) available once every 8 hours. Each day, there is a Game of the Day which can be played for bonus KinzCash, and other bonuses are available each hour, full days on weekends and afternoons only on weekdays. With each Webkinz toy purchased, more KinzCash, rooms, and items are added to the user's account.
The online world also contains many rare or exclusive items. Some of these items require developing a friendship with the Curio Shop owner to purchase, while others are obtained by registering other Webkinz accessories purchased in the real world. Each type of pet gets a special item and food available exclusively for them. Also, a Pet of the Month is announced at the beginning of each month. If a person registers the announced pet in that month, they will receive other exclusive items.
Many of the tasks in Webkinz World involve collecting items. For example, recipes are released for the players through cookbooks or one of the TV shows called The Secret Chef. 'Gems' can be mined once a day at the Curio Shop, with a full set of gems being turned into the Webkinz Crown of Wonder and buy exclusive items. A similar feature called Alyssa's Star Challenge, involves users clicking on colored stars to find valuable stars.
Other features of Webkinz include:
- The ability to create shows with the Webkinz Studio, and enter to be chosen to appear on the Webkinz TV.
- Buying a swimming pool, a trampoline, and a treadmill where Webkinz can improve their health.
- Sending gifts or letters to friends on a peer-to-peer network.
- Inviting a friend over to your house, where you can chat and interact with some board games and items.
- Participate in the hourly events, which can earn you prizes, KinzCash, and coupons, among other things.
- Brushing, washing, and bathing your pet.
- Setting up a party, inviting guests, playing games and giving out loot bags. (a Party Pack costs 750 to 1000 KinzCash)
- Playing a variety of games such as gem mining.
- Trading items with other players in a safe and fun way.
- Reading virtual books exclusive to the Webkinz World.
- Enrolling your virtual pet in school, or 'The Kinzville Academy' where your pet can learn and develop skills to help them compete in tournaments.
- Decorating your pets' home. Furniture can be purchased via the W-shop in the Webkinz World.
- Interacting with other players via the Webkinz Clubhouse, where players can play games such as 'Link'd' (Connect four), Checkers, and much more.
- Shopping for clothes with your pet.
Webkinz Studio[edit]
- The Webkinz Studio generally costs 1000 KinzCash in the W Shop.
- There are currently 18 characters and 9 sets. One can buy more from the W Shop.
- In 2008, a very strict dictionary was added to secure the words used in the studio.
- In March 2010, Webkinz announced that the Studio had been 'enhanced' with more features, including 'slide transitions', the 'who speaks first' option, and character entrances and exits.
- Also, the Studio can be found in the Curio Shop on a rare basis for less than 1000 KinzCash.
Membership[edit]
When a pet is registered at www.webkinz.com (or 'adopted'), it gives or renews an account's full membership features for one year. When the membership of a pet expires, the account becomes a free account, missing the ability to play some games, buy certain items, and do other things in the world. However, a player can renew their account again whenever.
There is also an upgrade to regular memberships called the Deluxe Membership which is available at the Ganz eStore. This is a premium membership with many features, benefits, games, and prizes to which regular accounts do not have access. Deluxe Members also receive free Webkinz eStore points at the time of purchase and at the beginning of each month afterward for the extent of the Deluxe Membership.
If one wants to register an account at www.webkinz.com without a pet code, they are permitted to select from 9 Ganz eStore Pets. Several limitations exist on free accounts that make many challenges and activities impossible. Free accounts can be upgraded to regular memberships or Deluxe Memberships at any time.[5]
W-Plus & Trading Cards[edit]
Aside from the Webkinz, Lil' Kinz, Signature, and Rockerz Pets, Ganz also has made other toys that can be used on Webkinz World. These are called W-Plus items, and all W-Plus items come with a secret code that can be used in the Code Shop in Webkinz World. These codes unlock items for the Webkinz Pets, like new room themes, clothing for pets, KinzCash, and other prizes.
W-Plus[edit]
These are all of the W-Plus items Ganz has released:[6]
- Body spray and lip gloss—unlocks a piece of furniture for the Glam Boutique theme
- Clothing for the Webkinz stuffed toys—unlocks the KinzStyle bag, which can be used to access the KinzStyle Shop. The KinzStyle Shop contains clothing that can't be found anywhere else.
- Charms—gives access to Fairy Falls and Magic Mire.
- Bookmarks—unlocks a Book Bag, allowing the user to choose one free book in Webkinz World.
- Mousepads—unlocks an exclusive Mouse Pad Art Print, a hanging poster of the mouse pad.
- School supplies—unlocks exclusive KinzPost stationary.
- Pet carriers—allows the user to assemble an exclusive wardrobe from four choices.
- Figurines—unlocks a virtual figurine and a unique prize (varies by figurine); also unlocks a display case that can be used to hold all the figurines.
- Wacky Zingoz plush toy—gives access to Wacky Zingoz Extreme, an exclusive version of the game Wacky Zingoz.
- Webkinz Trading Card binders—unlocks two exclusive podiums to hold the virtual binders.
Trading Cards[edit]
There are 4 series of Webkinz Trading Cards, of which 2 can be used (in virtual form) to play the challenge game. The cards come in booster packs, with 5 playing cards and a code card in each pack. In these packs, there are also chances of getting special cards as well, like free pet codes. In Series 1, you can also get Curio Shop Curiosities and Webkinz Doodlez.[7] In Series 2, there is At Paw Level and W-Tales Snapshots instead. These special cards are foil. For Series 1, 80 base cards have been released, 12 challenges, 8 Curio Shop Curiosities, and 8 Webkinz Doodlez. In Series 2, there are 85 base cards, 15 challenges, 8 At Paw Levels and 8 W-Tales Snapshots.[8] The cards are also W-Plus items, and they each come with 2-5 codes. 1 code on each card is for a virtual pack of Trading Cards, while the other 1-4 can unlock prizes like rare and exclusive themes or coupons. Series 3 changed the format, with only 1 feature code per pack, and no code for a virtual pack. The packs also included stickers and a chance to win a previously unheard-of Pet, the Magical Retriever. Also, Ganz has said that each Series 3 code gives you an item you cannot find anywhere else in Webkinz World. Series 4 has also been released, and the prize Pet, the Mystical Panda, replaces the Magical Retriever.
Ganz eStore[edit]
The Ganz eStore is targeted to an older audience of the website, it can be used to purchase virtual pets, furniture and items with real currency. Sales of plush Webkinz and Lil' Kinz are limited to the United States and Canada, however, virtual pets can be purchased from the Ganz eStore by international residents. Secret Codes issued in conjunction with virtual pets can be used the same way as Secret Codes attached to plush pets.[1]
Deluxe Members get free Ganz eStore points every month.
Webkinz games[edit]
Webkinz World has many games in which players can play to earn KinzCash. The website also has a wide range of multiplayer games for users to play against their friends and anyone else who wants to play at the time. There are some games specifically reserved for a premium tier of users, called Deluxe Membership.
Criticism[edit]
Concerns have been raised about children's use and overuse of the toys. Parents may worry that children will become addicted to the game.[9] Some parents have voiced concerns about the website's online chat system. The KinzChat chat system has various safety precautions, with restrictions on who can send messages. Additionally, users cannot type, but can choose phrases to say from a list.[10] Concerns have also been raised about the toys being a distraction in school, occasionally resulting in them being banned from school grounds.[11][12] Concerns were also raised when the once advertisement-free site [13] started displaying advertisements, previously only for their own additional game-related products, but now also for movies, such as Alvin and the Chipmunks and Bee Movie.[14] There is an option that members can use to block ads that promote sites not sponsored by or affiliated with Webkinz or Ganz. However, if enabled, this option can not be changed until 30 days have passed.Rumors have circulated that malware is present.[15][16] In 2007 rumors spread about a character that would kill Webkinz on the site,[15][16][17] supposedly inserted by a disgruntled employee or a rival site.[16] These claims were dismissed by Webkinz.com[18]
Errors[edit]
There has been problems in the past with connecting to the Webkinz World site. These range from technical problems with customer's internet browsers and unresponsive customer service[19] to programming problems at the Webkinz World site.[20] Changes made to the Webkinz World site have resulted in many disappointed users as newly introduced features often limit access to a small fraction (less than 1%) of users [21] and programming errors often reduce the ability of the remainder of the site to function at prior levels.[citation needed]
References[edit]
- ^ abWebkinz eStore
- ^'How to Take Money From Kids: Sell Toys Both Physical and Virtual'. Wired. August 13, 2007. Retrieved September 19, 2010.
- ^'Official Statement on the Future of Webkinz Plush Toys | WKN: Webkinz Newz'. Retrieved 2019-09-06.
- ^https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBgF8l08SR4
- ^http://webkinznewz.ganzworld.com/announcements/help/
- ^Webkinz Collection Catalog
- ^Webkinz - Webkinz Trading Cards
- ^Webkinz - Trading Cards Series II Available Now! Read all about it!
- ^'Is the Webkinz Craze Bad for Kids?'. ABC News. 2007-04-12. Retrieved 2007-04-23.
- ^Pardo, Steve (2007-04-11). 'Kids hooked on Webkinz world'. The Detroit News. Retrieved 2007-04-23.
- ^Seltz, Johanna (2007-04-08). 'Toy causes classroom distraction'. The Boston Globe. Retrieved 2007-07-12.
- ^Lazarowitz, Elizabeth (2007-07-30). 'Webkinz: Big money lessons for little kids'. New York Daily News. Retrieved 2007-08-20.
- ^Barakat, Matthew (2007-07-13). 'Review: Webkinz pleases parents and children'. NBC News. Retrieved 2007-08-20.
- ^CCFC News - Webkinz takes heat for taking advertising
- ^ abDavis, Lisa (28 September 2007). 'Interactive Toys Like Webkinz Are Drawing Young Kids, Worrying Some Parents.' Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
- ^ abcMikkelson, Barbara; David Mikkelson (3 January 2008). 'Webkinz Murderer'. Snopes.com. Urban Legends Reference Pages. p. 1. Retrieved 2009-09-19.
- ^Schoberg, Diana (9 February 2007). 'Virtual Pet Threat: No Need to Worry, Kids Assured'. The [Quincy] Patriot Ledger.
- ^Webkinz.com='Webkinz' 'Concerned About a Rumor?'. Webkinz.com. Concerned About a Rumor. p. 1. Archived from the original on 2007-02-25. Retrieved 2019-08-09.
- ^Family Experiences Problem Interacting With Webkinz Online :: WRAL.com
- ^Morris, Keiko (2007-12-29). 'Tots have trouble logging on to Webkinz site'. Newsday. Archived from the original on 2008-12-07.
- ^Webkinz stadium sadness - Gamertell
External links[edit]
New Webkinz Pet of the Month Item -- Blooming Dandelion!
With an unexpected extended maintenance period, Webkinz World came back up this morning with a new Pet of the Month item! It's been some time since one has been added, so here is the Blooming Dandelion for you all to see. The plant cycles through stages of growth when you click on it, with a smooth animation between each stage. Here is a preview of three of the stages of growth!
WI Confirms May Caring Valley Pet, June Pet of the Month, Webkinz Stickers Rumor
Thanks to Robert from Ameriwade.Com for bringing us breaking news about Ganz's selection for the May Caring Valley Webkinz and the JunePet of the Month!
According to his source, the May Caring Valley Webkinz will be the Poodle and the June Pet of the Month will be the Webkinz Pink Pony. Remember, a Caring Valley Webkinz comes with a special 'Caring Valley' tag, while regular Webkinz qualify for the Pet of the Month program.
In addition to this information, Robert's told us that there may be Webkinz stickers coming soon, as well. We don't have any details at this point, but I think we can all safely assume that they will come with codes to be entered into Webkinz World!
July Pet of the Month is the Spotted Frog
May 1st Events in Webkinz World
Webkinz 2007 Rumors
- Pet of the Month Ribbons - On the 1st and 15th of every month, floating Pet of the Month ribbons come to Webkinz World. Click on a ribbon to get a chocolate version to feed to your Webkinz.
- Cocker Spaniel POTM - It's a new month, and there's a new Pet of the Month. For May, it's the Webkinz Cocker Spaniel. Adopt a new Webkinz Cocker Spaniel any day this month to recieve a special POTM gift.
- Webkinz ExtravaGANZa - This year's Webkinz ExtravaGANZa is scheduled to run at participating Webkinz retailers from May 1st to May 3rd. Check with your local store to see what events they may have planned to celebrate Webkinz World's fourth anniversary.
- Deluxe Membership Gifts - Those of you who have signed up for Deluxe Memberships will receive a new Deluxe Gift Box this month. This May's special clothing item is expected to be a new Racing Jacket.
- Caring Valley Tree - Now that May is here, there is a new tree in the Caring Valley. Members entering the Caring Valley code off of specially tagged Caring Valley Webkinz will receive a Flowering Fringe Tree they can customize and display in their Webkinz' yards.
- Emerald Lab - The Emerald Lab is scheduled to debut at the Webkinz eStore on Friday.
Pet of the Month for August is the Webkinz Grey Arabian
Ganz Announces June Birthstone Pet
June 1st Events in Webkinz World
- Pet of the Month Ribbons - On the 1st and 15th of every month, floating Pet of the Month Ribbons come to Webkinz World. Click on a ribbon to get a chocolate version to feed to your Webkinz.
- Pink Pony POTM - It's a new month, and there's a new Pet of the Month. For June it's the Webkinz Pink Pony. Adopt a new Webkinz Pink Pony any day in June to receive a special POTM gift and to participate in special POTM activities.
- Deluxe Membership Gifts - Those of you who have signed up for a Deluxe Membership will receive a new Deluxe Gift Box in June. June's special clothing item is expected to be a Pretty Prom Dress. According to Ganz' customer service representatives, the programming for the boxes has been changed, and the boxes will all be awarded on the first of the month.
- Caring Valley Tree - There's a new tree coming to the Caring Valley. Members entering the Caring Valley code off of specially tagged Caring Valley Webkinz, and planting the required saplings in June, will receive a Magic Maple Tree they can customize and display in their Webkinz' yards.
- Pearl Pup - The Pearl Pup is scheduled to debut at the Webkinz eStore on Monday. This new Birthstone Webkinz will be available at the eStore every day in June.
September's Pet of the Month is the Webkinz Leopard
Webkinz 2007 Rumor Video
July 1st Events in Webkinz World
- Pet of the Month Ribbons - On the 1st and 15th of every month, floating Pet of the Month Ribbons come to Webkinz World. Click on a ribbon to get a chocolate version to feed to your pet.
- Spotted Frog POTM - It's a new month, and there's a new Pet of the Month. For July it's the Webkinz Spotted Frog. Adopt a new Spotted Frog any day in July to receive a special POTM gift. All Spotted Frog owners will be able to participate in special POTM activities.
- Deluxe Membership Gifts - Those of you who have signed up for a Deluxe Membership will receive a new Deluxe Gift Box in July. July's special clothing item is expected to be a Samuari Helmet.
- Caring Valley Tree - There's a new tree coming to the Caring Valley. Players entering the Caring Valley code off of specially tagged Caring Valley Webkinz, and planting the required number of saplings in July, will receive a Delicious Deciduous tree that they can customize and display in their Webkinz' yards.
- Ruby Retriever - The Ruby Retriever is scheduled to debut at the Webkinz eStore on Wednesday. This new Birthstone Webkinz will be available at the eStore every day in July.
