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Webkinz is a website based in flash where users can play with a virtual representation of a stuffed animal they purchased. Users can earn virtual currency by playing a variety of educational games and by adventuring with their Webkinz.
Basics
Publisher: Ganz
Launch Date: 2005
Number of registered accounts: Over 2 million Webkinz sold
Target Audience: Children Ages 6+
Cost and subsequent subscription fees: To access online content, one must first purchase a Webkinz stuffed animal from a retailer. Webkinz stuffed animals vary in price, from $12 to upwards of hundreds of dollars for rare, discontinued animals. Each Webkinz comes with a secret code on its tag that allows the user who registers it 1 year worth of play on the Webkinz site. After 1 year, the account expires and to reactivate it, the user must purchase a new Webkinz animal and input the new code. Webkinz also sells clothing for the stuffed animals at retail stores, which can be used to dress the stuffed animals. The clothing comes with a code that can be redeemed for virtual clothing as well. Webkinz has also developed trading cards, also sold at retailers, which have games and codes on them. The codes can be input for access to special areas of the Webkinz online game.
General Description: Webkinz is a website based in flash where users can play with a virtual representation of the stuffed animal they purchased. Users are given a room to decorate, some Kinz Cash to start, and an introduction into the world of Webkinz. Users can earn more Kinz Cash by playing a variety of games and by adventuring with their Webkinz. Many of the games are of an educational nature, and reward math skills, quick thinking, and knowledge. Users can adopt as many Webkinz as they wish, gaining special rewards and surprises with each adoption.
Technical
Platform: PC, Macintosh, Flash enabled browsers
2-D, full 3-D, or other: Static images, 2D personal room space
Special hardware required (upgraded video card, sound card, etc): None
Language availability: English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese
Option for authoring (can users create and build?): Users cannot build or create in Webkinz. All items are purchased through in-world shops and are placeable only in a user’s personal room space.
Design tools available: Not applicable.
Search (does the world offer a way to search users and/or places?): There is a tab to click that shows the user where they can go and what they can do, leading them to places like the Arcade, Quiz Arena, and shops.
Security (is there protection against hacking, identity theft, or theft of IP?): Personal information is protected by Ganz’s privacy policy. Information is not shared with other companies.
Can the virtual world be accessed through mobile devices: No.
Can the virtual space be accessed offline: No.
Is the world persistent? (Does the world continue when the user logs off): No.
Legal & Management
Entry (what personal information is required?): First name, birthdate, gender, email address
Is a free trial account available (if so, what are the account restrictions)? There are no free trials available for Webkinz. Access to the site is only granted to those with codes from purchase of a Webkinz toy.
Are there age restrictions: No
User Profiles (what do they contain?): User profiles show pets owned as well as high scores from the various Webkinz games.
Privacy management (protecting personal data, information sharing with other companies): No personal information is shared with other companies.
If a premium membership exists, what benefits are there to upgrading? Not applicable.
Can access be restricted to designated groups? Not applicable.
Intellectual Property management (who owns users' creative works?): Not applicable.
Are there in-world moderators: No, to contact Ganz for account issues you must either call or email them.
Management of abusive behavior: Users can be banned if caught cheating, account or item selling for real life money.
Virtual Space
Avatar description (are they customizable?): The player has no personal avatar. The player is represented by the current pet they have with them. Users can change their pet by purchasing a new Webkinz stuffed animal and entering the secret code on the tag.
Is in-world property ownership available? Users are given one room per Webkinz pet they own. Each room can be decorated as the user sees fit. There are many different themes of home décor that the user can choose from.
What are the common meeting spaces (and how many do they accommodate)? Players currently cannot meet with other players since the Clubhouse is closed for upgrading. The Clubhouse is where players can meet and chat, and befriend others to play games with. The Clubhouse will be re-released at an unknown date with new and improved functionalities.
Video or animation capabilities: Not applicable.
Are there any restrictions on what users can create in their "owned" space? Users cannot create any objects, only arrange furniture they have purchased from the website.
Example of a prominent corporation present in the virtual world: None, however many references to pop culture, corporations, branding, and characters are placed in the world in the form of trivia.
Socialization/Communication
Does the world include in-world instant messaging? No.
Out of world instant messaging? No.
In-game email? No.
Blog space? Somewhat, users are given a Webkinz viewable web page that is alterable only within several preset options. Users cannot give out any personal information, but can still have a page that represents their Webkinz related interests.
Screenshot or photo albums? No.
Can other users be blocked or ignored? Yes, users can block one another. Block disallows a user to ever ask you to be their friend again. Users can also put up a “Do Not Disturb” status, and all users will be unable to contact you or invite you to games.
Is there language filtering? Profanity and attempts to give personal information, such as location or email address, are filtered.
Economy
Does the virtual world have currency? KinzCash is the official currency of Webkinz.
How does the user obtain currency in-world? Users can play games, work a job, answer trivia, sell items, battle in tournaments, and search for gems.
Can a user convert real world cash to in-world currency? No.
How does the company assist with in-world trade? (Official commerce sites/auction sites/etc): Ganz does not assist in in-world trade and disallows the trade of items for real life money.
Does it cost money or currency to upload user created content? Users cannot create content.
Educational Presence
Prominent educational, government and corporate organizations known to be using this product for educational purposes: None
Examples of areas in which instruction is currently offered: None
Are there special privileges for instructors? Not applicable.
Are there virtual classrooms or meeting areas? Not applicable.
Strengths of this product as an educational or learning tool: Webkinz is valuable as learning software for all ages. Once registered on the website, users are given 1000 KinzCash to spend as they wish. Beyond the starting amount given for free, all Kinzcash needs to be earned. Webkinz teaches children to work for their rewards, to manage money, and to be responsible for their virtual pet. The quickest way to earn Kinzcash is to answer trivia questions, which are available in categories, such as Math, Science, and Popular Culture. After each correct answer, the game offers supplementary information on the topic to further the child’s knowledge on the subject. Other games test children’s math, comprehension, hand-eye coordination, and quick thinking skills. Children are taught the responsibility of caring for a virtual pet: feeding, bathing, and playing with it to keep it happy and healthy. They take the pet to school to learn to be smarter, stronger, and faster, teaching children the value of learning. Children can also take a job twice a day along with their pet, playing a corresponding game and earning job reviews from NPCs.
Opportunities for Philanthropy
Prominent educational, government and corporate organizations known to be using this product for philanthopic purposes: None, however there are many organizations and individuals who have used the Webkinz toys as raffle items for charity.
Are there zones or areas reserved for promoting real life issues? None
Do users find the virtual world an appropriate place for philanthropy? No.