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Type of site | Virtual plush toy world |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2005 |
| Founder(s) | Ganz |
| URL | webkinz.com |
| Commercial | Yes |
| Registration | Required |
Webkinz is a stuffed animal and video game franchise by the Canadian toy company Ganz. Webkinz stuffed animals have online counterparts in the video games Webkinz Classic and Webkinz Next.[1] It was originally released by Ganz on April 15, 2005.[2]
Each Webkinz toy has an attached tag with a unique "secret code" printed on it, allowing its owner to play with a digital version of their pet on iOS, Android, and desktop computers. Sales of Webkinz plush toys are limited to the United States and Canada, but international users can buy virtual pets from the Ganz eStore. Plush toys made after October 2020 contain two secret codes for Webkinz Classic and Webkinz Next, respectively.
In 2006, Webkinz Classic achieved one million concurrent players. During this same year, according to one estimate published in Wired, Webkinz generated approximately $100 million in revenue.[3] Ganz updated Webkinz Classic in 2015 to Webkinz X, a version that created a safer environment for young players.[citation needed] In October 2020, Ganz unveiled Webkinz Next, a 3D spin-off with different social features.[4]
- ^ "All-New Webkinz FAQ". WKN: Webkinz Newz. Archived from the original on 2021-06-24. Retrieved 2021-06-24.
- ^ @karlborst (July 7, 2020). "Random #Webkinz fact: we launched on April 15, 2005. I moved Webkinz Day to the 29th because Easter was on April 17 in 2006 and I didn't want it so close" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "How to Take Money From Kids: Sell Toys Both Physical and Virtual". Wired. August 13, 2007. Archived from the original on September 1, 2011. Retrieved September 19, 2010.
- ^ "Join the Family". WKN: Webkinz Newz. Archived from the original on 2020-11-27. Retrieved 2020-11-23.