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• Webkinz World is a popular online, virtual universe, or an MMORPG—Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game. Hosted on Webkinz.com, the game allows users to register Webkinz brand stuffed animals and "adopt" their virtual counterparts.

• Fast Facts

  1. Interactive online role-playing game, based on real-world toys
  2. Webkinz stuffed animals each have a virtual online counterpart on Webkinz World website
  3. Major children's fad
  4. Creator: [[Ganz
  5. Launched in 2005
  6. Price: $10 - $30 for individual animals
  7. Discontinued, or "retired" Webkinz models can fetch close to $1000

• How it Works

  Webkinz stuffed animals may be purchased online or in brick-and-mortar shops. The only aspect that distinguishes Webkinz from traditional stuffed animal lines is a number—each animal comes with a unique 8-digit access code to the website. Once registered, a child "feeds" and cares for the toy's virtual counterpart in the Webkinz World universe. The game has its own online economy, in which users earn and spend KinzCash.

• Controversy

  Webkinz World has been criticized according to two main concerns: First, that its online chat features could potentially expose children to predatory users (the site does institute a variety of restrictions and precautions meant to prevent this). Second, that the all-encompassing universe, requiring children to mind the health of their "pets," could become addictive and disruptive to childhood social development.

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Webkinz | Webkinz Chocolate Lab | Webkinz Seal | Webkinz Reindeer | Gaia Online | Club Penguin | Pokemon Crater | Online Virtual Pet

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