Gamertell

Webkinz is becoming more and more like a mini-massive multiplayer online (MMO) game for kids. The latest addition to Webkinz, the Webkinz eStore proves it. A premium shop now exists for the popular children and casual gamer’s browser virtual pet. Players can visit the Webkinz eStore and purchase furniture and clothing for their characters - for a premium price.

You see, unlike most MMOs, the items in the Webkinz eStore are quite expensive. Ridiculously so. The rocket and picnic basket “Super Beds” both cost $9. Other costly items include a $8 pool, $7 waterfall or suit of armor or 2 $6 modular sofa packs. Players can purchase a train set, fridge or stove for $5.

The cheapest item is a $4 chair, but it may just be the most expensive item of all. Even though all transactions involve Ganz just emailing you a code for the items you’ve purchased after you give your Visa/Mastercard/Amex card information, there is a minimum order of $5. So if someone just wanted to buy the $4 chair, they couldn’t. They would have to either buy two chairs, or a chair and another item, to break the $5 barrier.

Even more ludicrous is the fact that Ganz has instituted further mandates on these premium items. Items purchased from the Webkinz eStore can’t be sent to another players as a gift (through the Kinzpost), can’t be traded to another player (at the Trading Post) or sold back in game (at the W Shop). So Ganz can accept parents’ money for items, but will only allow the items purchased to be used in certain ways. Very nice. Very mature.

Now, as many regular readers may know, I dabble in Trickster Online. Last I checked (5 minutes ago), you could get a outfit set, specifically the White Tiger Form set, for $2.40. And that outfit set would do more than change your character’s appearance, it would enhance stats as well. I’m not even going to go into how much furniture you could buy in Trickster for the same price as a $9 Super Bed, since many furniture items cost around 50~70 cents.

Read [Webkinz Insider] Site [Webkinz] Site [Webkinz eStore]