Microsoft has revealed it plans to shut down its TechRewards program on January 6, 2017. The program, designed to offer rewards to software developers, began at Nokia under the name DVLUP.
Nokia started DVLUP in 2012, offering Windows Phone app developers a way to earn points, and compete against others on a leaderboard, so they could earn XP, badges, prizes and more for their work to expand the platform. This "gamification" system continued after Microsoft acquired Nokia's Devices and Services division in 2014, and in 2015, the program was renamed as Microsoft TechRewards, expanding to include Windows 10 app developers.
Today, TechRewards members were sent emails informing them that all the current challenges have been completed and removed from the site, and that members can no longer earn any more points, XP or Badges. Any points that members have collected have to be redeemed for prizes no later than Jan. 6. 2017. The email added:
We believe other Microsoft programs more closely associated with products and services can best support users in their technical journey.
More information on the shutdown of Microsoft TechRewards can be found on its website{.nofollow}. If you are a Windows developer, how do you feel about this decision to close down Microsoft TechRewards? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Thanks to Hacer and Ashish for the tips!
