The Starbucks NFT rewards program will quickly be no extra.

In late 2022, Starbucks dipped its toes into the world of Web3 with a beta launch of its new NFT rewards program, Starbucks Odyssey. It has remained as a closed, invite-only beta ever since.

Nonetheless, in response to a just lately up to date FAQ on the official Starbucks Odyssey web site, it appears that the NFT reward program won’t ever go away beta. That is as a result of Starbucks is killing it.

What’s taking place to Starbucks Odyssey?

On March 15, Starbucks added the next query to its FAQ: “Why are you ending the Starbucks Odyssey Beta program?”

“The Starbucks Odyssey Beta should come to an finish to arrange for what comes subsequent as we proceed to evolve this system,” reads Starbucks’ reply.

In line with the web site, the Starbucks Odyssey program will formally finish on March 31. Customers within the closed beta have till March 25 to finish any remaining Journeys, which have been “themed actions” like on-line video games and quizzes that enabled members to earn NFTs and reward factors. The venture’s Discord channel, a serious aspect for any Web3 group, shall be shut down on March 19.

Starbucks shared its crypto-related ambitions in early 2022, when the market was nonetheless booming. Throughout a “Companion Open Discussion board” that 12 months, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz tried to close down an ongoing union drive amongst its workers. One of many speaking factors Shultz utilized in an try and excite them a few union-less future with the corporate: NFTs.

“We’re going to be within the NFT enterprise,” Schultz declared.

Cryptocurrency has seen a minor resurgence over the previous few months, with Bitcoin’s worth rising to a brand new all-time excessive. Nonetheless, wariness amongst retail traders continues to stay after 2022’s crypto crash and FTX’s demise. Moreover, NFTs or non-fungible tokens have but to actually see indicators of a possible comeback in the way in which that sure crypto tokens have. Even social media platforms, like Fb and Instagram, have eliminated NFT-related options that that they had added in anticipation for a Web3 increase.

Nonetheless, for many who considered the Starbucks Odyssey reward program as a serious win for the NFT house, the transfer got here as a shock. In February, TechCrunch revealed an interview with Starbucks Odyssey’s group lead Steve Kaczynski, who stated he anticipated NFT model constructing to increase. On Friday, Kaczynski shared that the espresso firm was certainly sunsetting the Starbucks Odyssey program and he had sadly misplaced his job in consequence.

As for the Polygon blockchain-based NFTs doled out as a part of this system, Starbucks says customers can proceed to carry them, commerce them, and purchase or promote them on the Nifty Gateway NFT market.