Nokia started its DVLUP rewards program for developers back in 2012. The aim of the project was to reward developers with badges, XP, gift cards and other prizes for developing or incorporating new features in their apps. When Microsoft acquired Nokia"s devices and services division back in 2014, the program was rebranded to Microsoft TechRewards. Now, Microsoft has announced that it is shutting down the project altogether on January 6, 2017.
In an email to TechReward members, Microsoft states that:
As a valuable member of Microsoft TechRewards, we are notifying you of an important change to the program. Microsoft TechRewards will close on January 6, 2017. The program aimed to help Developers and IT Professionals learn, experiment, and build projects with Microsoft technologies. We believe other Microsoft Programs more closely associated with products and services can best support users in their technical journey.
The company further says that all current Challenges for developers will be removed from the website starting today. Furthermore, badges, Points and XP will no longer be awarded. Microsoft has cautioned developers who already have accumulated Points to redeem them from the Rewards Catalog and to save their badges by January 6, 2017 - before the program shuts down.
Source: Microsoft