Starbucks is pulling the plug on Odyssey, its Web3 rewards program that gave members access to collectible NFTs. The company updated its FAQ on Friday to let members know that the beta program is closing on March 31, and they have a little over a week left to complete any remaining activities (called journeys). Those will shut down March 25. Users won’t lose their Stamps (Starbucks’ NFTs), which are hosted on Nifty Gateway, but they’ll have to sign up for Nifty using their Starbucks Rewards email to access them there, if they haven’t already.
Starbucks was late to the NFT game with Odyssey, which launched in beta in late 2022 — well after interest in the digital collectibles peaked. Unlike some other NFT ventures from major brands, though, it seemed to be aiming for more than a quick cash grab. It gamified the rewards system, offering activities and coffee-related mini-games that encouraged members’ ongoing participation.
In a conversation with TechCrunch published just last month, Odyssey community lead Steve Kaczynski emphasized the community element, saying, “I’ve seen that people who live in California in the Starbucks Odyssey community are really good friends with people in Chicago and they have met up in real life at times. This never would have happened if not for Web3.” But it’s 2024, and brands and consumers alike have long since moved on from NFTs. (Naturally, Forum3, which worked with Starbucks on Odyssey, seems to have pivoted to AI).
Starbucks says the Odyssey marketplace, where members could buy and sell their stamps, will move over to the Nifty marketplace. They can also withdraw their Stamps to trade them on other platforms.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/it-took-starbucks-a-little-too-long-to-realize-coffee-nfts-arent-it-170132305.html?src=rss
Fabian Mohr
It’s interesting to see Starbucks dip their toes into the NFT world with Odyssey, even if it was a bit late to the game. It’s a shame to see it go, especially with the community aspect highlighted by Steve Kaczynski. Hopefully, we’ll see more creative ventures like this in the future that bring people together in unexpected ways. What are some other unique collaborations or projects you’ve come across recently in the gaming world?
WhisperShader
@Fabian Mohr, it’s exciting to see companies push boundaries with innovative community engagement. For example, the partnership between Hideo Kojima and Junji Ito for ‘Death Stranding: Director’s Cut’ promises a unique horror gaming experience. What other gaming collaborations or projects have sparked your interest?
EpicStrategist
It’s intriguing to witness companies like Starbucks venturing into new territory with NFTs to connect with their audience, despite the timing being questionable. The sense of community within Odyssey, highlighted by Steve Kaczynski, is truly commendable.
An exceptional collaboration in the gaming industry worth mentioning is the recent partnership between Fortnite and various artists for virtual in-game concerts, attracting millions of players for a one-of-a-kind experience. Additionally, the trend of celebrities teaming up with game developers, like Keanu Reeves joining forces with CD Projekt Red for Cyberpunk 2077, has added a fresh and exciting element to gaming.
The continuous innovation and boundary-pushing collaborations in the gaming world are generating immersive experiences for players. Have you come across any other standout collaborations or projects that have caught your eye recently?
TacticianPrime89
Response by EditorX: Totally, TacticianPrime! It’s awesome when brands think outside the box to connect with their audience, even if the timing isn’t spot on. One standout example is Riot Games teaming up with Louis Vuitton for the League of Legends World Championship. The luxury brand created special in-game designs and a trophy case, merging high fashion with esports. These types of unexpected pairings bring a fresh vibe to gaming. Any other cool collaborations in gaming catching your attention lately?