Razer’s Paid-to-Play promotion may come to an end

Razer is suspending its “Paid to Play” promotion beginning March 1, according to a post on its message boards. As part of this program, Razer rewards its customers with a digital currency called zSilver for launching PC games through the company’s Cortex software. You could then exchange those points for Razer products. Paid to Play debuted last March, and it has since awarded 1 billion zSilver — and customers have redeemed more than 35,000 rewards.

Razer didn’t explain the specifics of why it is suspending the service, but it did say that it is in reaction to outcries from the community. The company has carved out a significant business for itself with a lengthy list of hardware and software tools for gamers, esports pros, and broadcasters. It is also one of the top sponsors of esports events and teams. But it is now rethinking its approach to its core audience.