Konami has officially confirmed that its Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls will cease operations next month, marking the end of the game’s presence on Apple Arcade. The title, which has been available exclusively through Apple’s subscription service since its relaunch, will be pulled from the platform’s catalogue on August 20. Following that removal, the game’s servers will be shut down on September 3, after which the experience will no longer be accessible to players.
In a statement posted on the company’s website, Konami reflected on the game’s journey and the decision to end the service. “Since its launch on Apple Arcade in September 2021, the game has continued to be supported by many players,” the statement read. “However, we have decided to terminate the service [in September].” The publisher went on to thank its community, saying, “We would like to express our gratitude to all of our players for their enthusiastic support throughout the years.
The entire development and operations team sincerely thanks you for being part of this journey.” Grimoire of Souls originally debuted in September 2019 as a free‑to‑play title for iOS and Android devices, initially rolling out only in Canada. After a brief run, the mobile version was discontinued a year later. Konami then opted to give the game a second life by bringing it to Apple Arcade, expanding its availability to iOS, tvOS, iPadOS, and macOS platforms.
This relaunch came with a suite of improvements: the in‑game currency and micro‑transaction model were removed, the user interface received a redesign, and the graphics were upgraded to take advantage of Apple’s hardware capabilities. The decision to retire Grimoire of Souls comes as part of a broader trend of titles being phased out across various subscription and live‑service platforms.
In the coming months, several other games are slated for similar shutdowns. Nintendo’s Mario Kart Tour is scheduled to end its service in September, followed by the Looney Tunes: World of Mayhem shutdown in October, and the closure of Destruction AllStars in November. These announcements reflect the shifting priorities of developers and publishers as they reallocate resources toward newer projects and emerging technologies.
For players who have invested time in Grimoire of Souls, the upcoming removal may feel abrupt, but it is not an uncommon occurrence in the world of digital gaming. Subscription services like Apple Arcade regularly evaluate their libraries, retiring titles that no longer align with strategic goals or that have reached the end of their planned lifecycle.
While the game will no longer be playable after September 3, those who wish to preserve their memories can still capture screenshots, record gameplay footage, or keep any offline content they may have downloaded before the shutdown. The broader Castlevania franchise remains a cornerstone of Konami’s portfolio, with numerous entries spanning consoles, handheld devices, and mobile platforms. Fans of the series can look forward to upcoming releases and updates to existing titles, ensuring that the iconic vampire‑hunting legacy continues to evolve.
Although Grimoire of Souls will exit the Apple Arcade lineup, the brand’s enduring popularity suggests that new experiences will emerge to fill the gap. In summary, Konami’s announcement signals the final chapter for Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls on Apple Arcade. The game will be removed from the service on August 20, and its online components will be deactivated on September 3, after which it will no longer be accessible.
The publisher expressed sincere appreciation for the community’s support over the years and highlighted the enhancements made during the Apple Arcade relaunch, such as the removal of micro‑transactions and visual upgrades. This closure is part of a wave of upcoming service terminations that includes titles like Mario Kart Tour, Looney Tunes: World of Mayhem, and Destruction AllStars, reflecting the dynamic nature of digital game distribution. Players are encouraged to enjoy the remaining time with the game, capture any final moments, and stay tuned for future Castlevania projects that will continue to expand the series’ rich heritage.