Konami has officially confirmed that its title Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls will cease operations next month. The game, which has been available exclusively through Apple Arcade, is slated to be removed from the subscription platform on August 20. After that date, the title will no longer be accessible for download, and the servers that support its online features will be shut down entirely on September 3, rendering the game unplayable.
In a statement posted on Konami's corporate website, the company reflected on the game's lifecycle. "Since its launch on Apple Arcade in September 2021, the game has continued to be supported by many players," the notice 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 mobile title for iOS and Android, initially released only in Canada. The early version featured in‑game currency, microtransactions, and a design that catered to short, on‑the‑go play sessions. After roughly a year, Konami pulled the mobile version from the stores, citing a strategic shift toward a more polished, subscription‑based experience.
The game was reborn later that year as part of Apple Arcade, a curated subscription service that promises ad‑free, no‑microtransaction experiences. When it returned in September 2021, Konami took the opportunity to overhaul the title: they stripped out all forms of in‑game purchases, redesigned the user interface for larger screens, and upgraded the graphics engine to take advantage of the higher resolution displays on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Mac computers. These changes aligned the game with Apple Arcade's philosophy of delivering premium, uninterrupted gameplay. In its re‑launched form, Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls offered players a deep dive into the classic Castlevania universe, letting them collect and command a roster of iconic characters from the series.
The game combined turn‑based strategy with collectible card mechanics, allowing fans to build teams, explore familiar gothic settings, and engage in both solo and multiplayer battles. Over its two‑year run on the platform, it amassed a dedicated fan base that appreciated the blend of nostalgic storytelling and modern mobile‑friendly design. The decision to discontinue the service comes as part of a broader trend in the industry where older live‑service titles are being phased out as their player bases dwindle and maintenance costs rise.
Konami has indicated that Grimoire of Souls is just one of several games slated for shutdown in the coming months. For instance, the popular racing title Mario Kart Tour is set to end its service in September, followed by Looney Tunes: World of Mayhem in October, and the vehicular combat game Destruction AllStars in November. While the removal of a game can be disappointing for its remaining community, it also reflects the practical realities of supporting online infrastructure. Server costs, ongoing updates, and compliance with evolving platform policies all factor into a publisher's decision to retire a title.
Konami's public gratitude suggests that they value the contributions of their players and intend to preserve the legacy of the game, even as the digital storefronts close. For players who have not yet had the chance to experience Grimoire of Souls, the August 20 delisting date marks the final opportunity to download the game through Apple Arcade. After that, new users will be unable to add it to their library, and existing owners will lose access once the September 3 shutdown takes effect. Those who have invested time in building their character collections or completing in‑game challenges are encouraged to savor their progress before the servers go dark.
In summary, Konami's Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls will be removed from Apple Arcade on August 20 and will cease all online functionality on September 3, after which it will no longer be playable. The announcement underscores the company's appreciation for its player community and highlights a wave of upcoming service terminations affecting several other titles across the mobile and console ecosystems.