Konami has made public its plan to discontinue Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls next month, bringing an end to the title’s presence on Apple Arcade. The game will be taken off the service’s library on August 20, and it will become completely inaccessible on September 3, after which players will no longer be able to launch or play the experience.
In an official statement posted on the company’s website, Konami reflected on the title’s history and its decision to end support. "Since its debut on Apple Arcade in September 2021, the game has enjoyed a steady stream of engagement from a dedicated player base," the statement read. "Nevertheless, after careful consideration, we have elected to terminate the service in September." The developer also extended a heartfelt thank‑you to the community that has kept the game alive over the years.
"We wish to express our sincere appreciation to all of our players for their enthusiastic support throughout the years," the notice continued. "The entire development and operations team is deeply grateful for your involvement in this journey." Grimoire of Souls originally launched in September 2019 as a free‑to‑play mobile title for iOS and Android, initially available only in Canada.
After a brief run, the original version was discontinued a year later. However, Konami later revived the game by bringing it to Apple’s subscription platform, making it available on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Mac computers as part of Apple Arcade.
When the game returned under the Apple Arcade banner, Konami took the opportunity to overhaul several core aspects. The company eliminated the in‑game currency and all micro‑transaction mechanics that had characterized the first version, opting instead for a pure subscription‑based experience.
In addition, the visual presentation received a substantial upgrade: character models were refined, environments were given higher‑resolution textures, and the overall UI was streamlined to better suit the larger screens of iPad and Mac devices. These changes were intended to align the title more closely with the expectations of Apple Arcade’s audience, which emphasizes quality, ad‑free gameplay. The upcoming shutdown of Grimoire of Souls is part of a broader trend of titles being phased out across multiple platforms. Konami has indicated that several other games are slated for removal in the coming months.
For instance, the mobile racing game Mario Kart Tour is scheduled to cease operations in September. Following that, the animated‑themed shooter Looney Tunes: World of Mayhem will be taken offline in October, and the vehicular combat title Destruction AllStars is set to end its service in November.
The decision to retire these games often stems from a combination of factors, including declining active user numbers, the cost of maintaining server infrastructure, and strategic shifts toward newer projects. While the closure of a beloved game can be disappointing for its fan base, developers typically provide a notice period—such as the roughly two‑week window given for Grimoire of Souls—to allow players to finish any ongoing progress, retrieve saved data, or simply say goodbye. For those who have invested time in Grimoire of Souls, the end of September marks the final chapter. Players who have not yet had a chance to experience the game’s revamped visuals and streamlined combat system are encouraged to try it before the removal date, as the Apple Arcade subscription will still grant access until August 20.
After that point, the title will disappear from the catalog, and any attempts to launch it will result in an error message indicating that the service is no longer available. In summary, Konami’s announcement signals the conclusion of Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls’ lifecycle on Apple Arcade.
The game’s removal from the platform on August 20, followed by a full shutdown on September 3, will end its availability to subscribers. The company’s statement underscores gratitude toward its community while acknowledging the practical realities that lead to the termination of online services. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, players can expect further changes to the roster of titles offered through subscription services, with new experiences replacing those that have reached the end of their operational lifespan.