Konami has officially confirmed that its Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls title will be taken offline next month, ending the game’s presence on Apple Arcade. The service will first remove the game from the Apple Arcade catalog on August 20, after which the title will become completely unplayable on September 3. From that point forward, players will no longer be able to launch or enjoy the experience. In a statement posted on Konami’s website, the publisher reflected on the game’s history and its decision to end support.
"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 company also extended a heartfelt thank‑you to the community. "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," the statement added. Grimoire of Souls originally debuted in September 2019 as a free‑to‑play offering for iOS and Android devices in Canada. After a brief run, the initial version was discontinued a year later. Konami then opted to revive the title as an exclusive for Apple Arcade, making it available on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Mac devices.
This re‑release, which arrived in September 2021, came with a series of notable changes: the removal of in‑game currency and micro‑transactions, a redesign of the user interface, and a visual overhaul that improved textures, lighting, and overall graphical fidelity. The decision to shut down Grimoire of Souls aligns with a broader trend of online‑dependent games being retired as their player bases dwindle or as strategic priorities shift.
Konami has indicated that several other titles are slated for similar fates in the coming months. For example, the mobile racing game Mario Kart Tour is scheduled to close its servers in September.
Following that, Looney Tunes: World of Mayhem will be taken offline in October, and the vehicular combat title Destruction AllStars will cease operations in November. The removal of a game from a subscription platform like Apple Arcade has specific technical implications. Once delisted, new users cannot download the app, and existing installations may remain functional for a limited period, depending on the publisher’s backend support.
In the case of Grimoire of Souls, the September 3 shutdown date marks the point at which the game’s servers will be turned off, rendering any online features—such as multiplayer battles, leaderboards, and cloud‑saved progress—unusable. Players who wish to preserve their achievements may need to capture screenshots or record gameplay before the deadline, as there will be no official method to retrieve saved data after the service ends.
Fans of the Castlevania franchise have expressed mixed reactions to the news. Some appreciate the opportunity to revisit a polished, ad‑free version of the game during its remaining weeks, while others lament the loss of a title that offered a unique, portable take on the classic vampire‑hunting series. The original free‑to‑play version featured a gacha‑style system for unlocking characters, a mechanic that was removed for the Apple Arcade iteration in favor of a more straightforward progression model.
This shift was praised for making the game more accessible, yet it also meant that the title relied entirely on subscription revenue rather than micro‑transactions, a factor that may have influenced its eventual retirement. Looking ahead, Konami’s roadmap suggests a focus on revitalizing its core franchises through new releases and updates rather than maintaining older, niche titles. The company has hinted at upcoming projects within the Castlevania universe, as well as continued investment in its other major series such as Metal Gear and Silent Hill.
While the closure of Grimoire of Souls marks the end of an era for this particular mobile experience, it also underscores the evolving nature of digital game distribution, where titles can appear, evolve, and disappear within relatively short windows. For players who have enjoyed Grimoire of Souls, the final weeks present a chance to explore any remaining content, complete unfinished challenges, and share favorite moments with the community. Social media platforms and fan forums are likely to see a surge of nostalgia‑filled posts, tips for maximizing the remaining playtime, and discussions about the game’s legacy within the broader Castlevania catalog. In summary, Konami’s announcement signals the imminent removal of Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls from Apple Arcade on August 20, followed by a complete shutdown on September 3.
The decision reflects both the natural lifecycle of online‑dependent games and Konami’s strategic shift toward newer endeavors. Players are encouraged to enjoy the game while it remains accessible and to cherish the memories it provided during its two‑year run on the Apple Arcade platform.