Konami has officially disclosed that the popular title Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls will be taken offline next month, marking the end of its availability on Apple Arcade. The service will first see the game delisted from the Apple Arcade storefront on August 20, after which the title will become completely inaccessible on September 3, at which point players will no longer be able to launch or play the experience. In a statement posted on the company’s website, Konami reflected on the game’s lifespan and the decision to end support. "Since its debut on Apple Arcade in September 2021, the game has enjoyed a dedicated player base and ongoing updates," the statement read.
"Nevertheless, after careful consideration, we have opted to discontinue the service in September." The developer also took the opportunity to thank the community. "We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all of our players for their enthusiastic support over the years," the notice continued. "The entire development and operations team sincerely thanks you for being part of this journey." To understand the context, it helps to look back at the game’s origins.
Grimoire of Souls originally launched in September 2019 as a free‑to‑play title for iOS and Android devices, initially rolling out only in Canada. That early version featured in‑game currency, micro‑transactions, and a monetisation model that was later deemed unsuitable for a premium subscription service.
After a year of limited availability, Konami pulled the title from the mobile stores. In 2021, the company revived the game as part of the Apple Arcade lineup, bringing it to iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Mac platforms. This re‑release stripped away the original in‑game currency system and any micro‑transaction options, effectively converting the title into a fully unlocked, ad‑free experience for subscribers.
Alongside the removal of paid features, Konami also took the opportunity to overhaul the user interface, refine level layouts, and upgrade the visual fidelity, delivering sharper textures and smoother animations that better matched the capabilities of modern Apple hardware. The decision to retire the title now comes as part of a broader wave of service terminations affecting several subscription‑based games. Industry analysts have noted that as subscription platforms mature, publishers are increasingly pruning their catalogs to focus on titles that generate sustained engagement or align with strategic priorities.
In the coming months, other Apple Arcade exclusives are slated for similar fates. Mario Kart Tour, another high‑profile title, will cease operations in September. Following that, Looney Tunes: World of Mayhem is scheduled for shutdown in October, and Destruction AllStars will be taken offline in November. For players who have invested time in Grimoire of Souls, the timeline offers a brief window to finish any ongoing progress, capture screenshots, or record gameplay footage before the servers are permanently shut down.
Because the game relied on online connectivity for certain features—such as leaderboards, seasonal events, and cloud‑saved progress—once the September 3 cut‑off passes, those services will no longer be reachable, and the title will effectively become unplayable even for those who still have it installed on their devices. While the closure may be disappointing to fans, Konami’s statement emphasizes gratitude and acknowledges the community’s role in keeping the game alive for nearly two years on Apple Arcade. The company has not announced a direct replacement or a new Castlevania‑themed experience for the platform, but it remains possible that future titles could emerge under the broader franchise umbrella, given Castlevania’s enduring popularity. In summary, Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls will be removed from the Apple Arcade catalog on August 20, and the online services that power the game will be terminated on September 3, rendering the game unplayable thereafter.
The move is part of a larger trend of subscription‑based titles being phased out as publishers streamline their offerings. Players are encouraged to enjoy the remaining days of the game, and Konami extends its thanks to the community for their support throughout the title’s lifecycle.