Konami has formally disclosed that its title Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls will be taken offline next month, marking the end of the game's availability on Apple Arcade. The service will first remove the game from the Apple Arcade catalogue on August 20, after which the title will become completely inaccessible on September 3, meaning that no player will be able to launch or play the experience beyond that date. In a statement posted on the company’s official website, Konami reflected on the game’s lifespan and the decision to end support. "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 developers went on to thank the 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 available only in Canada. After a brief run, the mobile version was discontinued a year later.
Konami then chose to revive the game as part of Apple Arcade, expanding its reach to iOS, tvOS, iPadOS, and macOS platforms. This relaunch in September 2021 came with a series of significant changes: the in‑game currency and micro‑transaction model were stripped out, the user interface received a redesign, and the visual fidelity was upgraded to meet the expectations of the Apple ecosystem.
The removal of Grimoire of Souls is 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.
Mario Kart Tour, another popular mobile title, is scheduled to cease operations in September. Following that, Looney Tunes: World of Mayhem will be taken offline in October, and Destruction AllStars will follow in November. These closures reflect the shifting priorities of publishers as they reallocate resources toward newer projects and evolving business models. For players who have invested time in Grimoire of Souls, the announcement serves as a reminder of the impermanent nature of digital-only experiences.
While the game will no longer be downloadable after the delisting date, existing owners will retain access until the final shutdown on September 3. After that point, any saved progress, unlocked characters, or in‑game achievements will become inaccessible, as the servers that host the game's backend services will be permanently shut down.
The decision to end the service also aligns with Konami’s broader strategic direction. Over the past few years, the company has been focusing on revitalizing its core franchises, exploring new IPs, and expanding into emerging markets such as cloud gaming and blockchain‑related ventures. By winding down older live‑service titles, Konami can free up development and operational capacity to invest in these newer initiatives.
From a technical standpoint, maintaining an online game involves ongoing costs, including server upkeep, security patches, and customer support. When a title’s active player base dwindles, the cost‑benefit analysis often tips toward discontinuation. In the case of Grimoire of Souls, although the game maintained a loyal niche audience, the numbers likely did not justify continued server expenses, especially when weighed against Konami’s other priorities.
Fans of the Castlevania series may find solace in the fact that the franchise continues to receive support through other channels. Recent releases such as Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls' spiritual successor, and upcoming console titles, demonstrate Konami’s commitment to keeping the gothic‑horror legacy alive. Moreover, the removal of micro‑transactions in the Apple Arcade version was praised for delivering a more authentic, uninterrupted gameplay experience, a philosophy that may influence future releases. In summary, Konami’s announcement signals the final chapter for Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls on Apple Arcade.
The game will be delisted on August 20, with all online services ceasing on September 3, after which it will no longer be playable. The company expressed sincere thanks to its community, acknowledging the support that sustained the title over its multi‑year run. This shutdown is part of a larger wave of service terminations affecting several popular games, reflecting the evolving landscape of digital game publishing and the strategic shifts of major developers. Players are encouraged to savor any remaining time with the game before it disappears, and to keep an eye on Konami’s upcoming projects for new ways to experience the iconic Castlevania universe.