Konami has officially confirmed that the beloved title Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls will cease operations next month. The game, which has been available solely through Apple Arcade, is slated to be removed from the subscription platform on August 20, after which it will become completely inaccessible on September 3. From that point forward, players will no longer be able to launch or enjoy the experience. In a statement posted on its corporate website, Konami reflected on the title's journey since its debut on Apple Arcade in September 2021.
"Since its launch on Apple Arcade in September 2021, the game has continued to be supported by many players," the company wrote. "However, we have decided to terminate the service [in September]." The publisher 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 arrived on the market in September 2019 as a free‑to‑play offering for iOS and Android devices, initially limited to the Canadian market.
After a brief run, the original version was discontinued a year later. Konami then re‑introduced the game as part of the Apple Arcade lineup, expanding its availability to iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Mac computers.
This re‑release came with a series of substantial changes: the in‑game currency and micro‑transaction model were stripped out, the user interface was overhauled, and visual fidelity received a notable upgrade to meet the expectations of Apple’s premium subscription service. The decision to pull Grimoire of Souls from Apple Arcade aligns with a broader trend of titles being phased out across various platforms.
In the coming months, several other games are also scheduled for shutdown. For instance, the popular mobile racing title Mario Kart Tour will cease operations in September.
Following that, the cartoon‑themed shooter Looney Tunes: World of Mayhem is set to close its doors in October, and the vehicular combat game Destruction AllStars will be taken offline in November. While the removal of a game can be disappointing for its fan base, it is not an uncommon occurrence in the fast‑moving world of digital entertainment. Subscription services like Apple Arcade regularly evaluate their libraries, balancing factors such as player engagement, development costs, and strategic direction.
When a title no longer meets the criteria for continued support, the publisher may choose to end its service, often providing a notice period to allow players to finish any ongoing progress. For those who have invested time in Grimoire of Souls, the upcoming deadline serves as a final opportunity to experience the game’s unique blend of classic Castlevania lore with modern mobile gameplay mechanics. The title distinguished itself by offering a roster of iconic characters from the franchise—such as Simon Belmont, Alucard, and Maria Renard—each equipped with distinct abilities and upgrade paths. Set in a sprawling, interconnected castle, the game encouraged exploration, strategic combat, and the collection of various weapons and relics.
Its shift away from micro‑transactions in the Apple Arcade version was particularly well‑received, as it allowed players to progress without the pressure of additional purchases. Looking ahead, Konami has not announced any direct replacements for Grimoire of Souls within the Apple Arcade ecosystem.
However, the company continues to develop and support a wide array of titles across multiple platforms, ranging from the classic Metal Gear series to newer entries in the Silent Hill franchise. Fans of Castlevania may find solace in other recent releases that explore similar gothic themes and action‑RPG mechanics, such as the critically acclaimed Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, which remains available on both console and mobile devices. In summary, Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls will be delisted from Apple Arcade on August 20, with full service termination occurring on September 3.
Konami expressed sincere appreciation for the community that supported the game over its multi‑year lifespan, and it joins a lineup of other titles slated for shutdown in the near future. Players are encouraged to enjoy the remaining days of access, savor the memories, and keep an eye on Konami’s upcoming projects for new experiences that may capture the same spirit of adventure and nostalgia.