Konami has confirmed that its title Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls will be taken offline next month, marking the end of 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 inaccessible on September 3, at which point players will no longer be able to launch or play the game. In an official statement posted on Konami’s website, the company 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 statement read. "However, we have decided to terminate the service [in September]." The company went on to thank its 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 released only in the Canadian market. After a brief run, the game was discontinued a year later.
Konami later revived the project by bringing it to Apple Arcade, expanding its availability to iOS, tvOS, iPadOS, and macOS platforms. The re‑release was more than a simple port; the developers stripped out the original in‑game currency and micro‑transaction systems, overhauled the user interface, and upgraded the visual fidelity to better suit the higher‑resolution screens of Apple devices. The decision to retire Grimoire of Souls comes amid a broader trend of online‑dependent games being phased out as their player bases dwindle or as contractual agreements expire. Konami has indicated that several other titles are also slated for shutdown in the coming months.
For example, Nintendo’s Mario Kart Tour is scheduled to cease operations in September, followed by Warner Bros.’ Looney Tunes: World of Mayhem in October, and Sony’s Destruction AllStars in November. These closures highlight the challenges of maintaining live‑service games, especially when revenue from microtransactions or subscription models no longer justifies the ongoing costs of server upkeep, updates, and customer support. For fans of Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls, the announcement means that any progress made in the game will become inaccessible after the September 3 deadline. Players who wish to preserve their achievements may want to capture screenshots or record gameplay before the shutdown.
While the game will no longer be playable, its legacy remains as part of Konami’s effort to bring the classic Castlevania franchise to modern, mobile-friendly formats. The title offered a unique blend of the series’ signature gothic atmosphere and action‑RPG mechanics, allowing players to collect and upgrade a roster of iconic characters such as Simon Belmont, Alucard, and Maria Renard. The transition from a free‑to‑play mobile model to a subscription‑based Apple Arcade offering also reflects a broader industry shift. By removing microtransactions, Konami aimed to provide a more streamlined, ad‑free experience that aligned with Apple’s vision for its curated gaming platform.
This move was well‑received by many players who appreciated the removal of pay‑to‑win elements, though it also meant that the game relied entirely on the subscription revenue model for its financial viability. Looking ahead, Konami has not announced any direct replacements for Grimoire of Souls within its current portfolio, but the company continues to develop new entries across its storied franchises, including upcoming projects in the Metal Gear, Silent Hill, and Yu‑Gi‑Oh!
series. The company’s broader strategy appears to focus on leveraging its rich intellectual property catalog while adapting to evolving consumer preferences for both premium and live‑service experiences. In summary, Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls will be removed from Apple Arcade on August 20 and will become completely offline on September 3, ending its availability to players. Konami expressed heartfelt thanks to the community for their support over the years and joined other developers in a wave of upcoming game shutdowns that underscore the challenges of sustaining online‑dependent titles in a rapidly changing gaming landscape.