Konami has officially 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 be removed from the Apple Arcade catalog on August 20, after which the game will become completely inaccessible on September 3, meaning players will no longer be able to launch or play it. In a statement posted on Konami’s corporate website, the company reflected on the game’s lifespan 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 announcement read. "However, we have decided to terminate the service [in September]." The developer also extended a heartfelt thank‑you to the community that has kept the title alive for several years.
"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 continued.
Grimoire of Souls originally arrived in September 2019 as a free‑to‑play mobile experience for iOS and Android users in Canada. After a brief run, the original version was discontinued a year later.
Konami then re‑imagined the game for Apple’s subscription platform, bringing it to iOS, tvOS, iPadOS, and macOS under the Apple Arcade banner. In this second incarnation, the publisher stripped away the in‑game currency and micro‑transaction mechanics that had characterized the first release, overhauled the user interface, and upgraded the visual fidelity to better match the expectations of Apple Arcade’s premium audience.
The decision to retire Grimoire of Souls comes amid a broader wave of closures affecting several titles across different platforms. Mario Kart Tour, another mobile‑focused game, is slated to cease operations in September. Following that, Looney Tunes: World of Mayhem will be taken offline in October, and the PlayStation‑exclusive Destruction AllStars is scheduled for shutdown in November.
These upcoming removals suggest a trend of publishers consolidating their resources and focusing on newer projects or more profitable services. For players who have invested time in building their roster of classic Castlevania characters, the shutdown may feel like a loss.
Grimoire of Souls allowed fans to collect and upgrade a wide array of heroes from the long‑standing franchise, each with unique abilities and playstyles. The game’s blend of action‑RPG mechanics and nostalgic references made it a niche favorite among series enthusiasts, especially those who appreciated the ability to play on a variety of Apple devices without the distraction of ads or in‑app purchases. While the game will no longer be playable after September 3, existing players can still access any content they have unlocked until that date.
Konami has not announced any compensation, data migration, or alternative platform for the title, so it is advisable for fans to enjoy the remaining gameplay and capture any final screenshots or videos they wish to keep as a memento. The removal of Grimoire of Souls also highlights the transient nature of subscription‑based gaming services. Unlike traditional retail or perpetual‑license games, titles on platforms like Apple Arcade can disappear without warning once the publisher decides to end the agreement or shift focus.
This reality underscores the importance for players to stay informed about the lifecycle of the games they love, especially when those experiences are tied to ongoing online services. In summary, Konami’s Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls will be delisted from Apple Arcade on August 20 and will become completely offline on September 3. The company thanked its community for years of support, and the shutdown aligns with a series of upcoming game closures across the industry. Players should savor the remaining days of gameplay and consider preserving any personal achievements before the title fades from the service.