Konami has officially disclosed 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 company explained that the game will be removed from the Apple Arcade catalog on August 20, and the servers that support the title will be shut down on September 3, rendering the game unplayable for anyone who has not already downloaded it. In a statement posted on Konami’s website, the publisher reflected on the game’s lifecycle, noting that since its debut on Apple Arcade in September 2021, Grimoire of Souls has enjoyed a dedicated player base.
"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 announcement also included a heartfelt thank‑you to the community. "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 company added, underscoring the appreciation Konami feels toward the fans who kept the game alive for nearly two years on the platform. Grimoire of Souls originally arrived on mobile devices in September 2019 as a free‑to‑play title available for iOS and Android users in Canada. After a brief run, the original version was discontinued a year later.
Konami then opted to give the game a second life by bringing it to Apple Arcade, expanding its availability to iOS, tvOS, iPadOS, and macOS. In the transition to the subscription service, the developer stripped out the in‑game currency system and any micro‑transaction mechanics, overhauled the user interface, and upgraded the visual fidelity to better match the expectations of Apple Arcade’s curated library. The decision to retire Grimoire of Souls comes amid a broader trend of online‑dependent titles being phased out as their player numbers dwindle or as the cost of maintaining server infrastructure outweighs the benefits.
Konami has indicated that Grimoire of Souls is just one of several games slated for shutdown in the coming months. Notably, the racing title Mario Kart Tour is set to cease operations in September, followed by the cartoon‑themed Looney Tunes: World of Mayhem in October, and the vehicular combat game Destruction AllStars in November. For fans of the Castlevania franchise, Grimoire of Souls represented a unique take on the series’ classic gothic horror aesthetic.
Instead of the traditional side‑scrolling or 3D action‑adventure format, the game offered a card‑based combat system where players could collect and summon iconic characters from the Castlevania universe. Each card represented a different hero, monster, or weapon, and players built decks to tackle a series of stages that blended platforming challenges with strategic turn‑based battles. The game’s art style leaned heavily into a stylized, almost painterly approach, differentiating it from the more realistic graphics seen in other recent entries. When Konami first announced the Apple Arcade version, they highlighted the removal of monetization elements as a key selling point.
By eliminating micro‑transactions, the developers aimed to provide a more level playing field where skill and deck‑building prowess determined success rather than the ability to purchase powerful cards. This shift was generally well‑received by critics, who praised the move as a step toward a more player‑friendly experience.
Despite these positive aspects, the game faced challenges common to many live‑service titles. Maintaining a healthy online community requires constant updates, new content releases, and active moderation, all of which translate into ongoing operational costs. Over time, as newer titles entered the market and player attention shifted, the active user base for Grimoire of Souls began to contract.
In the absence of a sustainable revenue model—especially after the removal of micro‑transactions—the decision to discontinue the service became financially prudent for Konami. For those who have not yet downloaded the game, the August 20 delisting means that it will no longer appear in the Apple Arcade storefront. Existing owners will still be able to launch the app until the September 3 server shutdown, after which any attempt to start the game will result in an error message indicating that the service is no longer available.
Players who wish to preserve their progress or memories are encouraged to capture screenshots or record gameplay before the final cut‑off date. Looking ahead, Konami has not announced any direct replacements for Grimoire of Souls within the Apple Arcade ecosystem, but the company continues to explore new ways to bring the Castlevania brand to modern audiences. Recent announcements have hinted at upcoming projects that may blend classic horror themes with innovative gameplay mechanics, suggesting that the spirit of the franchise will live on even as individual titles retire. In summary, Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls will be removed from Apple Arcade on August 20 and will cease online operation on September 3, ending its availability to players.
Konami expressed sincere thanks to the community for their support over the years, and the shutdown is part of a larger wave of service terminations affecting several other games in the near future. Fans are advised to enjoy the remaining days of the game while they can, and to keep an eye on Konami’s future announcements for new Castlevania experiences.