Konami has formally disclosed that its title Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls will cease operations next month. The game, which has been available exclusively through Apple Arcade, is slated to be removed from the subscription platform on August 20, and the servers that keep the experience alive will be shut down on September 3.
After that date, players will no longer be able to launch or play the game. In a statement posted on the company's official website, Konami reflected on the title's history and its decision to end support. "Since its debut on Apple Arcade in September 2021, the game has enjoyed a steady stream of players who have kept it alive with their enthusiasm," the notice read.
"Nevertheless, we have concluded that it is time to retire the service in September." The company also took the opportunity to thank its community. "We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to every player who has supported us with such passion over the years," the message continued.
"The entire development and operations team is deeply grateful for your involvement in this adventure." Grimoire of Souls originally launched in September 2019 as a free‑to‑play mobile title for iOS and Android, initially rolling out only in Canada. After a brief run, the game was pulled from the storefront a year later.
Konami later revived the project by bringing it to Apple Arcade, expanding its availability to iOS, tvOS, iPadOS, and macOS devices. This re‑release was more than a simple port; the publisher stripped out the in‑game currency and micro‑transaction mechanics that had characterized the original version, overhauled the user interface, and upgraded the visual fidelity to better match modern hardware.
The decision to sunset Grimoire of Souls comes amid a broader wave of closures affecting several subscription‑based and mobile titles. Mario Kart Tour, another popular racing game, is set to end service in September. Following that, Looney Tunes: World of Mayhem will be taken offline in October, and Destruction AllStars is scheduled for shutdown in November.
These announcements highlight a trend in the industry where publishers are consolidating resources and focusing on newer projects, often at the expense of older live‑service games. For players who have invested time in Grimoire of Souls, the impending shutdown means that any progress, unlocked characters, or achievements will become inaccessible once the servers are turned off. Konami has not indicated any compensation or data export options, so fans are encouraged to enjoy the game while it remains online.
The removal from Apple Arcade on August 20 will also mean that new subscribers will no longer see the title listed in the catalog, effectively ending any chance of discovering the game through the platform. The lifecycle of Grimoire of Souls reflects a common pattern for mobile and subscription titles: an initial launch, a period of updates and community building, and eventually a phase where maintaining the backend becomes less viable. While the game received praise for its polished graphics and faithful adaptation of the classic Castlevania atmosphere, its niche appeal and the costs associated with server upkeep likely contributed to the decision to discontinue it. Looking ahead, Konami has not disclosed any immediate replacements or successor titles for the Castlevania franchise within the Apple Arcade ecosystem.
However, the company continues to develop new entries across its portfolio, and fans of the series can anticipate future releases that may explore different platforms or gameplay styles. In summary, Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls will be delisted from Apple Arcade on August 20, with all online functionality terminating on September 3. Konami expressed gratitude to its player base, acknowledging the support that kept the game alive for nearly two years on the service. The shutdown is part of a larger trend of game retirements scheduled for the coming months, affecting several other titles across various genres.
Players are advised to savor the remaining days of play before the servers go dark.