Konami has officially confirmed that its Apple Arcade title Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls will be taken offline in the coming weeks. The game, which has been part of the Apple Arcade catalog since its launch in September 2021, will be delisted from the service 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 on any device. In a statement posted on the company’s website, Konami explained the decision, noting that while the title has enjoyed a loyal player base since its debut, the company has opted to terminate the service in September.
"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 developer also took the opportunity to thank the community for its support over the 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 announcement added. Background and Evolution Grimoire of Souls originally debuted in September 2019 as a free‑to‑play mobile title for iOS and Android, initially released only in Canada. The early version featured a traditional free‑to‑play monetisation model that included in‑game currency, microtransactions, and a more limited visual presentation. After roughly a year of operation, the mobile version was discontinued, but the concept was revived when Konami partnered with Apple to bring the game to the Apple Arcade ecosystem.
When the game re‑appeared on Apple Arcade in September 2021, it was offered as a premium, subscription‑based experience with no additional purchases required. Konami removed the in‑game currency system and all microtransactions, overhauled the user interface, and upgraded the graphics to take advantage of the higher‑resolution displays available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. These changes were intended to align the title with Apple Arcade’s philosophy of providing high‑quality, ad‑free gaming experiences.
Gameplay Overview Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls is a side‑scrolling action‑RPG that blends classic Castlevania platforming with role‑playing elements such as character progression, equipment upgrades, and a roster of iconic characters from the franchise. Players can collect and switch between a variety of heroes, each with unique abilities and combat styles, and explore a series of interconnected stages filled with enemies, puzzles, and hidden secrets. The game also features a co‑op mode that allows friends to team up and tackle challenges together, a feature that has been praised for encouraging cooperative play within the subscription model.
Reasons for Shutdown While Konami has not provided detailed financial or technical reasons for the shutdown, industry analysts suggest that the decision may be tied to a combination of factors. First, the lifecycle of subscription‑based titles often depends on sustained engagement metrics that justify the ongoing cost of server maintenance and content updates. Second, the broader trend of online‑only games being retired after a few years is common as publishers reallocate resources toward newer projects or platforms. Finally, the upcoming removal of other titles such as Mario Kart Tour (scheduled for September), Looney Tunes: World of Mayhem (October), and Destruction AllStars (November) indicates a wave of service closures across multiple publishers, likely reflecting shifting priorities in the mobile and subscription gaming markets.
What This Means for Players For anyone who has invested time in Grimoire of Souls, the shutdown means that all progress, unlocked characters, and any saved data will become inaccessible after September 3. Because the game was delivered through Apple Arcade, there is no option to purchase a standalone offline version. Players are encouraged to download any personal screenshots, videos, or other memorabilia before the delisting date if they wish to keep a record of their achievements.
Looking Ahead Konami has not announced a direct replacement for Grimoire of Souls within the Apple Arcade lineup, but the company continues to develop new entries across its diverse portfolio, including upcoming titles in the Metal Gear, Silent Hill, and other Castlevania sub‑series. Fans of the franchise can look forward to future releases that may explore similar mechanics or introduce fresh takes on the classic gothic‑horror aesthetic that has defined Castlevania for decades. In summary, Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls will cease to be available on Apple Arcade on August 20, with full server shutdown on September 3, ending the game’s online presence after nearly two years on the platform. Konami thanks its community for the support and encourages players to enjoy the remaining time before the title disappears permanently.