Konami has officially confirmed that its Apple Arcade title, Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls, will be taken offline next month. The decision means the game will be removed from the Apple Arcade catalogue on August 20, and the servers that host the online components will be shut down on September 3, rendering the game completely unplayable after that date. In a statement posted on Konami's official website, the company reflected on the title's history and the reasons behind the closure.
"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 that has kept the game 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 notice added. To understand the significance of this shutdown, it helps to look back at the game's origins. Grimoire of Souls first debuted in September 2019 as a free‑to‑play mobile title available on iOS and Android, initially rolling out in Canada.
The original version featured in‑game currency, microtransactions, and a monetisation model that allowed players to purchase upgrades and unlock new content. After about a year, the mobile version was discontinued, but the franchise found new life when Konami partnered with Apple to bring the game to the subscription‑based Apple Arcade service. When the title relaunched on Apple Arcade, it underwent a substantial overhaul.
Konami stripped out the in‑game currency system and removed all microtransaction options, aligning the game with the ad‑free, all‑access model that defines Apple Arcade. In addition to the business model shift, the developers refreshed the user interface, refined level layouts, and upgraded the visual fidelity to take advantage of the higher‑resolution displays on iPadOS, macOS, and Apple TV. These enhancements were intended to provide a smoother, more immersive experience for both longtime fans of the Castlevania series and newcomers discovering the gothic action‑RPG for the first time.
Despite these improvements and a dedicated fan base, the game’s lifespan on the platform is now coming to an end. The removal from the store on August 20 means that new users will no longer be able to download the title, and existing owners will retain access only until the server shutdown on September 3.
After that point, any online features, such as leaderboards, multiplayer modes, or cloud‑saved progress, will cease to function, effectively making the game unplayable. Grimoire of Souls is not the only title facing a similar fate in the near future.
Konami has indicated that several other games are slated for shutdown in the coming months. For example, Nintendo’s Mario Kart Tour is scheduled to go offline in September, followed by Warner Bros.’ Looney Tunes: World of Mayhem in October, and then Sony’s Destruction AllStars in November. These closures reflect a broader industry trend where subscription‑based services and live‑service games are regularly evaluated for player engagement and financial viability, leading to periodic retirements of less‑performing titles.
For players who have invested time in Grimoire of Souls, the announcement may feel bittersweet. Many have enjoyed exploring the richly detailed Castlevania universe, battling classic monsters, and customizing their characters with a variety of weapons and abilities.
The game’s blend of action‑packed combat and RPG progression resonated with fans who appreciated the series’ signature gothic atmosphere, while also offering a more casual, on‑the‑go experience suitable for mobile and tablet play. Looking ahead, Konami’s statement suggests that the company remains grateful for the support it has received and hints at potential future projects within the Castlevania franchise. While no specific replacements for Grimoire of Souls have been announced, the brand continues to be a cornerstone of Konami’s portfolio, with recent releases on consoles and PC keeping the series in the public eye. In summary, Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls will be delisted from Apple Arcade on August 20, and its online services will be terminated on September 3, after which the game will no longer be accessible.
The shutdown marks the end of a multi‑year journey that began as a free‑to‑play mobile title, transitioned to a premium, ad‑free experience on Apple Arcade, and ultimately concluded due to strategic considerations by Konami. Players are encouraged to finish any remaining progress before the September deadline and to keep an eye on future Castlevania announcements for new ways to experience the iconic vampire‑hunting saga.