Konami has officially confirmed that its Apple Arcade exclusive, Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls, will be taken offline in the near future. The company’s statement makes clear that the game will be removed from the Apple Arcade catalog on August 20, after which it will cease to function entirely on September 3.
Once that final date passes, players will no longer be able to launch or play the title. In a brief notice posted on Konami’s website, the publisher reflected on the game’s lifespan and the decision to end support. "Since its launch on Apple Arcade in September 2021, the game has continued to be supported by many players," the statement reads.
"However, we have decided to terminate the service [in September]." The wording underscores both the community’s ongoing engagement and the company’s strategic choice to discontinue the service. The announcement also includes a note of appreciation aimed at the player base. "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," Konami added.
This expression of thanks is a common practice when online‑dependent games are retired, acknowledging the time and effort fans have invested. To understand why Grimoire of Souls is reaching its end, it helps to look back at its origins. The game first appeared in September 2019 as a free‑to‑play title available on iOS and Android devices, initially launching only in Canada. That early version featured a traditional free‑to‑play model, complete with in‑game currency, microtransactions, and a monetisation system that allowed players to purchase upgrades and cosmetics.
After roughly a year on mobile platforms, the original version was discontinued. In September 2021, Konami revived the title as part of the Apple Arcade subscription service, positioning it as a premium, ad‑free experience. The re‑launch involved a significant overhaul: the developers stripped out all forms of in‑game currency and microtransactions, effectively turning the game into a fully unlocked experience for subscribers.
They also updated the user interface, refined level layouts, and enhanced the visual fidelity to meet the higher expectations of Apple’s ecosystem, which includes iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Mac devices. The transition to Apple Arcade was intended to give the game a fresh start and a more stable revenue model, relying on subscription fees rather than individual purchases.
For a period, the title enjoyed a modest but dedicated community of fans who appreciated the blend of classic Castlevania action with the convenience of a mobile‑first design. However, as with many live‑service titles, maintaining servers, updating content, and providing ongoing support can become increasingly costly, especially when player numbers plateau or decline. Grimoire of Souls is not alone in its impending shutdown.
The gaming industry has seen a wave of online‑only titles reaching the end of their operational lives as companies reallocate resources or as subscription services evolve. In the coming months, several other games are slated for similar fates. Mario Kart Tour, another mobile title with a strong brand behind it, is scheduled to cease operations in September. Following that, Looney Tunes: World of Mayhem will be taken offline in October, and the Sony‑backed Destruction AllStars will end service in November.
These closures reflect a broader trend where developers and publishers regularly assess the viability of maintaining older online experiences. For players who have invested time in Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls, the shutdown means that any progress, unlocked characters, or achievements will become inaccessible after September 3. While the game will no longer be playable, Konami has not announced any compensation or migration path for existing users, which is typical for titles that are removed from subscription platforms rather than sold as standalone purchases.
If you are a fan of the Castlevania franchise and are looking for alternatives, Konami continues to support other entries in the series across various platforms, including recent releases on consoles and PC. Additionally, the classic Castlevania titles remain available through other digital storefronts and retro collections, offering a way to continue enjoying the series’ signature gothic action and exploration. In summary, Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls will be delisted from Apple Arcade on August 20 and will become completely unplayable on September 3, as confirmed by Konami. The decision follows a broader pattern of online games being retired as part of routine service lifecycle management.
The company thanked its community for their support, and players are encouraged to explore other Castlevania titles or related games to keep the spirit of the series alive.