Konami has made public its plan to discontinue Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls next month, ending the game's presence on Apple Arcade and ultimately removing it from players' devices. The title, which has been available exclusively through Apple Arcade since its re‑launch, will first be taken off the storefront on August 20. After that date, the game will remain accessible only to those who have already downloaded it, but the online services that power the experience will be shut down on September 3, at which point the game will no longer be playable in any form.
In an official statement posted on Konami's website, the company reflected on the game's history 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 read.
"However, we have decided to terminate the service [in September]." The company went on to thank its community, saying, "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." Grimoire of Souls originally debuted in September 2019 as a free‑to‑play mobile title for iOS and Android, initially released only in Canada. That first version featured in‑game currency, microtransactions, and a monetisation model typical of many mobile games at the time.
After a year of operation, Konami decided to discontinue the original mobile release. The following year, the game received a second life when it was brought back as a premium, subscription‑free offering on Apple Arcade, expanding its availability to iOS, tvOS, iPadOS, and macOS platforms. The Apple Arcade iteration was more than a simple port; Konami took the opportunity to overhaul the experience.
All in‑game currency and microtransaction mechanics were stripped out, creating a pure, ad‑free environment that fit the Arcade ethos. The developers also refreshed the user interface, refined level layouts, and upgraded the visual fidelity, delivering sharper graphics and smoother performance across Apple's hardware lineup.
These changes were intended to give both longtime fans of the Castlevania franchise and newcomers a more polished, accessible way to explore the series' gothic world. Despite the improvements and a dedicated player base, the game now joins a growing list of titles that are slated for shutdown in the coming months. The mobile gaming landscape is constantly evolving, and subscription services like Apple Arcade regularly rotate their libraries to make room for new experiences. In addition to Grimoire of Souls, Nintendo’s Mario Kart Tour is set to cease operations in September, followed by Warner Bros.’ Looney Tunes: World of Mayhem in October, and Sony’s Destruction AllStars in November.
Each of these closures reflects broader strategic shifts by publishers as they reallocate resources toward newer projects and platforms. For players who have invested time in Grimoire of Souls, the impending shutdown means that any progress, unlocked characters, or saved data will become inaccessible after September 3. Konami has not announced any compensation or data migration options, so fans are encouraged to finish any ongoing activities before the deadline.
The removal from the Apple Arcade catalog on August 20 also means that new users will no longer have the chance to discover or download the game, effectively ending its lifecycle. The decision to retire a game can be disappointing, but it also underscores the transient nature of digital entertainment.
Titles that once thrived on subscription services may eventually give way to fresh content that aligns with current market trends and player expectations. Konami’s statement emphasizes appreciation for its community, suggesting that the company values the support it received even as it moves on to other endeavors. In summary, Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls will disappear from Apple Arcade on August 20, and its online functionality will be completely disabled on September 3, rendering the game unplayable.
The move is part of a broader wave of service terminations affecting several popular mobile games, reflecting the dynamic and ever‑changing environment of digital game distribution. Players who wish to experience the game one last time should do so before the shutdown date, and they can look forward to future releases from Konami that may continue to explore the rich lore of the Castlevania universe.