Konami has officially confirmed that its Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls will be taken offline next month, marking the end of the game’s presence on Apple Arcade. The title, which debuted as an Apple Arcade exclusive, will be removed from the subscription catalog on August 20, and the servers that keep the game functional 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 Konami’s website, the company reflected on the game’s lifespan and its community. “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 went on to thank its audience, 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 arrived in September 2019 as a free‑to‑play title for iOS and Android devices, initially rolling out only in Canada. That first incarnation was short‑lived; the game was discontinued after roughly a year. Konami later revived the project as a premium, ad‑free experience on Apple’s ecosystem, making it available on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Mac through the Apple Arcade subscription service.
The relaunch stripped away the original’s in‑game currency and micro‑transaction model, introduced a cleaner user interface, and delivered upgraded graphics that better matched the capabilities of Apple hardware. The decision to pull Grimoire of Souls from service comes amid a broader wave of game shutdowns scheduled for the next few months. Notably, Nintendo’s Mario Kart Tour is slated to close its doors in September, followed by the Looney Tunes: World of Mayhem in October, and then the multiplayer shooter Destruction AllStars in November.
These closures reflect a common industry pattern: as subscription platforms evolve and player bases shift, older titles that no longer generate sufficient engagement or revenue are often retired. For fans of the Castlevania franchise, Grimoire of Souls offered a unique spin on the classic gothic action‑RPG formula. Players could collect a roster of iconic characters from across the series—such as Simon Belmont, Alucard, and Carmilla—and assemble them into squads to tackle a variety of challenges.
The game’s progression system encouraged strategic team building, and its episodic content updates kept the experience fresh for a dedicated community. While the removal of micro‑transactions in the Apple Arcade version was welcomed by many, it also meant that the game relied solely on its subscription model for ongoing support, a factor that may have contributed to its eventual discontinuation. Konami’s announcement also underscores the company’s commitment to transparency with its audience. By providing clear dates for delisting and server shutdown, players have a window to finish any pending activities, capture screenshots, or simply say goodbye to a title that has been part of their gaming routine for several years.
The company’s gratitude note is a customary gesture in the industry, acknowledging that even games with modest player counts have passionate fans who invest time and emotion. Looking ahead, the removal of Grimoire of Souls may open space for Konami to focus on newer projects or to revisit other entries in the Castlevania universe with fresh ideas. The franchise remains a cornerstone of Konami’s portfolio, having seen successful revivals in recent years through titles like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night’s HD remaster and the critically acclaimed Metroid‑like indie game Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, which was created by former Konami developer Koji Igarashi. The ongoing interest in gothic, vampire‑hunting narratives suggests that while Grimoire of Souls is ending, the thematic core of the series will likely continue to inspire future releases.
For those who have yet to experience the game before its final shutdown, it’s worth noting that the Apple Arcade subscription model does not provide a way to download a fully offline version of the title. Once the servers are offline, the game will be unplayable, even if it remains installed on a device.
Therefore, players who wish to revisit the game should do so before the September 3 deadline. In summary, Konami’s Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls will be removed from Apple Arcade on August 20, with all online services ceasing on September 3, ending the game’s lifecycle on the platform.
The move is part of a larger trend of upcoming game retirements across various subscription services, reflecting shifting market dynamics and the natural lifecycle of digital titles. Fans are encouraged to enjoy the remaining time they have with the game and to keep an eye on Konami’s future announcements for new projects within the beloved Castlevania universe.