Konami has officially confirmed that its title Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls will be taken offline next month, marking the end of the game's availability on Apple Arcade. The service will first be delisted from the Apple Arcade catalog on August 20, after which the game will become completely unplayable on September 3. From that point forward, players will no longer be able to launch or enjoy the title.
In a statement posted on Konami’s website, the company reflected on the game’s history and expressed appreciation for its community. "Since its debut on Apple Arcade in September 2021, the game has continued to be supported by many players," the announcement read.
"However, we have decided to terminate the service [in September]." The developer also took the opportunity to thank its audience, stating, "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 mobile experience for iOS and Android, initially launched only in Canada.
After a brief run, the mobile version was discontinued a year later. Konami later revived the title by bringing it to Apple Arcade, expanding its reach to iOS, tvOS, iPadOS, and macOS platforms. The re‑release was more than a simple port; the studio removed the in‑game currency system and all micro‑transaction elements, overhauled the user interface, and upgraded the visual fidelity to better suit the Apple ecosystem.
The decision to shut down the game aligns with a broader trend of online‑dependent titles being retired as their player bases dwindle or as companies shift focus to newer projects. Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls joins a short list of services slated for termination in the coming months. Nintendo’s Mario Kart Tour is set to end its online service in September, followed by the Looney Tunes: World of Mayhem shutdown in October, and the closure of Destruction AllStars in November. For fans of the Castlevania franchise, Grimoire of Souls offered a unique spin on the classic gothic action‑RPG formula.
Unlike traditional console entries that rely on a single-player narrative, this version emphasized cooperative multiplayer battles, allowing up to four players to team up and tackle a series of dungeon‑style challenges. Players could select from a roster of iconic characters such as Simon Belmont, Alucard, and other series veterans, each equipped with distinct abilities and customizable load‑outs. The game’s progression system encouraged players to collect and upgrade gear, experiment with different team compositions, and master the timing of special attacks.
When the title first launched on Apple Arcade, it was praised for bringing a console‑quality experience to mobile devices without the intrusion of ads or pay‑to‑win mechanics. Critics highlighted the smooth controls, vibrant art direction, and faithful recreation of the series' signature music.
Over time, however, the player community began to shrink as newer releases captured attention and as the novelty of the service waned. Maintaining server infrastructure for a diminishing audience became increasingly costly, prompting Konami to evaluate the game's long‑term viability.
The removal process will be straightforward for users. On August 20, the game will disappear from the Apple Arcade storefront, meaning new downloads will no longer be possible. Existing owners will retain access to the app until the September 3 cutoff, after which the client will refuse to connect to Konami’s servers, rendering the game inoperable. Players who have invested time in building characters or completing challenges are advised to finish any pending activities before the shutdown date, as progress cannot be transferred or restored after the service ends.
While the closure may be disappointing for dedicated fans, it also opens the door for Konami to allocate resources toward future projects. The company has hinted at upcoming titles within the Castlevania universe, including potential new entries for next‑generation consoles and possibly a revival of the series' classic 2D platforming roots. By consolidating its development efforts, Konami hopes to deliver fresh experiences that resonate with both longtime enthusiasts and newcomers.
In summary, Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls will be delisted from Apple Arcade on August 20 and will cease to function entirely on September 3. Konami thanked its player base for their support over the years and acknowledged the game's evolution from a free‑to‑play mobile experiment to a polished, ad‑free Apple Arcade exclusive.
The shutdown is part of a wider pattern of online‑dependent games being retired, with several other titles slated for similar fates in the months ahead. Fans are encouraged to enjoy the remaining days of gameplay and look forward to upcoming releases from Konami that aim to continue the legacy of the iconic Castlevania franchise.