Konami has officially disclosed that its title Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls will cease operations next month, marking the end of the game's availability on Apple Arcade. The service will first be removed from the Apple Arcade catalog on August 20, after which the game will become completely inaccessible on September 3, meaning players will no longer be able to launch or play the title. In a statement posted on the company’s website, Konami reflected on the game's lifespan and the decision to end support. "Since its debut on Apple Arcade in September 2021, the game has enjoyed a dedicated player base and continued support," the statement read.
"Nevertheless, after careful consideration, we have chosen to terminate the service in September." The announcement also included a heartfelt thank‑you to the community. "We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all of our players for their enthusiastic support over the years," the notice continued.
"The entire development and operations team deeply appreciates you for joining us on this journey." For context, Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls originally launched in September 2019 as a free‑to‑play mobile experience available on iOS and Android, initially rolling out only in Canada. After a brief run, the original version was discontinued a year later. Konami then re‑imagined the game for Apple Arcade, releasing it across iOS, tvOS, iPadOS, and macOS platforms.
This second iteration stripped away the original in‑game currency system and microtransactions, introduced a refreshed user interface, and upgraded the visual presentation to take advantage of newer hardware capabilities. The decision to pull the title aligns with a broader trend of older live‑service games being phased out as companies reallocate resources toward newer projects. In the coming months, several other titles are also slated for shutdown. Nintendo’s Mario Kart Tour is set to end its service in September, followed by the Looney Tunes: World of Mayhem in October, and finally Destruction AllStars, which will be taken offline in November.
The shutdown process typically follows a two‑step approach: first, the game is removed from storefronts or subscription catalogs, preventing new downloads. Then, after a short grace period, the servers that host online features are decommissioned, rendering the game unplayable even for existing owners.
This pattern ensures that players receive ample notice and have a window to finish any ongoing progress or retrieve personal data before the service disappears. While the removal of Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls may disappoint fans who have enjoyed its unique take on the classic Castlevania franchise—offering a roster of iconic characters, a card‑based combat system, and a blend of action‑RPG mechanics—the decision reflects the realities of maintaining online services.
Operating costs, evolving platform policies, and shifting player interest all factor into such determinations. For those who have invested time in the game, Konami has not indicated any compensation or alternative offers, but the company’s public gratitude suggests an appreciation for the community’s engagement. Players who wish to preserve memories of their experience may consider capturing screenshots, recording gameplay, or documenting favorite moments before the September 3 cut‑off date.
Looking ahead, Konami continues to develop and support other entries in its portfolio, including newer titles within the Castlevania series and other franchises. The company’s focus appears to be on delivering fresh experiences that align with current market trends, such as console releases, streaming services, and emerging technologies. In summary, Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls will be delisted from Apple Arcade on August 20, with all online functionality terminating on September 3, after which the game will no longer be playable.
Konami thanks its players for their support, and the shutdown is part of a larger wave of service terminations affecting several mobile and streaming titles in the near future.