gaming

Konami to remove Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls from Apple Arcade; will shut Sept 3

Konami will remove Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls from Apple Arcade on August 20 and permanently shut the game so it is unplayable after September 3. The game, originally released in 2019, was re-released as an Apple Arcade exclusive in September 2021 with microtransactions removed. Konami gave no reason for the decision. The shutdown removes access to a modern 2D Castlevania entry that features series staples and multiplayer co-op, prompting fan interest in potential console or PC ports.

• Removal date: Grimoire of Souls will be removed from Apple Arcade on August 20 and will be permanently unplayable after September 3.
• Release history: The title launched in 2019, was pulled from mobile storefronts, then relaunched as an Apple Arcade exclusive in September 2021 with microtransactions removed.
• Content and creators: The game uses traditional 2D Castlevania gameplay, features character art by Ayami Kojima and music by Michiru Yamane, and includes playable franchise characters such as Alucard and Simon Belmont plus multiplayer co-op.
• Franchise significance: Grimoire of Souls was the first new Castlevania since 2014’s Lords of Shadow 2 and received a 2022 update that concluded its story with ties to 1990’s Castlevania III.