Westone Bit Entertainment, creator of Wonder Boy, to file for bankruptcy

Long-standing Japanese developer Westone Bit Entertainment is reportedly facing bankruptcy.

An industry stalwart for almost three decades, Westone is best known as the creator of 1986 hit arcade side-scroller Wonder Boy, which was relaunched on the NES as Hudson’s Adventure Island, and the Monster World series, which was recently collated as Sega Vintage Collection: Monster World on the PS3 and Xbox 360 in 2012.

But now it seems that the veteran firm is to disappear.

Game Watch Impress (via Sega Nerds) states that the Tokyo District Court is investigating Westone for debt, with reports indicating the developer has enteredliquidation and will soon file for bankruptcy.

As part of the proceedings, Westone’s current development and distribution services to PSN and Xbox Live have been halted. The Westone site has been closed, with the company’s Facebook account remaining untouched for now.

Sega is yet to comment on the effect Westone’s financial difficulties will have on the sale of Sega Vintage Collection: Monster World.