The mobile division of game developer Sega has announced a trio of investments that aim to bolster its foothold in the western market, acquiring Demiurge Studios and purchasing large stakes in Ignited Artists and Space Ape Games.

Massachusetts-based developer Demiurge Studios was founded in 2002 and transitioned to mobile gaming in 2008, finding success with Marvel Puzzle Quest, a top 100 grossing app on the iOS App Store and top 50 grossing on Google Play Store.

The studio will continue to make games under its own name, and CEO Albert Reed will join Sega Networks as VP of product development, as well as retaining his title of studio head.

“Demiurge and Sega share a vision for the future of mobile gaming: putting gamers first,” said Reed. “In todays mobile games you must listen to your players and find new ways to keep them engaged. Our success with Marvel Puzzle Quest comes from our focus on iterative design and testing, with our players in mind.”

Sega Networks bought a majority investment in Ignited Artists, a San Francisco-based studio led by three gaming veterans. While the studio has yet to release its first title, it has over four decades of experience at companies like Activision, Blizzard, EA, Nokia and Microsoft Game Studios.

Finally, Sega established a minority stake in UK-based Space Ape Games, and agreed a partnership that will see Sega Networks bringing select Space Ape titles to the Japanese market.

“We are delighted to partner with a company with the gaming pedigree of Sega,” said John Earner, CEO and founder of Space Ape. “Our last release, Samurai Siege, was a success in the Japanese mobile market. With Sega Networks experience and record of success, we are confident that Rival Kingdoms, our next game, and future titles will be able to improve upon this success.”