In a move to create innovative new concepts and IP for children’s entertainment, UK-based Mind Candy has acquired UK games studio Origami Blue to help launch its new research and development studio, Candy Labs.

Mind Candy, the creative force behind internet sensation Moshi Monsters, will bring Origami Blue’s team on board full-time to develop ideas and concepts in-house for digital and non-digital entertainment. Some concepts will also be acquired from third parties.

Origami Blue, which has developed augmented reality gaming apps and a state-of-the-art touch-typing system for children, was founded by ex-Disney Black Rock Studios creatives Edd Smith, Mark Knowles-Lee and James Ovnik.

The acquisition comes on the heels of Mind Candy branching out into the mobile gaming space last month with the launch of its first game for iOS devices on the Apple App Store, Moshi Monsters: Moshlings.