We describe a novel game-theoretic formulation of the optimal mobile agents’ placement problem which arises in the context of Mobile Ad-hoc Networks (MANETs). This problem is modelled as a sequential multistage game. The definitions of both the Nash equilibrium and cooperative solution are given. A modification was proposed to ensure the existence of a Nash equilibrium. A modelling environment for the analysis of different strategies of the players was developed in MATLAB. The programme generates various game situations and determines each player move by solving respective optimisation problems. Using the developed environment, two specific game scenarios were considered in detail. The proposed novel algorithm was implemented and tested using Network Simulator 3 (NS-3). The results show that the proposed novel algorithm increases network performance by using game theory principles and techniques.