1) The mobile app space is very crowded, with over 700 iOS games being published daily, and user acquisition is expensive, with an average cost per installation of almost $3 for mobile games. 2) Most users do not stay engaged long term - 86% of users leave within 3 days of downloading an app. 3) To optimize user acquisition and retention, developers should focus on improving app store listings, implementing intuitive onboarding and tutorials, leveraging word-of-mouth through social sharing, and using "hook" models that provide variable and rewarding user experiences.