Reverse engineering is a significant concern for arcade machine developers, as it can lead to piracy, cheating, and unauthorized modifications. To combat this, several anti-reverse engineering measures are commonly implemented in arcade machine code.

1. Code Obfuscation: This technique involves making the code difficult to read or understand by renaming variables, inserting dummy code, or using complex logic structures. Obfuscation slows down reverse engineers by hiding the true functionality of the code.

2. Encryption: Critical sections of the code or data are encrypted, requiring a decryption key to execute. This prevents attackers from easily analyzing or modifying the code without the proper key.

3. Tamper Detection: The code includes checks to detect unauthorized modifications. If tampering is detected, the machine may shut down, display errors, or trigger other countermeasures.

4. Hardware-Based Protection: Some arcade machines use custom hardware or secure chips to store and execute sensitive code, making it harder to extract or reverse engineer.

5. Anti-Debugging Techniques: These measures detect and disrupt debugging tools, such as by checking for breakpoints or timing discrepancies, to prevent step-by-step code analysis.

By combining these methods, arcade machine developers can significantly reduce the risk of reverse engineering and protect their intellectual property.