Designing arcade games for cooperative play requires careful attention to several key factors to ensure an engaging and balanced experience for players.

1. Game Mechanics: Cooperative arcade games should feature mechanics that encourage teamwork, such as shared objectives, combo systems, or abilities that complement each other.

2. Balance and Difficulty: The game must be challenging enough to require cooperation but not so difficult that it frustrates players. Adjustable difficulty levels can help cater to different skill levels.

3. Player Interaction: Clear communication tools, whether through in-game cues or voice chat, are essential for coordinating strategies and enhancing the cooperative experience.

4. Reward Systems: Players should be incentivized to work together through shared rewards, leaderboards, or unlockable content that celebrates teamwork.

5. Accessibility: The game should be easy to pick up but hard to master, ensuring both casual and hardcore gamers can enjoy cooperative play.

By focusing on these elements, designers can create arcade games that foster collaboration and provide memorable multiplayer experiences.