Designing arcade games for cross-platform leaderboards requires careful planning to ensure fairness, engagement, and technical compatibility. Here are the key considerations:

1. Unified Scoring System: Implement a consistent scoring mechanism across all platforms to maintain fairness. Avoid platform-specific advantages that could skew leaderboard rankings.

2. Player Identity Management: Use a universal login system (e.g., Google Play, Apple ID, or custom accounts) to track players seamlessly, preventing duplicate entries or cheating.

3. Real-Time Synchronization: Ensure leaderboards update in real-time to reflect scores accurately, enhancing competitiveness and player trust.

4. Platform-Specific Optimization: Adapt UI/UX for different devices (mobile, console, PC) while keeping core gameplay and scoring identical.

5. Anti-Cheat Measures: Integrate robust cheat detection to prevent score manipulation, preserving leaderboard integrity.

6. Social Features: Allow players to compare scores with friends and share achievements, boosting engagement.

By addressing these factors, developers can create a compelling and fair cross-platform arcade gaming experience.