Creating balanced vehicle handling in arcade racing games is a delicate art that combines physics, player feedback, and gameplay design. Developers start by defining a core handling model that feels intuitive yet exciting, often simplifying real-world physics to prioritize fun. They then fine-tune attributes like speed, acceleration, traction, and drift mechanics to ensure no single vehicle dominates.

Playtesting is crucial—developers gather data on player performance and adjust handling to maintain fairness across skill levels. They may also implement rubber-banding AI or adaptive difficulty to keep races competitive. Finally, visual and audio cues (like tire screeches or controller vibrations) enhance the sense of control, making the handling feel responsive and satisfying. The goal? A racing experience that’s accessible to beginners but deep enough for experts.