Arcade machines have long been a target for reverse engineering, whether for piracy, cheating, or unauthorized modifications. To combat this, manufacturers implement various anti-reverse engineering measures. Here are the most common types:

1. Hardware Protection: Many arcade machines use custom-designed circuit boards with proprietary components, making it difficult to replicate or tamper with the hardware. Some even include tamper-proof seals or locks to detect physical intrusion.

2. Encryption: Critical firmware and software are often encrypted to prevent unauthorized access or duplication. Without the decryption key, extracting or modifying the code becomes nearly impossible.

3. Obfuscation: Code and data may be obfuscated to confuse reverse engineers. This includes misleading variable names, redundant code, or fragmented logic to slow down analysis.

4. Anti-Debugging Techniques: Some arcade systems detect debugging tools and shut down or alter their behavior to thwart analysis attempts.

5. Unique Checksums: Games may verify their own code integrity at runtime, crashing if modifications are detected.

These measures ensure that arcade machines remain secure, preserving both the gaming experience and the business model of arcade operators.