Arcade game developers masterfully design games to cater to both short bursts of play and extended sessions by focusing on key elements:

1. Quick, Rewarding Mechanics: Games feature simple controls and immediate feedback, making short sessions satisfying. High-score systems and instant rewards keep players engaged even in brief playtimes.

2. Progressive Difficulty: Adaptive difficulty ensures casual players enjoy short sessions while challenging dedicated gamers in longer playthroughs. Levels or enemies scale to maintain balance.

3. Modular Design: Games are broken into bite-sized levels or rounds, allowing players to stop anytime without losing progress. Save points or continuous loops accommodate varied session lengths.

4. Engagement Loops: Daily challenges, unlockables, and leaderboards encourage repeat play, whether for minutes or hours.

5. Visual and Audio Feedback: Bright visuals and dynamic soundtracks maintain excitement, preventing fatigue during extended play while keeping short sessions thrilling.

By blending these techniques, arcade games remain accessible and addictive for all players, regardless of time commitment.