Arcade games have long been a staple of gaming culture, but their design philosophies can vary significantly. Two primary approaches dominate: games built for score chasing and those focused on completion. Understanding their differences reveals how each caters to distinct player motivations.

Score Chasing Games prioritize high scores as the ultimate goal. These games often feature:

- Infinite or looping levels to encourage replayability.

- Mechanics that reward risk-taking, like multipliers or combo systems.

- Leaderboards to foster competition among players.

Examples include classics like *Pac-Man* and *Tetris*, where the thrill lies in surpassing personal or global records.

Completion-Focused Games, on the other hand, emphasize finishing the game’s content. Key traits include:

- Finite levels or a clear endpoint, such as defeating a final boss.

- Progression systems (e.g., unlocking stages or characters).

- Narrative or visual rewards for finishing the game.

Titles like *Metal Slug* or *Donkey Kong* exemplify this, where players aim to "beat the game" rather than just rack up points.

The core distinction lies in player engagement: score chasers thrive on competition and skill refinement, while completionists seek mastery and closure. Both styles offer unique appeals, shaping how arcade games are enjoyed across generations.