Creating balanced special move systems in fighting games is a meticulous process that requires a deep understanding of game mechanics, player psychology, and competitive fairness. Arcade game developers employ several key strategies to achieve this balance.

First, they analyze frame data, ensuring that each special move has appropriate startup, active, and recovery frames. This prevents any single move from being overly dominant or useless. Developers also consider damage output, making sure powerful moves have drawbacks like longer cooldowns or higher resource costs.

Another critical aspect is input complexity. Moves with simpler inputs are often less powerful, while complex inputs reward skilled players with stronger abilities. This creates a skill-based hierarchy.

Playtesting is essential. Developers gather feedback from both casual and competitive players to identify imbalances. Adjustments are made iteratively until the system feels fair and fun.

Finally, developers monitor post-release data, tweaking moves via patches to maintain balance as the meta evolves. By combining these methods, arcade game developers craft special move systems that are both exciting and equitable.