Competitive arcade games thrive on fair play, making anti-cheat mechanisms essential to maintain integrity. Here are the most effective methods:

1. Client-Side Detection: Software like Easy Anti-Cheat scans for unauthorized modifications or scripts running on a player’s device, flagging suspicious activity.

2. Server-Side Validation: Critical game calculations are processed server-side to prevent client-side tampering, ensuring actions like hit detection remain accurate.

3. Behavioral Analysis: AI-driven systems monitor player behavior for unnatural patterns, such as inhuman reaction times or perfect accuracy.

4. Hardware Bans: Repeat offenders are blocked via hardware IDs, making it harder for cheaters to return with new accounts.

5. Community Reporting: Player reports combined with automated systems help identify and review potential cheaters efficiently.

Implementing these mechanisms ensures a level playing field, preserving the competitive spirit of arcade gaming.