Designing arcade games for minimal downtime is crucial to maintaining player engagement and ensuring a seamless gaming experience. Here are the key considerations:

1. Fast Reload Mechanics: Implement quick respawns or instant restarts to keep players in the action without frustrating delays.

2. Streamlined UI/UX: Simplify menus and interfaces to reduce navigation time, allowing players to jump back into gameplay swiftly.

3. Optimized Game Loops: Design short, rewarding cycles that encourage replayability without lengthy interruptions.

4. Efficient Asset Loading: Use preloading or dynamic loading techniques to minimize wait times between levels or scenes.

5. Balanced Difficulty: Avoid excessive difficulty spikes that lead to frequent failures, which can disrupt flow and increase downtime.

By focusing on these elements, developers can create arcade games that maximize playtime and keep players immersed.