Arcade game machines have long been a staple of gaming culture, offering players the thrill of competition through leaderboard systems and high-score tracking. These systems are designed to store and display top scores, encouraging players to return and beat their previous records.

Most arcade machines use non-volatile memory (such as EEPROM or flash storage) to save high scores even after the machine is powered off. Leaderboards often display the top 10 or 20 scores, along with player initials or nicknames. Some modern arcade cabinets connect to online networks, allowing global leaderboards and real-time updates.

To prevent cheating, arcade machines employ encryption and checksum verification to ensure scores are legitimate. Classic arcade games like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong pioneered these systems, while newer machines integrate cloud-based tracking for enhanced competition. Whether in retro or modern arcades, leaderboards remain a key feature driving player engagement and replayability.