Arcade game machines employ sophisticated techniques to manage dynamic in-game lighting, especially in stealth games where lighting plays a critical role in gameplay. These machines use a combination of hardware and software solutions to create realistic shadows, light gradients, and visibility mechanics.

1. Hardware-Based Lighting: Many modern arcade cabinets integrate LED panels or programmable RGB lighting to simulate environmental changes. These lights sync with the game’s events, dimming or brightening to reflect player actions like hiding in shadows or triggering alarms.

2. Software Algorithms: Game engines process real-time lighting calculations, adjusting brightness and contrast based on player movement. Techniques like ray tracing or pre-baked lightmaps are used to optimize performance while maintaining visual fidelity.

3. Player Interaction: Stealth games often tie lighting to gameplay mechanics. For example, flickering lights may alert enemies, while dark areas provide cover. Arcade machines enhance this with tactile feedback, such as vibrating joysticks or sound cues.

4. Optimization for Performance: Given hardware constraints, arcade games prioritize efficiency. Dynamic lighting is often simplified but strategically placed to maximize immersion without lag.

By blending hardware responsiveness with clever software design, arcade machines deliver an engaging stealth experience where lighting isn’t just visual—it’s a core gameplay element.