Arcade game developers design tournament-ready games by prioritizing competitive elements, balanced mechanics, and engaging multiplayer experiences. Key strategies include:

1. Balanced Gameplay: Ensuring fairness by fine-tuning difficulty, power-ups, and character abilities to prevent exploits.

2. Clear Rules & Objectives: Designing straightforward rulesets that are easy to understand but hard to master, keeping matches intense.

3. Leaderboard Integration: Implementing ranking systems to track player performance and encourage rivalry.

4. Spectator Appeal: Adding visual flair and dynamic pacing to entertain both players and audiences.

5. Short Session Length: Structuring matches to be fast-paced, fitting tournament schedules while maintaining excitement.

By focusing on these aspects, developers create arcade games that thrive in competitive settings, fostering skill-based competition and replayability.