The arcade landscape is broadly divided into two distinct design philosophies: games crafted for quick, impulsive play and those designed for longer, dedicated sessions. This fundamental distinction shapes every aspect of the gaming experience, from core mechanics to monetization.

Games designed for impulse play are built for immediacy. Their primary goal is to capture a player's attention within seconds and deliver a complete, satisfying experience in a very short time frame, often just a minute or two. Key characteristics include simple, intuitive controls that require no tutorial, a rapid and intense difficulty curve to create immediate challenge, and short, self-contained levels or modes. The feedback loop is instant and powerful, with flashing lights, loud sounds, and frequent small rewards. These games often employ the "one more try" hook, leveraging the player's desire to immediately beat their last score. Monetization typically revolves around single-play tokens or very short-term passes.

Conversely, arcade games built for dedicated sessions prioritize depth and long-term engagement. They ask for a more significant investment of both time and mental focus. These games feature more complex control schemes and deeper mechanics that unfold over time, such as combo systems, special moves, or resource management. The narrative or progression structure is a key component, offering a campaign mode, character unlocks, and a compelling reason to return. The difficulty is often more gradual, designed to reward skill development and mastery rather than punish instantly. The reward systems are delayed, offering larger, more meaningful unlocks for sustained play. Monetization might involve longer time-based passes or card-based systems that save progress.

In essence, the core difference lies in their objective. Impulse-play games are a shot of adrenaline—a quick, high-intensity distraction. Dedicated-session games are a journey—a deeper, more strategic experience that rewards commitment and skill. Understanding this divide explains why certain classic cabinets remain popular for quick hits while others command a player's undivided attention for half an hour or more.