Arcade machines create the illusion of real-time physics-based destruction through a combination of specialized hardware and software optimization rather than true complex physics simulation. Unlike modern gaming PCs, classic arcade cabinets utilize custom-designed processors and graphics chips specifically programmed for their games. Developers pre-calculate possible destruction outcomes and create multiple animation sequences that trigger based on player actions. The hardware includes dedicated sprite rotation chips and particle effect generators that handle breaking objects without burdening the main CPU. For destructible environments, artists create multiple broken states of objects that appear seamlessly through clever programming. The arcade system's ROM stores these pre-rendered destruction sequences, allowing instant access without computational lag. Sound chips contribute to the effect with dynamically triggered crash and break samples synchronized to the visual destruction. This approach ensures responsive, satisfying destruction effects while maintaining the consistent 60fps gameplay arcades require. Modern arcade machines incorporate more advanced physics processors but still rely heavily on pre-computed destruction patterns for reliability. The result is convincing real-time destruction that feels physically accurate without requiring expensive hardware.