Arcade attract modes are dynamic demos designed to lure players into inserting a coin. However, to ensure these promotional sequences are actually seen, developers implement various anti-skip mechanisms. The most common types include timed delays, mandatory viewing periods, and conditional activation.

The simplest and most widespread mechanism is a timed delay. When the attract mode starts, a message like "Press Start" may not appear immediately. Instead, a countdown timer ensures the demo plays for a set duration, often 15 to 30 seconds, before allowing any player input to skip it. This guarantees a minimum exposure time for the game's visuals and audio.

Another effective method is the mandatory viewing period for specific content. Some games will play a crucial segment, such as an exciting boss fight or a high-score replay, that cannot be skipped at all. The "Press Start" option only becomes available after this critical snippet has been shown in its entirety, forcing players to watch the most enticing part of the presentation.

Conditional activation is a more subtle approach. This mechanism ties the ability to skip the attract mode to a specific, often minor, action. For instance, a player might need to press the start button twice in quick succession, or hold it down for three seconds, rather than just tapping it once. This small hurdle prevents accidental skips and requires a deliberate decision from the player.

Finally, some arcade cabinets utilize a physical or software-based button lock. In this case, the start button is completely disabled during the attract mode cycle. The button only becomes active once the full sequence has concluded, ensuring the complete demo is displayed to everyone who passes by the machine. These mechanisms collectively work to maximize the attract mode's effectiveness in capturing player interest.