Arcade game manufacturers have implemented various sophisticated anti-piracy measures to protect their valuable software from unauthorized copying and distribution. One of the most fundamental protections was hardware-based security, where specialized chips or dongles were required for the game to operate. These security devices contained essential code or verification routines that prevented the game from running if removed or tampered with.

Another common method involved ROM encryption, where game code stored on ROM chips was scrambled using proprietary algorithms. Without the proper decryption key, the copied data would be unreadable and useless. Manufacturers also utilized custom microchips with unique architectures that were difficult to reverse-engineer, making duplication exceptionally challenging.

Many arcade boards featured EPROMs (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) with protection mechanisms that prevented easy reading or copying. Some systems employed checksum verification routines that continuously monitored game code integrity, shutting down the game if modifications were detected. Physical protection methods included unusual mounting hardware, epoxy coatings over critical components, and custom-shaped PCBs that complicated board replication.

Regional locking systems ensured games only operated in specific geographical markets, while later digital rights management (DRM) systems incorporated online verification. Despite these extensive measures, dedicated piracy groups often found ways to circumvent protections, leading to an ongoing technological arms race between developers and pirates throughout arcade gaming history.