Developing cross-platform arcade games presents several significant challenges that developers must overcome to deliver a seamless player experience. One primary obstacle is performance optimization across diverse hardware. Arcade games demand high frame rates and quick response times, yet mobile devices, consoles, and PCs vary greatly in processing power and graphics capabilities. Ensuring smooth gameplay on all platforms requires meticulous optimization, often involving scalable graphics settings and efficient code.

Another critical challenge is adapting control schemes. Arcade games traditionally rely on precise inputs, but control methods differ—touchscreens for mobile, controllers for consoles, and keyboards/mice for PC. Designing intuitive and responsive controls that feel natural on each device is complex. For instance, virtual joysticks on touchscreens may lack the tactile feedback of physical buttons, potentially affecting gameplay accuracy.

Additionally, maintaining consistent game logic and physics across platforms can be problematic. Differences in operating systems, screen resolutions, and aspect ratios may lead to inconsistencies in game behavior. Rigorous testing on all target platforms is essential to identify and fix such issues, but this multiplies development time and costs. Tools like Unity or Unreal Engine help, but they don't eliminate the need for platform-specific adjustments.

Moreover, cross-platform multiplayer functionality introduces networking hurdles. Synchronizing game states between devices with varying latencies and connection qualities requires robust backend infrastructure. Security concerns, such as preventing cheating across platforms, add another layer of complexity.

In summary, creating successful cross-platform arcade games involves balancing performance, controls, consistency, and networking. By addressing these challenges through careful planning and testing, developers can expand their audience and enhance player engagement.