Arcade machines traditionally operated as closed systems, making player-created game modes a complex challenge. Unlike modern PCs or consoles, classic arcade cabinets were designed with dedicated hardware and read-only memory (ROM) to prevent tampering and ensure consistent operation. This inherent limitation means true player-created modes, as seen in contemporary games, were largely nonexistent in the golden age of arcades.

However, the concept wasn't entirely absent. Developers sometimes incorporated hidden modes, cheats, or difficulty adjustments that players could unlock via specific codes or high scores, offering a form of curated customization. In some cases, arcade operators with technical expertise could dipswitch settings on the machine's motherboard to alter game parameters like difficulty or number of lives, a primitive form of mode adjustment.

The modern era has seen a shift. With the rise of emulation and online-connected arcade platforms, new possibilities have emerged. Some contemporary arcade systems, particularly those based on PC hardware, allow for more flexibility. Developers can now release official updates or tools that enable community-created content, which can be distributed via online leaderboards or dedicated networks. Furthermore, the emulation scene itself has given rise to fan-made mods and patches that can alter original arcade games, effectively creating new modes, though this occurs outside the original hardware's intent.

Ultimately, while classic arcade architecture severely limited direct player creation, the spirit of customization persists through developer-hidden features, operator adjustments, and modern technological solutions that keep the arcade experience evolving.