The vibrant world of arcade gaming is heavily fueled by recognizable intellectual properties (IPs) and beloved themes. Leveraging established fan bases, these licenses create an immediate draw for players. The most popular categories include blockbuster superhero franchises, with Marvel and DC Comics leading the charge. Games like the "Marvel vs. Capcom" fighting series are iconic staples. Similarly, the "Star Wars" universe has a long and successful history in arcades, from classic vector graphics shooters to modern immersive experiences like "Star Wars: Battle Pod." Beyond film, Japanese anime IPs are incredibly powerful, with franchises like "Dragon Ball," "One Piece," and "Gundam" frequently featured in fighting games and rhythm cabinets, particularly in Asia. The realm of video games itself is a major source, with companies like Namco (Pac-Man, Tekken), Sega (Sonic, Virtua Fighter), and Capcom (Street Fighter) licensing their own characters for dedicated cabinet experiences. Finally, the enduring appeal of retro and classic themes cannot be overlooked. Timeless characters from the early days of gaming, such as Pac-Man and Space Invaders, continue to be licensed for new arcade machines and bartop models, capitalizing on nostalgia. These popular themes succeed by combining familiar characters and worlds with engaging, pick-up-and-play mechanics perfect for the arcade environment.