Arcade game machines have evolved significantly in how they handle player progression tracking across multiple sessions. Unlike early arcade games designed for single-session high scores, modern arcade cabinets employ sophisticated systems to maintain a player's journey. The most common method is through player cards or dedicated online networks. Players obtain a physical card with a magnetic strip or QR code, which they swipe or scan before playing. This card links to a unique player profile stored on a central server. Game data—such as unlocked characters, completed levels, high scores, and accumulated currency—is saved to this profile after each session. When the player returns and uses the same card, the game downloads their profile, allowing them to continue from their last save point.

For dedicated racing or rhythm games, some cabinets feature internal storage, like flash memory or a hard drive, to save data locally. However, this progression is typically tied to that specific machine. Furthermore, interconnected arcade chains utilize wide-area networks, enabling players to resume their progress on any compatible cabinet within the network. This creates a seamless experience, encouraging repeat visits and fostering long-term engagement by making a player's investment in time and skill persistent and rewarding.