Julia Stalker, a Warren County Community College alum, has been making virtual waves as the owner of Virtual 42, a virtual reality and video game arcade in Washington Borough, since her graduation in Spring 2018.

Stalker opened the 1,000 square foot location in April 2018, offering a range of classic coin-op arcade games, like PAC-man, Donkey Kong, Tetris, and Metallica Pinball, as well as a state-of-the-art virtual reality Virtuix Omni treadmill system. The system mimics reality as players strap into the treadmill-like machine and don a headpiece that allows a 360-degree view of the game.

“Julia and Virtual 42 are providing an important service to our community: Fun,” said John Monteverde, Executive Director of the Washington Borough Business Improvement District. “She has brought back the classic arcade while modernizing it for the new generation.  It’s innovative businesses like this that make a community unique.” 

Stalker initially mapped out her plans for the business while attending classes at WCCC. 

“It’s a real success story,” said Dr. Will Austin, President of WCCC. “It’s exciting to know that what Julia learned at WCCC directly impacted her life and her business.”

Recently profiled in Forbes Magazine, Stalker has been recognized for more than just having one of the few public Virtuix Omni systems in the United States. Her customers, which range in age but are often young adults, see her space as a safe place to spend their free time. 

“I wanted to create a place for friends and families to have fun locally,” said Stalker. “Washington is close to home for me and allows me to build an environment my children and the neighboring children can grow up in.” 

Stalker’s Virtual 42, located at 43 E. Washington Ave. (Route 57) in Washington Borough, has a distinct community feel. Stalker has said that, though the virtual reality is the main draw, what keeps her customers returning is the hangout atmosphere. In addition to the pay games, she has open tables for gaming or studying, and a foosball table and X-box system free to use. 

Virtual 42 is open 3-9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 3-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Visit www.virtual-42.com for pricing.