Roberta is an aspiring journalist but works after school and on the weekends at Arcane, the virtual-reality arcade run by her father and uncle.

Roberta doesn't approve of the games offered in Arcane, which are all filled with over-the-top violence and covert racism, nor does she like having to deal with the arcade's often unsavory clientele.

Roberta deals with coming-of-age problems, criticized by her cousin's popular friend Nina for her disinterest in make-up and never having menstruated.

Roberta takes it upon herself, with the occasional help of some friends and her high school journalism teacher, to investigate a series of incidents at the mall where Arcane is located.

Roberta likes the idea of muckraking as a way of unveiling hidden injustice, but also becomes disillusioned with both her teacher and the local news station after witnessing the inability to pursue real journalism.