Joel Franey got his Bachelors in Creative Writing and Games Design from Brunel University in 2017, before going on to do a Masters in Creative and Critical Writing from Sussex University. During this time he also worked freelance in various gaming-related roles and professions, including design, PR, reviews and features, before eventually joining the guides team at USgamer and ReedPop in 2019. Since then, he has written professionally for numerous publications, including Gfinity Esports, Eurogamer, VG247, Dicebreaker, RPS, Jelly Deals and more. These have involved, among other things, writing guides, news, features, reviews, and even working as an SEO consultant, restructuring and rewriting content for the purpose of increased online traffic. He eventually joined GamesRadar+ as a Guides Writer in 2021, with a focus on covering single player games and narrative games, though nonetheless regularly contributing to ongoing coverage of online gaming services and multiplayer properties, and has covered a variety of major AAA games in his time since then. In his spare time he is also a long-time fiction writer, having written books, screenplays and more besides in a variety of genres, and is the co-host and co-creator of the pop culture comedy podcast, "Margaret Thatcher, Templar Spy".
Latest articles by Joel Franey

New developer commentary for Lego Batman takes us through "A celebration" of gameplay, action, and so very many costumes
By Joel Franey published
News Legacy of the Dark Knight looks stuffed to bursting

"Break in, take it, get out" - Cordura is the new psychological survival horror of a Victorian burglary gone wrong
By Joel Franey published
News Oh god, I don't think this is going to go ve-WHAT WAS THAT THING?!

After weeks spent locked into Hitman's Freelancer mode, I realize there's one vital thing 007 First Light needs to learn
By Joel Franey published
Now Playing Now Playing | Hitman's Freelancer mode is the greatest roguelike I've played in the last 10 years

Monster Hunter Rise Khezu weakness, tactics, and strengths
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide How to beat the Khezu, arguably the most horrible creature in Monster Hunter Rise

Is Monster Hunter Rise crossplay?
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide We look at the crossplay and cross-save situation for Monster Hunter Rise for PC, PS5, Xbox, and Switch.

How to pre-install Marathon and get ready for launch day
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Marathon is now available to preload and it's surprisingly small

All Mecha Break codes (March 2026) and how to redeem them
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Redeeming codes in Mecha Break lets you earn in-game rewards

All Pokemon Legends Z-A Mystery Gift Codes and Rewards (March 2026)
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Mystery Gifts in Pokemon Z-A are available now, through different means

Pokemon Winds and Waves region: everything we know so far about the map and setting
By Heather Wald last updated
Guide The new map and region for Gen 10 will bring us to an open-world made up of islands and a vast ocean

All Gen 10 starters in Pokemon Winds and Waves
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide The Gen 10 starter Pokemon in Winds and Waves have been announced, and we know their abilities and types!

All Pokemon in Winds and Waves confimed so far
By Ali Jones last updated
Guide Here are all the Pokemon featured in the Pokemon Winds and Waves trailer

Best PTCGP decks tier list (March 2026)
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide The Paldean Wonders expansion is out, and new deck builds have emerged for PTCGP

GDC is an opportunity to celebrate the games that defined 2025, and explore the technology that will shape the future of gaming
By Joel Franey published
Opinion GDC is just around the corner, and anybody who cares about gaming should be watching

Can you play Pokemon Winds and Waves on Nintendo Switch 1?
By Joel Franey published
Guide Gen 10 Pokemon is a Switch exclusive, but is that for both generations of Switch?

All maps and zones in Marathon
By Joel Franey published
Guide Maps in Marathon, or zones, each offer different opportunities and perils

Worth Your Salt walkthrough in Arc Raiders
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide The Worth Your Salt mission in Arc Raiders is about charging a new salt battery

Arc Raiders Stable Housing guide and Safe Code location
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Arc Raiders' Stable Housing mission has you find a Safe Code in Stella Montis

How to complete A Rising Tide quest in Arc Raiders
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide A Rising Tide has you find hunt for clues in Arc Raiders' Piazza Roma and the Controlled Access Zone

How to find the Mantikor Facilities and Security Wing Locked Door in Arc Raiders
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Finding Mantikor's Underground facilities in Arc Raiders in A Dead End is followed by a battery-powered door puzzle to the Red Room beyond

All Arc Raiders Weather Monitor System project materials and rewards
By Will Sawyer last updated
Guide Here's everything you need to complete the Weather Monitor System project in Arc Raiders

Lego Pikachu is in pole-position for one of the biggest releases this year, but a fragile build can be pain in the butt
By Joel Franey published
Review More than a couple of issues that nostalgia can't spackle over

All Pokemon TCG Pocket Secret Missions (Updated for Paldean Wonders)
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Every secret mission in PTCGP is here, including those from the Paldean Wonders set

Best Arc Raiders weapons and meta tier list (March 2026)
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide All the best guns in Arc Raiders' meta are laid out here
Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more



