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

Black Myth Wukong guides for aspiring monkey warriors
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide We can help those enjoying Black Myth Wukong with our expert guides

9 Black Myth Wukong tips we wish we'd known before playing
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide These tips and tricks for Black Myth Wukong will help players master their destiny

Black Myth Wukong's best skills and abilities
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Here are the best skills you should prioritize in Black Myth Wukong, and how to respec them

Where to find Sterness of Stone and Keeness of Tiger in Black Myth Wukong
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide The King of Flowing Sands' gate tally needs Tiger's Keeness and Stone's Sterness to open

How to free the Black Myth Wukong Man in Stone
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide The Man-in-Stone in Black Myth Wukong is trapped near Squall Hideout

How long is Black Myth Wukong?
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Black Myth Wukong's length is anywhere between 20 and 50 hours

All Black Myth Wukong Buddha's Eyeballs locations and use
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide There are six Buddha's Eyeballs in Chapter 2 of Black Myth Wukong, and this is what you need to do with them

How to restore Mana in Black Myth Wukong for your spells
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Mana fuels your spells in Black Myth Wukong, but how do you get it back?

How to access the Battlefield 6 beta
By Iain Wilson last updated
Guide The last weekend of the Battlefield 6 open beta has now concluded, so it can no longer be accessed

Pokemon Legends Z-A has made me realize what I miss about the series, and it's up to Gen 10 to fix it
By Joel Franey published
Opinion Opinion | Gen 10 needs to carve out its own identity

Battlefield 6 multiplayer is taking inspiration from Bad Company 2, but I hope its single player campaign looks further back to the series' best story
By Joel Franey published
Opinion Opinion | Battlefield 6's single player looks like it's going to take itself very seriously, but the series' best is still a late 2000s comedy

How to trade Rare Ergos in Lies of P for treasure and rewards
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide The rare boss Ergo in Lies of P can be traded for weapons and amulets

All Lies of P Phone Riddles and Trinity locations
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Where to find all the Trinity Keys and Rooms connected to Arlecchino's phone riddles in Lies of P

How to beat the Parade Master in Lies of P
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Tips, strategies, and weaknesses for the Parade Master boss fight

11 Lies of P tips and tricks to give you a nose for danger
By Joel Franey last updated
guide Our tips and tricks for Lies of P will help with bosses, exploration, builds, and more

The best Lies of P weapons and blade/hilt combos
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide The best weapons to find and assemble in Lies of P

Lies of P Black Rabbit Brotherhood boss fight guide
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide The Black Rabbit Brotherhood boss fight in Lies of P is about defeating the Eldest specifically.

All Grounded 2 Buggies and how to get them
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Buggies in Grounded 2 are rideable insect mounts and you need a Hatchery to get one

Grounded 2 Northern Scorpion locations, drops and strategies
By Joel Franey published
Guide Northern Scorpions in Grounded 2 are one of the game's most deadly enemies

Best Grounded 2 weapons and all unique weapon locations
By Joel Franey published
Guide There are numerous unique weapons in Grounded 2, but the best weapon isn't any of them: It's the Wolfbane Fangs.

Where to find and use the Frostbitten Key in Grounded 2
By Joel Franey published
Guide The Grounded 2 Frostbitten Key is in the Ice Cream Truck, as is the frozen, hidden chest you use it on

Battlefield 6 multiplayer is faster than ever, and while I'm having fun being a speedy soldier, it's playing against the shooter's most iconic feature
By Joel Franey published
Opinion Opinion | Enhanced speed is a fun thing, but is it worth sacrificing the strategic element of BF6?

Grounded 2 Red Soldier Ant Egg locations
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Red Soldier Ant Eggs in Grounded 2 are found in the Hatchery Anthill in The Snackbar Front Zone
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