Joel Franey
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, JellyDeals and Dicebreaker, in various capacities. 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 ongoing pop culture comedy podcast, "Margaret Thatcher, Templar Spy".
Latest articles by Joel Franey

How long is Star Wars Outlaws?
By Joel Franey published
Guide Star Wars Outlaws is mostly made of optional content, with lots of side quests to explore

All Star Wars Outlaws Experts, abilities and skills
By Joel Franey published
Guide There are nine Expert mentors in Star Wars Outlaws who unlock new ability trees

Best faction in Star Wars Outlaws to build a reputation with
By Joel Franey published
Guide There are multiple syndicates in your criminal network in Star Wars Outlaws

Which planet should you go to first in Star Wars Outlaws?
By Joel Franey published
Guide After unlocking hyperspace in Star Wars Outlaws, you have a choice between three worlds

Should you choose Eleera or Gorak in Star Wars Outlaws to give information to?
By Joel Franey published
Guide Do you tell Gorak or Eleera about the Pyke Traitor in Star Wars Outlaws?

10 Star Wars Outlaws tips and tricks to becoming the ultimate starfaring rogue
By Joel Franey published
Guide These 10 tips for Star Wars Outlaws will take Kay from luckless loser to lightspeed legend

How to use Fast Talk in Star Wars Outlaws
By Joel Franey published
Guide The Star Wars Outlaws Fast Talk ability probably won't get you out of trouble, just the chance to prepare for it

Steamworld Heist 2's launch trailer showcases folksy tunes, geometric gunplay, and a string of accolades
By Joel Franey published
News It's a pirate's life for 01101101 01100101!

Nightmare House: Reimagined makes its chilling, thrilling reveal - and puts the original game on Steam for free
By Joel Franey published
News Escape was never an option...

Bionic Bay is a physics-bending sci-fi platformer that looks like Limbo via Portal
By Joel Franey published
News "Up" is really a matter of perspective

Roguelike Ravenswatch finally gets a release date - and the reveal of its iconic final boss
By Joel Franey published
News Baba Yaga's hut comes running in Fall 2024

Black Myth: Wukong's new trailer speaks of destiny, immortality, and a squeaky-voiced seagull-centaur-man
By Joel Franey published
News Cleanse the world with blood, and grow lotuses in it.

Will Indiana Jones and the Great Circle be on PS5?
By Joel Franey last updated
Yes, the new Indiana Jones game is coming to PS5 – you just need to wait for 2025

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

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

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

What is Compatibility Mode in Black Myth Wukong?
By Joel Franey published
Guide Black Myth Wukong on PC has a compatibility mode that turns off certain features for greater functionality

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

How to open the purple circle doors in Black Myth Wukong's Pagoda area
By Joel Franey published
Guide The chapter 3 Pagoda area has locked cells with purple symbols on the doors - and a prisoner to be freed.

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

How to beat Black Bear Guai in Black Myth Wukong
By Joel Franey published
Guide The final boss of the Black Wind Mountain is Black Bear Guai - a huge bear with fire powers.

How to sober up the drunk pig in Black Myth Wukong
By Joel Franey published
Guide The drunken pig in yellow robes needs something to sober him up, a puzzle in Black Myth Wukong's second chapter

Ringing the Bells in Black Myth Wukong explained
By Joel Franey published
Guide What happens if you ring the bell in Black Myth Wukong?