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
Cyber Monday PS5 deals 2024: everything we expect to see this year
By Tabitha Baker last updated
Cyber Monday Cyber Monday PS5 deals will return in December, here's everything we're expecting from 2024's sale.
Everything in the Helldivers 2 Chemical Agents Warbond
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide The Chemical Agents Warbond in Helldivers 2 includes new noxious gas Stratagems and more
The best Helldivers 2 Stratagems and tier list
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide After a hefty patch, here are the best Helldivers 2 Stratagems and support weapons
The best Helldivers 2 weapons and tier list
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Our Helldivers 2 weapon tier list has seen some significant changes with the most recent patch
Is Fortnite down? And if so then how long is the Fortnite downtime?
By Iain Wilson last updated
Guide What to know if you're seeing the dreaded "Fortnite servers not responding" error
Dragon Age veteran praises Baldur's Gate 3's early access, says he wouldn't return to BioWare because that "was never on the cards for us"
By Kaan Serin published
News The Nightingale boss found it "frustrating" to not work more closely with the community
Black Friday 4K monitor deals 2024: what to expect later this year
By Phil Hayton last updated
Black Friday Black Friday 4K monitor deals won't return until November this year, but we're here to fill you in on what to expect from the seasonal sale in 2024.
Black Friday gaming chair deals 2024: The best chairs and the best deals to prepare for
By Duncan Robertson last updated
Black Friday The best Black Friday gaming chair deals are coming - here's what you should know
How long is God of War Valhalla?
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide We lay out how long it takes to beat the GOW Valhalla DLC for Ragnarok
How to unlock young Kratos in God of War Valhalla
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Classic Kratos from the original God of War trilogy is playable in GOW Ragnarok
All God of War Valhalla's best upgrades and perks
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide The tablets on the Shore in GOW Valhalla grant upgrades and permanent perks - but which should you buy first?
Black Friday gaming headset deals 2024: everything to expect this year
By Tabitha Baker last updated
Black Friday Black Friday gaming headset deals will return in November, here's everything you can expect to see this year.
9 God of War Valhalla tips to beat the free update and master thyself
By Will Sawyer last updated
Guide Here are some tips to help you smash the new God of War Valhalla rogue-like mode
How to get past the God of War Valhalla barriers
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Locked doors blocking chests in GOW Valhalla require Sanctuary Barrier Keys
The best Star Wars Outlaws outfits, armor and loadout
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Kay's Outlaw gear is the best armor in Star Wars Outlaws
Nightingale boss Aaryn Flynn opens up on the game's challenges and massive new update: "Everybody's got a plan until they get punched in the face"
By Joel Franey published
Interview Interview | Flynn says the game's "fundamental nature" may not have clicked with players, but its massive Realms Rebuilt update will tackle that
How to play Sabacc in Star Wars Outlaws and win
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Become a Kessel Sabacc pro and take on the high rollers in in Star Wars Outlaws
How to save in God of War Ragnarok Valhalla
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Here's how to save progress in GOW Ragnarok's Valhalla mode
Which planet should you go to first in Star Wars Outlaws?
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide After unlocking hyperspace in Star Wars Outlaws, you have a choice between three worlds
All Lunda’s armor locations in God of War Ragnarok
By Will Sawyer last updated
Guide You need to dig up pieces of Lunda’s lost armor so that she can craft it into proper protective gear fit for a God of War
All Star Wars Outlaws Experts, abilities and skills
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide There are nine Experts in Star Wars Outlaws and here's where to find them
Should you choose Eleera or Gorak in Star Wars Outlaws to give information to?
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Do you tell Gorak or Eleera about the Pyke Traitor in Star Wars Outlaws?
All Star Wars Outlaws weapons and blaster upgrades
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Guns and blasters in Star Wars Outlaws are commonplace - but rarely permanent
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