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 12DOVE 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 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
Star Wars Outlaws Rehidden Stash and Waterfall Stash locations
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide The Rehidden Stash intel chain in Star Wars Outlaws takes you to a waterfall and an old farm
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?
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
How to shoot on a Speeder in Star Wars Outlaws
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Star Wars speeder combat and gunplay is all based on adrenaline
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
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
How to use the Star Wars Outlaws Fast Talk skill
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide The Fast Talk ability won't get you out of trouble in Outlaws, just buy time
How to break Rock Walls in Star Wars Outlaws
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide To destroy rocks and walls in Star Wars Outlaws you need the Bolt blaster power module
How to lower your Wanted level in Star Wars Outlaws
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Escaping Death Troopers in Outlaws needs a terminal or corrupt officer to lose your wanted level
Star Wars Outlaws factions, best options and how to build reputation
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide There are multiple syndicates in your criminal network in Star Wars Outlaws
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
All Star Wars Outlaws planets and worlds
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Star Wars Outlaws has five planets and worlds for Kay Vess to visit
When does Star Wars Outlaws take place in the timeline?
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Star Wars Outlaws' story is definitely influenced by the films' timeline
How long is Star Wars Outlaws?
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Star Wars Outlaws is full of optional content, with lots of side quests to explore
10 Star Wars Outlaws tips we wish we'd known
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide These 10 tips for Star Wars Outlaws will take Kay from the gutter to the stars
Pokemon TCG Pocket best decks tier list, including Mythical Island boosters (Dec 2024)
By Joel Franey, Patricia Hernandez last updated
Guide The best decks in the current PTCGP meta are focused around the Pokemon Mewtwo ex and Pikachu ex
The ultimate Silent Hill 2 Remake guide and walkthrough for survival
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Get help for everything from puzzle solutions, to boss fights, item location and more
How long is the Silent Hill 2 Remake?
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide The time to beat Silent Hill 2 is roughly 20 hours on a first playthrough
How to get all Silent Hill 2 endings
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide How to get every ending in Silent Hill 2 Remake including the NG+ and new options
Lego C-3PO (75398) review: "If you're content to see ol' threepy stand proudly on a shelf and not much else, this will serve you superbly"
By Joel Franey published
Review Is the new model worth buying? We give our thoughts.
Lego R2-D2 (75379) review: "Finds a healthy middle ground between toy and display piece"
By Joel Franey published
Review Should you buy the new Lego R2-D2? We weigh in
The best Helldivers 2 weapons and tier list
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Our Helldivers 2 weapon tier list ranks every gun and stratagem armament
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