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
Where to find the Silent Hill 2 garage jack lever
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide The garage jack lever in the Silent Hill 2 Remake is in a nearby garage
Silent Hill 2 Remake motel safe code and combination
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide The motel safe in Silent Hill 2 requires a code, found in room 108
Silent Hill 2 Remake Hospital Padlock code and combination
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide The hospital reception office padlock in Silent Hill 2 is a puzzle based on pictures
Silent Hill 2 Remake X-Ray puzzle and combination lock code
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide The 3F X-Ray puzzle is solved using ink markers to reveal the combination lock code
STALKER 2 There and Back Again walkthrough for the tutorial prologue
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide The tutorial in STALKER 2 Heart of Chornobyl, "There and Back Again", is a challenging introduction
STALKER 2 Poppy Field walkthrough and who should you give the Icon to?
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide The religious icon in STALKER 2's Poppy Field stash can be given to Mityay or Pomor
Stalker 2 The Lost Boys walkthrough and should you side with Dew or the Ninth?
By Joel Franey last updated
After discovering what happened to the Lost Boys in Stalker 2, you need to decide if you'll help Dew or the Ninth
How to repair weapons in STALKER 2
By Joel Franey last updated
To fix guns in STALKER 2, you need a technician to restore their durability
Silent Hill 2 Remake's Nurses' Office Keypad code
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide The passcode to the Nurses' Office in the Office 2F is downstairs in the Doctor's Lounge
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 last updated
Guide Black Myth Wukong on PC has a compatibility mode that turns off certain features for greater functionality
How to upgrade armor in Black Myth Wukong
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Armor in Black Myth Wukong can't be upgraded until you meet the blacksmith Yin Tiger
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 open the purple circle doors in Black Myth Wukong's Pagoda area
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide The chapter 3 Pagoda area has locked cells with purple symbols on the doors - and a prisoner to be freed.
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
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
Ringing the Bells in Black Myth Wukong explained
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide What happens if you ring the bell in Black Myth Wukong?
How to sober up the drunk pig in Black Myth Wukong
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide The drunken pig in yellow robes needs something to sober him up, a puzzle in Black Myth Wukong's second chapter
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 beat Black Bear Guai in Black Myth Wukong
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide The final boss of the Black Wind Mountain is Black Bear Guai - a huge bear with fire powers.
Can you go back to previous chapters in Black Myth Wukong?
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Can you go back to previous chapters in Black Myth Wukong?
How long is Black Myth Wukong?
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Black Myth Wukong's length is anywhere between 20 and 50 hours.
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