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
10 Shadows of Doubt tips and tricks we wish we'd known before we started sleuthing
By Joel Franey published
Guide Our tricks for Shadows of Doubt make the difference between a fumbling flatfoot and sharp-eyed PI
How to use guns and weapons in Shadows of Doubt
By Joel Franey published
Guide Guns and weapons in Shadows of Doubt are everywhere - but you can't fire them
How to arrest people in Shadows of Doubt
By Joel Franey published
Guide To arrest a suspect in Shadows of Doubt requires handcuffs
Shadows of Doubt review: "The true potential of this detective sim is limitless - but it just hasn't reached that point yet"
By Joel Franey published
Review
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
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
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?
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
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 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
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 God of War Ragnarok Ravens locations
By Will Sawyer last updated
Guide There are 48 of Odin's Ravens across the Realms in God of War Ragnarok
All God of War Ragnarok Muspelheim seed locations
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide How to find Seeds to get to Muspelheim in God of War Ragnarok
All the God of War Ragnarok special equipment to access new areas
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide How to get past blue symbols, yellow spots, vines and wind holes in God of War Ragnarok
All God of War Ragnarok Treasure Map locations and solutions
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide All buried treasure locations in GOW Ragnarok are laid out here
How to solve the God of War Ragnarok water and gate puzzles
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide The God of War Ragnarok geyser water wheel puzzles in Svartalfheim are the game's first major brain-teaser.
How long is God of War Ragnarok?
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide We lay out GOW Ragnarok's length, whether you're in it just for story or 100% completion.
Is God of War Ragnarok on PS4?
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Is God of War Ragnarok on PlayStation 4 and PC?
Does Star Wars Outlaws have co-op or multiplayer?
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide Star Wars Outlaws doesn't have multiplayer or cooperative online play
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