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, Dicebreaker, RPS, Jelly Deals and more. 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 pop culture comedy podcast, "Margaret Thatcher, Templar Spy".
Latest articles by Joel Franey

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.

Silent Hill 2 Remake Director's Office Safe code and puzzle solution
By Joel Franey last updated
Guide The safe in the Director's Office is solved by the book puzzle in the storage room

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

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
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