Level Up: Joey Gardiner Discusses the Joys of Gaming

If you asked Joey Gardiner what his two favourite pastimes in the world were, he’d probably answer music and video games. The singer-songwriter is a creative person, and he is always interested in ways of applying himself to creative endeavours. When it comes to music, he recently released his latest single, “Clean.” This was preceded by his October single “Bloodbath.” The song performed well for Gardiner, receiving plays and attention from Futurehits and BBC Introducing. “Clean” is something of a direct follow-up to “Bloodbath,” a song about using addiction as a metaphor to replicate the addictive nature of a relationship.

Gardiner uses songwriting as part of his life in an interesting fashion. It’s not just a creative outlet. He also writes songs in response to life events. He writes them as methods of opening and closing chapters of his life. “Clean” and “Bloodbath” were both written in this fashion. He got his start as a guitarist at 8 years old, and his parents gave him a ¾-sized nylon-string guitar. He’s been hooked ever since, and now he has become more immersed in music as a songwriter.

Outside of music, Gardiner uses video games as a way to decompress and release emotions in a way that’s similar to songwriting. Today, he joins us for a Level Up interview to discuss gaming, how he got into it, his preferences, and more.

What video game introduced you to the world of gaming?

Joey Gardiner: “The first game that introduced me to the world of gaming was Halo 3: ODST back in 2010. I think I was 9 at the time, and that was the game that came with an Xbox I had asked for.”

What are your favourite types of games to play?

“My favourite types of games to play are shooters/action with an interactive campaign. Don’t get me wrong, I love a bit of FIFA.”

How do you feel about more games featuring VR options?

“It’s not something I’ve ever experienced playing myself, but I will admit it looks interesting.”

Why do you think gaming is an important part of our culture?

“I think it’s good to have downtime and do something you enjoy. In my case, when I do have downtime, I will sometimes play a game! (Also good to keep in touch with friends.)”

Have video games ever inspired you musically?

“I wouldn’t say massively, as I always seem to keep the two separate. I’ve mentioned gaming in a song before!”

If you were given an unlimited budget to create a video game based on your band, what would it look like?

“I really feel the game would just feel like a laughing simulator, as a band, although we take music very seriously. We genuinely laugh all the time!”

Do you prefer console or PC?

“It’s gotta be console. I’ve never gotten on with a keyboard for PC, although I love the keyboard instrument.”

Is there anything you wish the gaming community would do more of?

“I’ve recently just played High on Life when I had a free evening. My oh my, they need more of that… Funny, interactive, not too hard, good story writing!”

How do you think gaming culture will evolve in the upcoming years?

“I really feel like it will end up being like a mixture of WALL-E and Spy Kids. A lot more VR.”

How would you introduce someone to gaming who has never played a video game before?

“Something simple and easy like Mario Bros. Although it’s vital to show someone Call of Duty.”

Which video game have you logged the most hours in?

“Not so much these days, but when I was younger, Halo Reach. I absolutely adored that game.”

What is the most beautiful game you’ve ever played?

“The most beautiful game, I really feel, is Minecraft. The simplicity of it, the peacefulness and all the things you can build! Don’t forget the diversity in the biomes.”

Much has been made about whether video games can be art. What do you think?

“Well, yes, I think so. Anything creative, in my opinion, is art. I feel what makes art unique as a whole as each person resonates with it differently.”

Which video game gets you the most competitive?

“FIFA, or Warzone with my pals when I have the time.”

Do you prefer playing solo, versus, cooperative, or competitive?

“Cooperative, as I’ve moved away from my hometown, and I’m often busy. When I can have a moment and play online with my best friend. We have the best laughs.”

Do you ever watch Twitch streams? Do you have a favourite streamer?

“I have done in the past, but they were more YouTube-based when I was watching them, Yogscast, this was about 13 years ago! Nice to see they are based in Bristol too!”

What is the scariest game you’ve ever played?

“Outlast, I’ll be completely honest. I played the full game, and it really creeped me out for its time. I think I was about 16 when I played it.”

What is the hardest game you’ve ever played?

“Geometry Dash, I don’t know why, but even thinking of it makes my brain spiral…”

What is the best game you’ve ever played?

“The best game I’ve ever played would have to be Halo Reach or Minecraft. When I was about 11, these two were played a lot. So they have a special place in my heart.”

What game do you think you’re the best at?

“I think it has to be FIFA these days. I feel like it’s like riding a bike. You don’t forget!”

Have you ever played any video game at a competitive level? (Think esports, leagues, etc)

“Younger me would’ve loved to say yes. The answer is sadly no, although Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II remake me and my friends got really stuck into ranked play!”

If there’s one video game you think everyone should play, what is it?

“I think the one video game everyone should play if they haven’t is Dishonoured. I loved every second.”