Translating Game Systems into Clear Documentation.
From visual network topology to complete technical design documents (TDDs). I build the maps and manuals that keep your production pipeline moving and your engineering team aligned.
James Price
Founder, NetworkDocs
Great games run on great pipelines, but too often, critical studio documentation is trapped in the minds of a few lead engineers. When backend systems aren’t clearly documented, producers, designers, and new hires get stuck navigating a sea of jargon and messy spreadsheets. I built NetworkDocs to bridge that gap.
My background sits at the exact intersection of hardcore tech and creative design. With certifications bridging physical networking, cybersecurity, and digital media arts, I understand both the granular complexities of game server infrastructure and the visual design principles needed to explain it.
I bridge the gap between backend engineers and the teams who rely on their work.
Credentials & Qualifications
• Dip. Art & Creativity (Adv) Level 7
• NZDip. Digital Media & Design Level 5
• NZDip. Creativity Levels 5 & 6
• Cisco Networking & Cybersecurity
• Cert. Information Systems & Technology
• NatDip. Design (Graphic) Level 5
• NatDip. Adult Ed / Dip. Bus.
“I don’t replace backend engineers, technical directors, or live-ops professionals. Their role is to architect and build the game. My role is to document those systems clearly, turning complex server topologies into structured, practical information that supports the production teams relying on those pipelines every day.” – James Price
The work I do…
I create structured Technical Design Documents (TDDs), backend diagrams, and visual guides that help game studios understand, manage, and scale their complex systems. As games evolve across multiplayer ecosystems, live-ops, and cross-platform integrations, critical technical knowledge easily becomes fragmented. Clear writing, accurate pipeline diagrams, and intuitive workflows provide a practical reference that supports rapid development, efficient troubleshooting, and seamless onboarding for new hires. My work focuses on creating documentation that reflects how your game’s backend actually functions in practice, translating dense architecture into formats your production team will genuinely use.
Backend Topology & Diagrams
Clear logical diagrams detailing exactly how your game’s infrastructure is connected, from matchmaking services and player databases to scalable live-ops servers.
Technical Design Documents (TDDs)
User-centric TDDs, pipeline manuals, and integration guides. I apply visual design to turn dense engineering concepts into engaging, easy-to-read blueprints for producers, designers, and technical artists.
Pipeline & Asset Workflows
Comprehensive mapping of your studio’s development pipelines, software environments, and version control processes to eliminate blind spots and bottlenecks across your production cycle.
Multiplayer & Live-Ops Architecture
Rapid, tailored documentation for mission-critical backend deployments, supporting cross-platform integration, scalable multiplayer server meshes, and large-scale live event rollouts.
Backend Topology & Pipeline Mapping
Clarity for your core architecture. I create precise, highly visual diagrams that map out exactly how your game servers, matchmaking logic, and cloud services are structured. I translate complex backend configurations into clean, industry-standard visuals (Miro, Visio, Lucidchart) so your production teams and technical artists never have to guess how the pipeline connects.
This may include:
• Matchmaking & Live-Ops Server Diagrams
• CI/CD Pipeline & Build Process Visualizations
• Cloud & Backend Architecture (AWS, PlayFab, etc.)
Technical Design Documents (TDDs)
Documentation your studio will actually read. Technical writing shouldn’t slow down development. I apply visual design, intuitive formatting, and a user-centric approach to build TDDs, integration guides, and playbooks that are genuinely engaging. I turn dense engineering logic into beautifully structured, easy-to-digest written content that empowers your team and eliminates production bottlenecks.
This may include:
• Comprehensive Technical Design Documents (TDDs)
• API & Backend Integration Guides
• Studio Onboarding & Pipeline Manuals
• Engaging Technical Post-Mortems
• Studio Knowledge Base Articles
Development Workflows & Live-Ops
Connecting the pipeline to the people. Your game’s infrastructure is only as strong as the processes built around it. I document the workflows that keep your development cycles running smoothly, capturing everything from live incident response steps to daily version control routines. By pairing written workflows with toolchain tracking, I ensure you have a complete, 360-degree view of your studio’s technical operations.
This may include:
• Development Pipeline & Workflow Mapping
• Version Control (Perforce/Git) Best Practices
• Live-Ops Incident Response Documentation
• Software & Toolchain Ecosystem Audits
Most game pipelines and backend ecosystems aren’t messy by mistake, they evolve rapidly through production pressure, constant iteration, and the reality of shipping a game. I understand that, because I know how those environments operate under the hood.
I’m not here to replace the technical directors or engineers building the game. I help capture the architecture and workflows that already exist, translating them into beautifully structured diagrams and Technical Design Documents (TDDs) that empower your entire studio to scale and create without friction.
If your studio’s internal documentation isn’t keeping up with your development cycle, get in touch to start a conversation.
New Zealand
+64-22-077-0808
Get in touch to discuss your technical communication needs
Reach out directly to explore how I can help simplify your complex technology communications with clarity and precision.