Halt and Catch Fire Timeline ( Real )

tv_show_premiere
June 1, 2014

Premiere of Halt and Catch Fire

Halt and Catch Fire premiered on AMC, introducing audiences to the drama centered on the personal computing revolution of the 1980s and early 90s.

tv_show_finale
October 14, 2017

End of Halt and Catch Fire Series

Halt and Catch Fire aired its final episode, concluding its four-season run and receiving critical acclaim.

Halt and Catch Fire Timeline ( Fictional )

product_development
1983-09

Joe and Gordon build the first prototype

Joe MacMillan and Gordon Clark collaborate to create a working prototype of a new IBM-compatible computer inside Cardiff Electric.

project_start
1983-10

Creation of the Cardiff Electric PC project

The Cardiff Electric team officially starts development of the new PC that aims to compete with IBM's monopoly in the market.

staff_change
1983-11

Donna joins Cardiff Electric as a software engineer

Donna Clark is hired to program the operating system for the new computer, becoming a pivotal part of the team.

challenge
1983-12

Gordon and Joe face difficulties with BIOS copy

The team struggles with the legality and technical challenge of reverse engineering IBM BIOS to ensure compatibility.

product_launch
1984-03

Successful launch of the Cardiff Electric PC

The team releases their IBM-compatible PC to the market, marking a major milestone in their fight against IBM's dominance.

staff_change
1984-05

Joe leaves Cardiff Electric

After the launch, Joe parts ways with the company to pursue other ventures in the tech industry.

personal_event
1985-01

Donna and Gordon start a family

Donna and Gordon decide to settle down and focus on their personal lives alongside their careers.

company_foundation
1985-12

Creation of Mutiny

Cameron Howe and Donna co-found Mutiny, an online gaming community and digital entertainment startup.

product_launch
1986-06

Mutiny launches online game Influencer

Mutiny releases ‘Influencer,’ an early online multiplayer game that gains a cult following but technical issues abound.

legal_challenge
1986-11

Tech lawsuit threatens Mutiny

Mutiny faces legal issues that jeopardize the company's future, forcing the team to strategize carefully.

strategic_pivot
1987-03

Mutiny pivots to game development

After the lawsuit, Mutiny shifts focus fully toward innovative game design and development to sustain the company.