How long did they say Early Access would take, and how long has it been? · 1,867 in Early Access · 2,199 promises read · 740 announced, not started
| Year | Games | In Early Access now | Graduated | Median time in EA | Promise read | Overdue | Promise kept |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 976 | 965 | 111% | 1 month | 87690% | 26of 797 parsed | — |
| 2025 | 334 | 334 | 00% | 13 months | 28284% | 103of 239 parsed | — |
| 2024 | 169 | 169 | 00% | 2 years 1 month | 14686% | 85of 118 parsed | — |
| 2023 | 99 | 99 | 00% | 3 years 2 months | 8586% | 48of 68 parsed | — |
| 2022 | 70 | 70 | 00% | 4 years 2 months | 6187% | 39of 46 parsed | — |
| 2021 | 48 | 48 | 00% | 5 years 1 month | 3879% | 22of 30 parsed | — |
| 2020 | 43 | 43 | 00% | 6 years 1 month | 3888% | 18of 22 parsed | — |
| 2019 | 34 | 34 | 00% | 7 years 3 months | 34100% | 15of 18 parsed | — |
| 2018 | 19 | 19 | 00% | 8 years 1 month | 1789% | 9of 10 parsed | — |
| 2017 | 17 | 17 | 00% | 9 years 3 months | 1694% | 7of 9 parsed | — |
| Game | Promise | Promised | Elapsed | Clock | Verdict | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VERLIES III - ResurrectionVERLIES III - Resurrection | The game is expected to remain in Early Access for approximately 2 to 3 months. During this time, I will finalize the remaining content, improve game balance, fix bugs, and incorporate community feedback before the full 1.0 release.read 8 Sep 2026 | 2–3 months | 2 weeks | 18% | On the clock2 months left | |
| Lewd WaifuLewd Waifu | We currently expect Lewd Waifu to remain in Early Access for around 1 to 3 months. This period is intended to give us enough time to collect feedback on the existing 10 puzzle levels, develop the remaining planned levels, and adjust the level order and difficulty curve before the full release.read 6 Sep 2026 | 1–3 months | 2 weeks | 18% | On the clock2 months left | |
| VEINVEIN | We plan to develop VEIN under Early Access until it’s feature-complete. That means we plan to add NPCs, raiders, settlements, quests, lore, and the full 14x14 kilometer map, alongside hundreds of other features and gameplay and graphical improvements. We estimate that, with full-time work, we can achieve this within roughly 5 years. We intend to work on VEIN indefinitely.read 10 Sep 2026 | about 5 years | 11 months | 18% | On the clock4 years 1 month left | |
| Brigador KillersBrigador Killers | Stellar Jockeys expects to be in Early Access until at least the end of 2026. We do not have a hard date for 1.0 at this time because Brigador Killers is a very ambitious title especially compared to the previous game.read 9 Sep 2026 | 4 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 3 weeks | 17% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Coven: All PowerfulCoven: All Powerful | 8 monthsthe store says it leaves Early Access on 28 Feb 2027 | about 8 months | 1 month | 17% | On the clock7 months left | |
| RuneKingdomRuneKingdom | We hope to stay in Early Access until the game is more polished to a point we and the community are happy. We expect this to be until Q2 2027 - Q3 2027read 6 Sep 2026 | 12 monthsuntil 30 Jun 2027 | 2 months | 17% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Fractured RealmsFractured Realms | Roughly 6 months to a year. That gives us time to bring players in, build the major content that is still planned, act on community feedback, and get the game into the shape we want for a full release.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 months | 17% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Car Wash SimulatorCar Wash Simulator | The game will be in Early Access for a few months.read 6 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 1 month | 17% | On the clock5 months left | |
| TesseraTessera | 4-6 months I hoperead 6 Sep 2026 | 4–6 months | 1 month | 17% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Forest Escape: Last TrainForest Escape: Last Train | The current plan is to get to a full release in the first half of 2027 however this may change depending on community feedback and how the game will progress through early access.read 9 Sep 2026 | 12 monthsuntil 30 Jun 2027 | 2 months | 17% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Ascent Of EternityAscent Of Eternity | The goal is a year or less but it depends on a variety of factors.read 9 Sep 2026 | 0–12 months | 2 months | 17% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Wasteland MessengerWasteland Messenger | Early Access will last about 6–9 months.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–9 months | 2 months | 17% | On the clock7 months left | |
| FRAGLINE: Esports ManagerFRAGLINE: Esports Manager | We're aiming for a focused Early Access period of roughly two to three months. Our goal is to reach the 1.0 release once the core systems are deep, balanced, and stable, with our full 3D match presentation mode as a key milestone along the way. We'd rather ship a confident 1.0 on that kind of timeline than stay in Early Access indefinitely.read 6 Sep 2026 | 2–3 months | 2 weeks | 17% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Slay The BerserkerSlay The Berserker | 3 months... Time enough to get feedback and update the ending part.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 3 months | 2 weeks | 17% | On the clock3 months left | |
| CrystalynCrystalyn | I plan to keep the game in Early Access for about 3 months, but this could change depending on how fast I can make progress, and player feedback.read 10 Sep 2026 | about 3 months | 2 weeks | 17% | On the clock3 months left | |
| First Class WaifuFirst Class Waifu | We currently expect First Class Waifu to remain in Early Access for around 1 to 3 months. This period is intended to give us enough time to collect feedback on the existing 10 puzzle levels, develop the remaining planned levels, and adjust the level order and difficulty curve before the full release.read 6 Sep 2026 | 1–3 months | 2 weeks | 17% | On the clock3 months left | |
| DopplerDoppler | We expect Doppler to remain in Early Access until the end of the year. This estimate may change depending on development progress, as we want to make sure the game is in a solid enough state before its full release.read 6 Sep 2026 | 4 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 3 weeks | 17% | On the clock3 months left | |
| The Snake Is the TowerThe Snake Is the Tower | We expect roughly 2 to 4 months, but we will stay in Early Access as long as it takes to get the full version right.read 7 Sep 2026 | 2–4 months | 3 weeks | 17% | On the clock3 months left | |
| TUNGTUNG | TUNG is planned to remain in Early Access for roughly 2-6 months. The exact timeline may change depending on player feedback, the amount of additional content added, and the overall development progress. The goal is to release the full version once the game feels complete, polished, and provides the best experience possible.read 9 Sep 2026 | 2–6 months | 4 weeks | 16% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Sword & Shield SimulatorSword & Shield Simulator | We expect around three to six months. Much of the full version is already built, so this time is mainly for balancing, unlocking the remaining content in the right order, and fixing issues raised by feedback. This is an estimate and may shift depending on player feedback.read 7 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 4 weeks | 16% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Crypto Trading SimulatorCrypto Trading Simulator | We expect Early Access to last approximately 3 to 6 months. This gives us enough time to fully develop the trading bot mechanics, implement community requested features, and finalize the broader economic systems based on player input.read 6 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 4 weeks | 16% | On the clock5 months left | |
| The Money PitThe Money Pit | Around 5-6 months if everything goes well.read 6 Sep 2026 | 5–6 months | 4 weeks | 16% | On the clock5 months left | |
| NotmadsNotmads | The current plan is for Notmads to remain in Early Access for around 2 years. This is only an estimate and may change depending on how development progresses. I would rather give the game the time it needs than rush it toward a full release before it is readyread 8 Sep 2026 | about 2 years | 4 months | 16% | On the clock20 months left | |
| WindroseWindrose | We believe it will take from 1,5 to 2,5 years to reach the full release version.read 6 Sep 2026 | 18–30 months | 5 months | 16% | On the clock2 years 1 month left | |
| Electoral CarnageElectoral Carnage | 1 year.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 months | 16% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Red FlagRed Flag | We plan to continue developing the game in Early Access as we add new content and improve existing systems. We currently expect the game to remain in Early Access for approximately 6–12 months, depending on the scope of future updates, player feedback, and how close the game comes to our vision for the full release.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 months | 16% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Cultivation IdleCultivation Idle | We expect the Early Access period to last approximately 6 to 12 months. The exact duration may change depending on development progress, player feedback, and the overall state of the game content. We will prioritize making sure the core gameplay, balance, and main content experience reach a more stable state before leaving Early Access.read 10 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 months | 16% | On the clock10 months left | |
| BonkCityBonkCity | Early Access is planned for approximately 6–9 months, targeting a 1.0 release in Q1 2027. That timeline could extend if community feedback surfaces a meaningful new direction — we'd rather ship something great than something on schedule. We'll always be transparent about the roadmap in-game and on the Steam community hub.read 9 Sep 2026 | 6–9 months | 1 month | 16% | On the clock8 months left | |
| Desperate GamblingDesperate Gambling | We estimate that the game will be in Early Access for roughly 6 months. However, this timeframe may be adjusted depending on community feedback and any new ideas we decide to implement along the way. Our absolute priority is to deliver the best possible gaming experience, even if it means taking a little extra time to perfectly polish the final 1.0 release.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 4 weeks | 16% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Backrooms: The IncidentBackrooms: The Incident | I'm guessing about 6 monthsread 6 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 4 weeks | 16% | On the clock5 months left | |
| HovertronHovertron | We currently expect Hovertron to remain in Early Access for around 3–6 months. Development timelines can change as we learn from player feedback and continue expanding the game, so we're intentionally keeping this estimate flexible.read 6 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 4 weeks | 16% | On the clock5 months left | |
| 三国志BOND三国志BOND | We are planning to officially release the game in approximately 6 months to a year. However, our top priority is delivering a game that truly satisfies our players. Depending on the feedback we receive from the community and any requests for new features, there is a possibility that this period may be extended.read 7 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 months | 16% | On the clock10 months left | |
| TaivalTaival | We plan to have Taival in early access for 6-12 months.read 7 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 months | 16% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Factory Town 2: ParadiseFactory Town 2: Paradise | I'm expecting the early access phase to last about six to twelve months.read 9 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 months | 16% | On the clock10 months left | |
| VAULTRATSVAULTRATS | We anticipate 6-12 months, though this depends on community feedback and development progress. We'd rather take the time to get it right than rush to a 1.0 label.read 7 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 months | 16% | On the clock10 months left | |
| SpiritValeSpiritVale | We estimate staying in Early Access for 6–12 months, depending on community feedback and how quickly we can refine the remaining content, systems, and UI polish.read 9 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 months | 16% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Pirate TwistPirate Twist | Roughly 6 to 12 months from the July 2026 launch. 1.0 lands once the planned additions (pick-your-crew, a multi-ship fleet, more captains and modules, an endless mode) and the balance work behind them feel finished. We would rather move that date than ship a 1.0 that has not earned it. If the timeline shifts, it gets said out loud in the patch notes.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 months | 16% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue CoreDeep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core | We expect Rogue Core to be in Early Access for 18 to 24 months.read 8 Sep 2026 | 18–24 months | 4 months | 15% | On the clock20 months left | |
| WHERE TO?WHERE TO? | We currently expect the game to remain in Early Access for approximately three months.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 3 months | 2 weeks | 15% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Kill the Man in the HouseKill the Man in the House | Approximately six months.read 5 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 4 weeks | 15% | On the clock5 months left | |
| DragonFire: DefenseDragonFire: Defense | Approximately 6 months from the Early Access launch.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 4 weeks | 15% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Holdem God - MindBusterHoldem God - MindBuster | We plan to keep the game in Early Access for approximately 3 to 6 months. This timeframe will give us enough time to implement additional features, test new card rules, and polish the game based on community feedback.read 6 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 4 weeks | 15% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Funnel RunnersFunnel Runners | Approximately 1 year.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 months | 15% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Hell MaidenHell Maiden | Approximately an additional year, or more. While it is difficult to predict at this point in time, we will keep updating the community on Steam and other platforms about Hell Maiden's development.read 5 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 months | 15% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Rich List: The OrderRich List: The Order | The Early Access period is planned to last around 6–12 months. My goal is to add new features, improve existing systems, and ensure the game is fully balanced before launch.read 7 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 months | 15% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Mafia Life SimulatorMafia Life Simulator | We currently expect the game to remain in Early Access for approximately 6 to 12 months. During this period, we plan to refine existing features and evaluate community feedback as development continues.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 months | 15% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Dolls: The HuntDolls: The Hunt | The game is expected to remain in Early Access for around 6 to 12 months. The exact duration may vary depending on development progress and player feedback, as the focus is on improving and expanding the game at a steady pace.read 9 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 months | 15% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Uptime: A Cloud Provider SimUptime: A Cloud Provider Sim | Around a year. We'll prioritise getting it right over hitting a date.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 months | 15% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Jingjie: Probability Cloud - Nagumo's DilemmaJingjie: Probability Cloud - Nagumo's Dilemma | We currently expect Early Access to last roughly 9 to 12 months. The schedule may change if feedback shows that onboarding, scenario structure, command readability, or technical stability needs more work than expected. We will update this answer when the schedule changes meaningfully.read 9 Sep 2026 | 9–12 months | 2 months | 15% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Dig For Your LivesDig For Your Lives | The game is expected to remain in Early Access anywhere from one month to one year. The exact timeline will depend on player feedback, testing results, and how much additional content and polish is needed before full release.read 9 Sep 2026 | 1–12 months | 2 months | 15% | On the clock10 months left |
A game is in Early Access when the store lists it among its genres; the clock starts on the day the ledger saw it enter or, for a game that launched into Early Access, on the release date the store prints. The promise is the developer’s own questionnaire answer, kept word for word; only ranges and single figures are compared, open answers are listed as open, and answers the parser could not read say so. Graduations are recorded from 3 Sep 2026, so earlier years undercount them. A game whose questionnaire has not been read yet says “not read yet” under No promise (how). Data by SteamPeaks.com.