How long did they say Early Access would take, and how long has it been? · 1,796 in Early Access · 2,056 promises read · 699 announced, not started
| Year | Games | In Early Access now | Graduated | Median time in EA | Promise read | Overdue | Promise kept |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 954 | 945 | 91% | 1 month | 84789% | 24of 773 parsed | — |
| 2025 | 309 | 309 | 00% | 13 months | 25282% | 86of 210 parsed | — |
| 2024 | 164 | 164 | 00% | 2 years 1 month | 14186% | 81of 114 parsed | — |
| 2023 | 98 | 98 | 00% | 3 years 2 months | 8486% | 47of 67 parsed | — |
| 2022 | 65 | 65 | 00% | 4 years 2 months | 5686% | 35of 42 parsed | — |
| 2021 | 48 | 48 | 00% | 5 years 1 month | 3879% | 22of 30 parsed | — |
| 2020 | 41 | 41 | 00% | 6 years 1 month | 3688% | 16of 20 parsed | — |
| 2019 | 32 | 32 | 00% | 7 years 3 months | 32100% | 14of 17 parsed | — |
| 2018 | 19 | 19 | 00% | 8 years 1 month | 1789% | 9of 10 parsed | — |
| 2017 | 15 | 15 | 00% | 9 years 3 months | 1493% | 6of 8 parsed | — |
| Game | Promise | Promised | Elapsed | Clock | Verdict | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dirty BusinessDirty Business | We plan to stay in Early Access for around 1 year while we continue adding planned content and refining the game.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 months | 14% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Hand of Fate: HordesHand of Fate: Hordes | We’re currently planning an Early Access period of around 12 months, though we’ll take the time needed to deliver the experience we believe the game deserves.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 months | 14% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Aquapark TycoonAquapark Tycoon | It's hard to set an exact date at this point. We still have a few major updates planned, and we also want to incorporate feedback and suggestions from the community into the development process. Currently, we expect Aquapark Tycoon to remain in Early Access for about a year.read 7 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 months | 14% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Celestial DescendsCelestial Descends | We expect the Early Access period to last around one year, though the actual duration may be adjusted based on development progress and player feedback.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 months | 14% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Uh Oh AirlinesUh Oh Airlines | The goal is to leave Early Access some time before Summer 2027 with all 4 seasons in the game.read 9 Sep 2026 | 14 monthsuntil 31 Aug 2027 | 2 months | 14% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Plonkers - totally bonkers plinkoPlonkers - totally bonkers plinko | 6 monthsread 6 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 4 weeks | 14% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Into the End (of the World)Into the End (of the World) | We plan to keep the game in Early Access for approximately 10 months. Our team is small, but we are highly focused. We have a clear development roadmap to transition from the current version to the full release within this estimated timeframe.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 10 months | 1 month | 13% | On the clock9 months left | |
| War CommanderWar Commander | It is our intent to be in early access for about a year, using this time to refine the game for the desktop platform. This would put the full release at the beginning of 2027.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 months | 13% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Liminal ProtocolLiminal Protocol | I plan to keep the game in Early Access for about six to twelve months while I refine the netcode and build out the remaining features.read 9 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 months | 13% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Kepler 186FKepler 186F | We plan for the Early Access phase to last at least 6-12 months. The exact duration will depend on development progress and player feedback. As an indie developer, we will pour all our effort into ensuring Kepler 186F reaches its full potential, while frequently iterating content based on community input.read 7 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 months | 13% | On the clock10 months left | |
| ProcelioProcelio | Procelio will be in Early Access for the end of 2026 and likely some time beyond. We hope to utilize our time in Early Access to better refine and expand upon game content until we believe that the state of Procelio has aligned with our ideal 1.0 state. We're hoping to achieve this state within around 18 months of launching into Steam Early Access.read 7 Sep 2026 | about 18 months | 2 months | 13% | On the clock16 months left | |
| World of Eggs: Idle AdventuresWorld of Eggs: Idle Adventures | We plan to keep the game in Early Access for about a year before the full release.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 months | 13% | On the clock10 months left | |
| DreadweaveDreadweave | Dreadweave will remain in Early Access for about one year. This gives us enough time to expand the content, add new features, and improve the game based on player feedback.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 months | 13% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Kungfu CardKungfu Card | The game will be in Early Access for approximately 7 to 8 months. We will release a content update roadmap, and Early Access will conclude once those milestones are achieved. Of course, this timeline is not absolute and may change depending on the feedback we receive and the additional time needed to polish the game's quality. We will continually share our latest progress with the community throughout the development phase.read 9 Sep 2026 | 7–8 months | 1 month | 13% | On the clock7 months left | |
| PROFITS 2167: Planetary Resource Optimization & Freight Infrastructure Technician SimulatorPROFITS 2167: Planetary Resource Optimization & Freight Infrastructure Technician Simulator | Around 6 months. Our current goal is to leave Early Access in early 2027.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 3 weeks | 13% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Pachinko FarmPachinko Farm | Approximately 2–6 months. The exact duration will depend on the amount of feedback received.read 5 Sep 2026 | 2–6 months | 3 weeks | 13% | On the clock5 months left | |
| DustFallDustFall | I expect Dustfall to be in Early Access for approximately 3 to 6 months.read 6 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 3 weeks | 13% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Master Stacker: Tower TrialsMaster Stacker: Tower Trials | 2-4 months is my guess. i feel i'm relatively close to release. 2 months if i keep to just adding modes or piece sets and general debugging of the systems we already have. Up to 4 if people give me new good features that fit the game and should be added. also i need to spend time advertising.read 6 Sep 2026 | 2–4 months | 2 weeks | 13% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Killer BeanKiller Bean | This game will probably be in Early Access for 2 years. That would give me time to add key features like online co-op and a vast variety of content. I am planning to release major content updates every 2 months during Early Access.read 9 Sep 2026 | 2–24 months | 3 months | 13% | On the clock21 months left | |
| The Loomsong Chronicle IdleThe Loomsong Chronicle Idle | 3-6 months at most, I hope.read 9 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 3 weeks | 12% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Cook with CardCook with Card | We plan for Cook with Card to be in Early Access for approximately 4 to 6 months. This timeframe may vary depending on the feedback we receive and the complexity of the features we decide to add.read 6 Sep 2026 | 4–6 months | 3 weeks | 12% | On the clock5 months left | |
| PieceMonstersPieceMonsters | We currently expect Early Access to last approximately six months, though this may change depending on the development progress.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 3 weeks | 12% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Terrarium.liveTerrarium.live | We expect the game to remain in Early Access while we expand it toward parity with the original Gameshow experience and beyond. Planned additions include new playable roles like the Investor and Janitor, new maps and locales, expanded tools and weapons, deeper customization and progression systems, minigames, and social hub features. Development will continue iteratively with ongoing content, systems, and gameplay improvements based on community feedback. We estimate we will remain in early access for roughly 12-24 months as we bring the experience to the standard we are happy to call released.read 9 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 3 months | 12% | On the clock21 months left | |
| The Last FactoryThe Last Factory | I expect The Last Factory to be in Early Access for several months to around a year, depending on development progress and player feedback.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 1 month | 12% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Landlord SimulatorLandlord Simulator | Until 2027read 7 Sep 2026 | 18 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2027 | 2 months | 12% | On the clock16 months left | |
| 守护我的大火箭守护我的大火箭 | We expect the game to remain in Early Access for approximately six months. The exact timeline may change depending on player feedback and the amount of additional content we plan to add during development.read 7 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 3 weeks | 12% | On the clock5 months left | |
| HoleyHoley | I plan to keep my game in early access for approximately 6 months.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 3 weeks | 12% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Destiny of ImmortalDestiny of Immortal | We expect the Early Access phase to last approximately 12 to 18 months. This timeline is based on the workload required to complete the remaining two core storylines and the time needed for content polishing and quality assurance based on player feedback.read 8 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 2 months | 12% | On the clock16 months left | |
| Last BreathLast Breath | The game will remain in Early Access for as long as needed to properly develop its core systems and respond to player feedback. Our estimate is roughly 12–18 months, but I prefer to focus on quality rather than a strict deadline.read 7 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 2 months | 12% | On the clock16 months left | |
| Banana KingdomBanana Kingdom | I plan for roughly 3 months in Early Access.read 7 Sep 2026 | about 3 months | 2 weeks | 12% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Subspace: ReduxSubspace: Redux | We expect Early Access to run for approximately 2-3 months, depending on how ship balance, Battlegrounds modes, and the Ship Enhancements store evolve based on player feedback.read 6 Sep 2026 | 2–3 months | 2 weeks | 12% | On the clock3 months left | |
| City Car Driving 2.0City Car Driving 2.0 | We plan to remain in Early Access for approximately 1 to 2 years. This time is essential for thorough testing, refining mechanics, adding new content, and, of course, incorporating community feedback.read 9 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 3 months | 12% | On the clock21 months left | |
| Paranormal PracticeParanormal Practice | While it's difficult to give a definitive timeline, I plan on being in early access for approximately one year. This tentative timeline may change based on how quickly I can complete content updates.read 7 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 1 month | 12% | On the clock11 months left | |
| TONKTONK | We are not fully sure how large we want the full game to be, but should be absolutely done by September 2027read 8 Sep 2026 | 14 monthsuntil 30 Sep 2027 | 2 months | 11% | On the clock12 months left | |
| 大侠狂想曲大侠狂想曲 | Our Early Access is expected to last approximately half a year, but it may also change depending on the specific development situation, as the development process will be adjusted according to players' feedback.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 3 weeks | 11% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Tied to the BeatTied to the Beat | We expect the game to remain in Early Access for approximately 6 to 12 months, depending on feedback and development progress.the store says it leaves Early Access on 9 Oct 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 month | 11% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Built by Day, Bitten by NightBuilt by Day, Bitten by Night | We plan to spend roughly 6–12 months in Early Access. Long enough to ship a stack of new bosses, climate events and quality-of-life updates; short enough that you'll see meaningful changes every couple of weeks.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 month | 11% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Third Crisis: Neon NightsThird Crisis: Neon Nights | Based on our experience with Third Crisis, we expect Neon Nights to remain in Early Access for a few years, with structured content updates leading to full release.read 6 Sep 2026 | 24–48 months | 5 months | 11% | On the clock3 years 7 months left | |
| Subnautica 2Subnautica 2 | It is difficult to accurately predict how long Early Access will last. Based on previous Early Access games we have developed, we expect it to take about 2 to 3 years. We have a number of goals that we are adamantly working towards. We are focusing on delivering quality at a reasonable pace. At the end of the day, we're dedicated to completing Subnautica 2 and making it the best game possible.read 9 Sep 2026 | 24–36 months | 4 months | 11% | On the clock2 years 8 months left | |
| Detective Sherlock: Shadow StalkerDetective Sherlock: Shadow Stalker | We expect the Early Access period to last approximately 3 to 6 months. The exact duration may vary depending on player feedback, content development progress, the stability of the AI interaction systems, and the overall level of polish. Our goal is to move toward the full release once the core gameplay, story content, AI character interactions, performance, and multilingual experience have reached a more stable and complete state.read 6 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 3 weeks | 11% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Unpossess 2Unpossess 2 | We currently plan for the game to remain in Early Access for around 3 to 6 months, depending on development progress and community feedback. This timeline may change as we continue improving the game and evaluating what is needed before a full release.read 7 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 3 weeks | 11% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Desktop BouncerDesktop Bouncer | We currently expect Desktop Bouncer to remain in Early Access for roughly 3 to 6 months. This estimate may change depending on player feedback, technical polish, balancing, performance improvements, and the amount of additional content we decide to add. Our goal is to use Early Access to improve the core desktop companion gameplay, add more polish, expand customization, improve interactions with desktop objects, and refine the overall player experience before the full 1.0 release. If our plans or timeline change, we will communicate updates clearly through Steam announcements.read 6 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 3 weeks | 11% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Industrial GarbageIndustrial Garbage | We expect Industrial Garbage to remain in Early Access for approximately six months. We feel this gives us enough time to develop the additional content we have planned while also responding to player feedback, without putting unnecessary pressure on ourselves to rush updates or overwork. This timeframe may change depending on the scope of new features and feedback we receive throughout Early Access.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 3 weeks | 11% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Peace DicePeace Dice | Early Access will last about six months. After that, we plan to launch version 1.0 packed with exciting new content.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 3 weeks | 11% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Architects of the Universe: The Orbital WarsArchitects of the Universe: The Orbital Wars | 6 months.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 3 weeks | 11% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Celas StudioCelas Studio | We expect Celas Studio to be in Early Access for roughly 5 to 6 months, with the aim of reaching the full release around the start of the new year. That's an honest estimate rather than a hard promise — if the software needs a little more time to reach the quality we're aiming for, we'll take it. We'd rather leave Early Access with a tool we're truly proud of than rush to hit a date.read 8 Sep 2026 | 5–6 months | 3 weeks | 11% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Road to VostokRoad to Vostok | Road to Vostok is a long-term project, and a rough estimate for how long the game will be in Early Access is approximately 2–4 years. However, this estimate depends on multiple factors that cannot yet be determined. In terms of content, the game will leave Early Access once all planned features are implemented and the game is fully replayable. These planned features are categorized into different builds and updates, which players can track using the in-game roadmap available on the main menu. All planned features and upcoming builds until the full launch will be free and shared roughly quarterly with everyone who has purchased the Early Access version of the game.read 5 Sep 2026 | 24–48 months | 5 months | 11% | On the clock3 years 7 months left | |
| Warrior's Memory The Hollow StrataWarrior's Memory The Hollow Strata | At this point, we expect the Early Access period to last approximately one to two years. However, the schedule may change depending on the scale of additional content, player feedback, and the overall state of development.read 8 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 3 months | 11% | On the clock21 months left | |
| Fungi SimulatorFungi Simulator | We'll be in Early Access for a few months, at maximum for 8 months.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 8 months | 4 weeks | 11% | On the clock7 months left | |
| Vampire Syndicate: Gangs of MoonFallVampire Syndicate: Gangs of MoonFall | The game is currently planned to remain in Early Access for approximately 1–2 years. Development priorities will continue to focus on expanding content, improving existing systems, and incorporating community feedback while maintaining a consistent and rapid update schedule.read 8 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 3 months | 11% | On the clock21 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.