How long did they say Early Access would take, and how long has it been? · 1,762 in Early Access · 2,000 promises read · 686 announced, not started
| Year | Games | In Early Access now | Graduated | Median time in EA | Promise read | Overdue | Promise kept |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 945 | 937 | 81% | 1 month | 83388% | 23of 760 parsed | — |
| 2025 | 308 | 308 | 00% | 13 months | 25181% | 86of 208 parsed | — |
| 2024 | 160 | 160 | 00% | 2 years 1 month | 13786% | 77of 110 parsed | — |
| 2023 | 95 | 95 | 00% | 3 years 2 months | 8185% | 45of 64 parsed | — |
| 2022 | 62 | 62 | 00% | 4 years 2 months | 5385% | 34of 41 parsed | — |
| 2021 | 46 | 46 | 00% | 5 years 2 months | 3678% | 22of 28 parsed | — |
| 2020 | 41 | 41 | 00% | 6 years 1 month | 3688% | 16of 20 parsed | — |
| 2019 | 30 | 30 | 00% | 7 years 3 months | 30100% | 12of 15 parsed | — |
| 2018 | 17 | 17 | 00% | 8 years 1 month | 1588% | 7of 8 parsed | — |
| 2017 | 14 | 14 | 00% | 9 years 3 months | 1393% | 5of 7 parsed | — |
| Game | Promise | Promised | Elapsed | Clock | Verdict | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desktop GremlinsDesktop Gremlins | We plan to stay in Early Access for approximately 6 to 12 months. The timeline depends on community feedback and how many new characters and features we're able to add. Once we feel the content is complete and stable, we'll move to full release.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 month | 9% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Sea DrifterSea Drifter | Roughly 6–12 months, depending on how much the community's feedback changes course.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 month | 9% | On the clock11 months left | |
| SoulboundSoulbound | We expect to be in Early Access for roughly 12 to 18 months. We care more about getting it right than hitting a date, so we'll leave Early Access when the game reaches the scope and polish we're aiming for, and we'll keep the community updated on our progress throughout.read 6 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 2 months | 9% | On the clock16 months left | |
| SCP: ReEnterSCP: ReEnter | We currently plan for the game to be in Early Access for approximately 12 months. This timeline may change depending on the scope of new features and the valuable feedback we receive from the community.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 1 month | 9% | On the clock11 months left | |
| ACRODRIFT: FPV Drone SimulatorACRODRIFT: FPV Drone Simulator | We expect Acrodrift to stay in Early Access for roughly 6 to 12 months.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 month | 9% | On the clock11 months left | |
| MEOWMIMEOWMI | Expect the game to remain in Early Access for approximately 6–12 months, depending on feedback and development progress.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 month | 9% | On the clock11 months left | |
| VConnectVConnect | I expect to remain in Early Access for roughly 6 to 12 months, though this may shift depending on the feedback I receive and how development progresses. I'm committed to actively developing the tool, listening to the community, and refining it over time based on what we learn together.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 month | 9% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Legend of Deepshade: The Shattered SealLegend of Deepshade: The Shattered Seal | I expect the game to remain in Early Access for approximately **6–12 months**, depending on player feedback, development progress, and the amount of additional content and improvements added. During this time I will continue working on balancing, fixing bugs, improving existing systems, adding more puzzles and set pieces, and expanding the overall experience. The final release timing will depend on making sure the game reaches the quality level I want it to have.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 month | 9% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Mythic BattleMythic Battle | We expect Mythic Battle to be in Early Access between 4 - 6 months.read 5 Sep 2026 | 4–6 months | 2 weeks | 9% | On the clock5 months left | |
| DecimationDecimation | Approximately 7-10 months from the initial EA release date. Getting the game ready for EA release took around 26 months. This included building all the core systems, testing which of the other systems I had in mind worked well for the game and which didn't. Now with most of the game's systems complete, and reviewing my previous pace of creating new assets, levels and content, I estimate 3-4 months per remaining Act (Act 3 and Act 4), then around another month or two for additional difficulty modes and final polish.read 6 Sep 2026 | 7–10 months | 4 weeks | 9% | On the clock9 months left | |
| VelocrashVelocrash | Approximately 6–12 months. Quality over calendar: version 1.0 ships when the roadmap items are in and stable — not on a forced date.read 5 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 month | 9% | On the clock11 months left | |
| 风信来客风信来客 | Roughly 6 to 12 months, depending on how quickly the visitor codex grows and on player feedback. We won't rush at the cost of the calm, unobtrusive experience at its core.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 month | 9% | On the clock11 months left | |
| A Nibble TaleA Nibble Tale | We expect A Nibble Tale to remain in Early Access for around 6 to 12 months. This may change depending on player feedback and the amount of polish and content needed before the full release.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 month | 9% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Dead Air CountyDead Air County | We currently expect Dead Air County to remain in Early Access for approximately 6 to 12 months. That timeline may change depending on player feedback, bug fixing, balancing, performance work, and the amount of additional content needed before the full release. The goal is not to rush out of Early Access, but to use the period to improve stability, expand contracts, add more room variety, refine enemy behavior, improve atmosphere, and make the extraction loop more replayable. If major systems or content additions take longer than expected, we may extend Early Access to make sure the final release is stronger.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 month | 9% | On the clock11 months left | |
| VOXSHIFTVOXSHIFT | We currently expect VOXSHIFT to remain in Early Access for roughly 6 to 12 months. However, audio device compatibility and external app routing can vary greatly depending on each user's environment, so the schedule may change depending on user feedback and the progress of stability improvements.read 9 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 month | 9% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Carnival HuntCarnival Hunt | We currently expect Carnival Hunt to remain in Early Access for approximately 12 to 18 months. This timeline may change depending on development progress, community feedback, and the amount of additional content and polish we feel the game needs. Since the core mechanics are already implemented and playable, our Early Access period will be focused mainly on expanding content variety, improving balance, refining the experience, and adding polish.read 6 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 2 months | 9% | On the clock16 months left | |
| Zoo ProtocolZoo Protocol | At the moment, we expect Zoo Protocol to remain in Early Access for around 12 to 18 months. The exact timeline will depend on the pace of development, the stability of the network systems, the amount of new content, community feedback, and the scope that can be supported by a solo developer. We want to use this time to refine the core mechanics, expand the content, improve balance, and bring the co-op experience closer to the level we expect from a full release.read 8 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 2 months | 9% | On the clock16 months left | |
| Paper2GalgamePaper2Galgame | We currently expect Paper2Galgame to remain in Early Access for about 6 to 12 months. The exact timing may change depending on user feedback, technical improvements, and the stability of AI, voice, and online service features.read 9 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 month | 9% | On the clock11 months left | |
| FlatVRFlatVR | We plan to keep FlatVR in Early Access for approximately 6 to 12 months. This timeframe will give us enough opportunity to expand the AI model, refine compatibility with new DirectX versions, and integrate feedback directly from the community.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 month | 9% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Lawn OrderLawn Order | A few months, though quality comes before the calendar. If the roadmap needs more time, we'll take it and keep the community posted.read 6 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 2 weeks | 9% | On the clock5 months left | |
| RampalliansRampallians | 1 yearread 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 1 month | 8% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Penko Vox: JapanesePenko Vox: Japanese | We plan to remain in Early Access for approximately 6 to 12 months. This window allows us to iterate on the AI’s conversational logic and expand the content library based on user learning patterns.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 month | 8% | On the clock11 months left | |
| DuelgroundsDuelgrounds | We expect the game to remain in Early Access for approximately 3–5 months. However, the exact duration may vary depending on community feedback, feature development, and the overall progress of the project.read 6 Sep 2026 | 3–5 months | 2 weeks | 8% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Crossbench3DCrossbench3D | It will be in Early Access for 6-9 months while feedback comes back and other levels are created.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–9 months | 3 weeks | 8% | On the clock8 months left | |
| Calling in the ShadowsCalling in the Shadows | 1-2 yearsread 8 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 2 months | 8% | On the clock22 months left | |
| StonewardsStonewards | We currently plan for Stonewards to remain in Early Access for approximately 9 to 12 months. This timeline gives us enough room to steadily roll out new features, expand the game's scope, and properly implement community feedback without rushing the process.read 8 Sep 2026 | 9–12 months | 4 weeks | 8% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Echoes of MystraliaEchoes of Mystralia | Our goal is to keep this Early Access period relatively short and community-focused, allowing us to finish and polish the game ahead of full release. We aim to deliver the final version within a year.read 9 Sep 2026 | 0–12 months | 4 weeks | 8% | On the clock11 months left | |
| LuminaryLuminary | We are initially planning for 1 year until an official 1.0 release. But if the early access is a bigger success than expected and the community wants us to go bigger with our content, we may add an additional time for that.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 4 weeks | 8% | On the clock11 months left | |
| SwordcerySwordcery | Our current goal is to release Swordcery 1.0 within 8 to 12 months of entering Early Access. However, because development timelines can be influenced by player feedback, financial situations, and our desire to reach a level of polish we’re truly satisfied with, we’ll continue to reassess our plans as development progresses. Throughout Early Access, we’ll be as transparent as possible about our roadmap and updates.read 6 Sep 2026 | 8–12 months | 4 weeks | 8% | On the clock11 months left | |
| RegularsRegulars | We plan to be in Early Access for approximately 6 to 12 months, depending on the scope of feedback we receive and how development progresses.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 4 weeks | 8% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Valdrax Beyond the RiftValdrax Beyond the Rift | I plan to keep the game in Early Access for approximately 6 to 12 months. This timeline gives me enough room to implement new features, fully test the balance between factions, and act on community feedback without rushing the development process.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 4 weeks | 8% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Ramajay! Riddim RabbitRamajay! Riddim Rabbit | We expect Riddim Rabbit to remain in Early Access for approximately 6–12 months. That may change depending on development and the feedback we receive. We don’t want to commit to a specific full-release date before we’re confident the game has reached the level of content and polish we’re aiming for.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 4 weeks | 8% | On the clock11 months left | |
| FinSimFinSim | We expect the game to remain in Early Access through Q4 2026, with a full release planned for H1 2027.read 8 Sep 2026 | 10 monthsuntil 30 Jun 2027 | 4 weeks | 8% | On the clock9 months left | |
| ClickonomyClickonomy | Time and work are key to developing this game. I want to provide more content and core gameplay mechanics over time, such as seasons and some others major additions to the already rich game. This early access will probably last for 6 to 8 months as I'll publish the 1.0 release when I feel like the game is ready!read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–8 months | 3 weeks | 8% | On the clock7 months left | |
| Beware the DepthsBeware the Depths | 6 monthsread 6 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 2 weeks | 8% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Family Office SimulatorFamily Office Simulator | We currently expect Family Office Simulator to remain in Early Access for approximately 12 to 18 months. This may change depending on player feedback, balance needs, and the amount of polish and expansion needed before the full release.read 8 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 1 month | 8% | On the clock17 months left | |
| Save Dad's ShopSave Dad's Shop | Around 3–4 months, depending on community feedback.read 6 Sep 2026 | 3–4 months | 1 week | 8% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Mandate OrderMandate Order | Our current development target is approximately 12 months for "Mandate Order"'s Early Access phase. Once the core content, overall stability, and long-term play experience meet our standards for the full version, "Mandate Order" will officially enter version 1.0. The actual timing of the 1.0 release will still be adjusted according to development progress, version quality, and player feedback. We will not rush out of Early Access just to meet a date, nor do we want to leave the game in a state of stagnation for a long time.read 5 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 4 weeks | 8% | On the clock11 months left | |
| The One FishThe One Fish | Less than a year of early access.read 7 Sep 2026 | 0–12 months | 4 weeks | 8% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Airport Manager Simulator 2026Airport Manager Simulator 2026 | We plan around six to twelve months. This gives us time to expand terminals, add aircraft and equipment, and polish core systems based on player feedback.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 4 weeks | 8% | On the clock11 months left | |
| The Long Way UpThe Long Way Up | Roughly six to twelve months, with content and balance updates through that window. No fixed exit date until the post-summit content is where it should be.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 4 weeks | 8% | On the clock11 months left | |
| OOPS! SimulatorOOPS! Simulator | We will keep OOPS! Simulator in Early Access mode for less than one year. In this time period, we are going to release 3 totally new levels with different concepts and then expand the game to reach the full release version.read 6 Sep 2026 | 0–12 months | 4 weeks | 8% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Province: SurosteProvince: Suroste | The game is planned to remain in Early Access for about one year. However, the exact duration may change depending on development progress and community feedback. The full release is currently planned for Summer 2027.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 4 weeks | 8% | On the clock11 months left | |
| 智探智探 | We expect Early Access to last around 6 to 12 months. The exact duration may change based on player feedback, content development, and system improvements. Our goal is to leave Early Access once the core gameplay, case content, stability, and overall experience reach our full release standard.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 4 weeks | 8% | On the clock11 months left | |
| N.I.V.ON.I.V.O | We expect N.I.V.O to remain in Early Access for approximately 6 to 12 months, depending on player feedback and development progress. Our goal is to keep the game in Early Access until the core experience is complete and polished, including the planned additional content such as Part 2 and Part 3 with new maps and features. We want to ensure the game reaches a quality level that both we and the community are happy with before moving to the full release.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 4 weeks | 8% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Whispering MazeWhispering Maze | We expect Early Access to last no more than 6 months to 1 year.read 9 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 4 weeks | 8% | On the clock11 months left | |
| SoulsrunnerSoulsrunner | We expect Souls Runner to remain in Early Access for approximately 6 to 12 months. This may change depending on player feedback, the amount of content we decide to improve, and the time needed to properly polish the game.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 4 weeks | 8% | On the clock11 months left | |
| lovebyte.exelovebyte.exe | lovebyte.exe is currently planned to be in Early Access until version 1.0 releases in Q1 2027 (exact date TBD).read 9 Sep 2026 | 7 monthsuntil 31 Mar 2027 | 2 weeks | 8% | On the clock6 months left | |
| PowerplayPowerplay | From 12 to 18 months in early accessread 7 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 1 month | 8% | On the clock17 months left | |
| Backrooms Lost RunnersBackrooms Lost Runners | We currently estimate that Backrooms Lost Runners may remain in Early Access for about 1 to 3 years. This timeframe may change depending on development progress, player feedback, technical challenges, and the amount of polish and content we decide to work on during Early Access.read 6 Sep 2026 | 12–36 months | 3 months | 8% | On the clock2 years 9 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.