How long did they say Early Access would take, and how long has it been? · 1,796 in Early Access · 2,061 promises read · 703 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| Idle Kingdom: Magic & BeastsIdle Kingdom: Magic & Beasts | We will strive to conclude the early access within a year, subject to the feedback collected and the progress of our work.read 9 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 | |
| SandustrySandustry | We plan to remain in Early Access for a year, but that could change depending on how the design develops with player feedback.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 4 weeks | 8% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Soul's RemnantSoul's Remnant | We estimate staying in Early Access for 6 to 12 months, depending on community feedback and how quickly we can refine and improve the content in the game. We want to take our time with development and get it right, rather than rush it.read 7 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 4 weeks | 8% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Drink Factory SimulatorDrink Factory Simulator | We plan for the Early Access period to last roughly 6 to 12 months. This may change depending on community feedback and how quickly new content is developed. Our goal is to get the game ready for full release without rushing it.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 4 weeks | 8% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Dot ClickerDot Clicker | Since the Early Access period for Dot Clicker will be mostly based on the demands and requests of the aiming community, we can't tell how long this is going to take since for similar games this took years before. Though, with Dot Clicker, we aim to fully listen to the community and also learn from similar games in order to make the Early Access period go as smoothly and as fast as possible. We currently expect Dot Clicker to remain in Early Access for approximately 9-12 months.read 6 Sep 2026 | 9–12 months | 4 weeks | 8% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Zombie TagZombie Tag | We currently expect Zombie Tag to remain in Early Access for approximately 6 to 12 months. This estimate may change depending on player feedback, development progress, and the amount of balancing and technical work required. Our priority is to release the full version when the game feels stable, polished, and enjoyable rather than rushing to meet a fixed date.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 4 weeks | 8% | On the clock11 months left | |
| DawnDawn | We want to avoid giving specific time frames as we are a very small development team. The early access release provides us with a foundation to build off of and update/add to until we feel that the game is in a fully finished state. We are estimating the game will spend 4-5 years in early access, but this is indefinite.read 6 Sep 2026 | 48–60 months | 5 months | 8% | On the clock4 years 7 months left | |
| PESKY ORCS!PESKY ORCS! | The early access phase will last circa half a year based on the currenct schedule.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 2 weeks | 8% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Raisin SudokuRaisin Sudoku | We expect Raisin Sudoku to be in Early Access for approximately 3 to 6 months. That timeline could shift depending on feedback from streamers and their audiences, but our goal is to keep the Early Access period focused and short.read 6 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 2 weeks | 8% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Strikers ClubStrikers Club | Based on our goals, we anticipate the Early Access period to be 2 years.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 2 years | 2 months | 7% | On the clock22 months left | |
| Space PunkSpace Punk | We expect months, not years roughly through early-to-mid 2027, not a locked calendar day. Space Punk will leave Early Access when the career feels complete enough to drop that label: the haul, worlds, events, and rank loop are stable, and we are no longer making large changes to the mountain. We will not promise an exact 1.0 date. If that target moves, we will say so on the store page and in Steam News. You should buy the game for how it plays now. Time in Early Access is for listening and polishing, not for holding back the product you already have.read 6 Sep 2026 | 10 monthsuntil 30 Jun 2027 | 3 weeks | 7% | On the clock9 months left | |
| Snack InvadersSnack Invaders | As a solo developer, I estimate Snack Invaders will remain in Early Access for 5-7 months. This gives me time to iterate on player feedback for balancing weapons, level design, difficulty curves, bosses, unlockables, all while adding polish and any new content that emerges from community input. I'll post regular updates via Steam News and Discord, aiming for full release once the game feels complete and feedback-driven improvements are in place. The exact timeline may shift slightly based on the volume and nature of suggestions, but I'm committed to steady progress.read 8 Sep 2026 | 5–7 months | 2 weeks | 7% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Ricochet AbyssRicochet Abyss | We currently expect Ricochet Abyss to remain in Early Access for approximately 12 months. This timeline may change depending on development progress and community feedback, but our goal is to use this period to complete our planned content updates and polish the game to a full release standard.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 4 weeks | 7% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Nicotine Merchant Simulator™Nicotine Merchant Simulator™ | I expect Early Access to last about a year, but the exact timeline will depend on player feedback and the needs of the community.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 4 weeks | 7% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Infinite BackroomsInfinite Backrooms | We plan to remain in Early Access for approximately 6 to 12 months. Our roadmap includes new environments, additional entities, an escape mechanic, and an expanded multiplayer experience. When we feel the game truly delivers the definitive infinite Backrooms experience, we will move to full release.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 4 weeks | 7% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Daughter of The VoidDaughter of The Void | I am planning to finish the game at around 1 year from now, maybe 2 if things get rough.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 4 weeks | 7% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Crisis CabinetCrisis Cabinet | We currently expect Crisis Cabinet to remain in Early Access for approximately 6 to 12 months. This may change depending on player feedback, development progress and the amount of balancing, content expansion and polish needed before the full release.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 4 weeks | 7% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Mind Against FateMind Against Fate | We plan to remain in Early Access for approximately 6 to 12 months. This timeframe will give us enough flexibility to polish the game mechanics, balance combat classes based on competitive data, and introduce planned features while maintaining high performance.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 4 weeks | 7% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Driftscape: VoidDriftscape: Void | We currently expect Early Access to last between 6 months and 1 year, though development timelines may change based on community feedback and the needs of the project.read 5 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 4 weeks | 7% | On the clock11 months left | |
| UpgradiaUpgradia | Scheduled release 2027.read 7 Sep 2026 | 17 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2027 | 1 month | 7% | On the clock16 months left | |
| V.A.U.L.T. PROTOCOLV.A.U.L.T. PROTOCOL | Our current goal is to keep the game in Early Access for approximately 6–9 months. During this time, we plan to evaluate community feedback and continue improving the game through additional content, gameplay balancing, performance optimizations, and quality-of-life improvements. The duration and scope of development may change depending on community feedback and the overall development process.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–9 months | 3 weeks | 7% | On the clock8 months left | |
| Galactum MeridianGalactum Meridian | I currently expect Galactum Meridian to remain in Early Access for roughly two to four months. This is an estimate rather than a fixed deadline. The timing may change depending on the amount and quality of player feedback, the scope of the improvements that prove worthwhile, and how long those changes take to implement and test properly.read 9 Sep 2026 | 2–4 months | 1 week | 7% | On the clock4 months left | |
| 3876 AD: Corruption3876 AD: Corruption | It depends on funding. This will ultimatively determine if I can continue having this as my only employment or not. If I can work full-time on this project I want to have a final version 1.0 done in about 2 years. Otherwise it will take maybe 3-4 years for the full feature set because I will only be able to work on this part-time.read 6 Sep 2026 | 36–48 months | 3 months | 7% | On the clock3 years 9 months left | |
| Memo to the UnderlordMemo to the Underlord | Memo to the Underlord has a finite plan for what content will be in 1.0, and we expect it to be in Early Access for approximately 12 months to reach that state.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 4 weeks | 7% | On the clock11 months left | |
| plexumplexum | We expect plexum to remain in Early Access for up to 12 months, depending on the pace of development and community feedback.read 6 Sep 2026 | 0–12 months | 4 weeks | 7% | On the clock11 months left | |
| GG LifeGG Life | We plan to be in Early Access for approximately 3-6 months, depending on community feedback and how much additional content we add along the way.read 6 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 2 weeks | 7% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Water Polo Manager 2026Water Polo Manager 2026 | Our current estimate is approximately three to six months. This is a planning window, not a fixed promise: we will move to version 1.0 when stability, balance, onboarding and the overall career experience meet our quality target. We will communicate any meaningful change to that estimate through Steam announcements.read 8 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 2 weeks | 7% | On the clock6 months left | |
| IDLEPUNK - Ghost LinkIDLEPUNK - Ghost Link | We currently expect Early Access to last around 12–18 months, although this may change depending on development progress and community feedback.read 7 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 1 month | 7% | On the clock17 months left | |
| Fantasy ShopFantasy Shop | We aim to finish all content before 2027 Q3read 7 Sep 2026 | 14 monthsuntil 30 Sep 2027 | 4 weeks | 7% | On the clock13 months left | |
| WE ARE SO DEADWE ARE SO DEAD | I estimate about 6-12 months but it will highly depend on community interest, if there is a lot of interest for additional content, I might extend the Early Access period.read 7 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 3 weeks | 7% | On the clock11 months left | |
| SubmergeSubmerge | We plan to remain in Early Access for around 6–12 months, depending on community feedback and development progress. This timeframe may change as we continue improving the game and expanding its features.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 3 weeks | 7% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Solar WaveSolar Wave | I expect the game to remain in Early Access for approximately one year. However, this timeline may shift depending on community feedback and the time required to implement new features and polish the gameplay.read 7 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 3 weeks | 7% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Home Store SimulatorHome Store Simulator | We plan to complete the full version of the game in approximately 12 months. This timeframe will allow us to implement all the features we have envisioned and bring the game to a level that meets our own quality standards.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 3 weeks | 7% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Guild LegendsGuild Legends | I expect it to leave early access in Summer of 2027.read 9 Sep 2026 | 12 monthsuntil 31 Aug 2027 | 3 weeks | 7% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Void RegaliaVoid Regalia | About a year.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 3 weeks | 7% | On the clock11 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.