How long did they say Early Access would take, and how long has it been? · 1,769 in Early Access · 2,015 promises read · 692 announced, not started
| Year | Games | In Early Access now | Graduated | Median time in EA | Promise read | Overdue | Promise kept |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 946 | 938 | 81% | 1 month | 83688% | 23of 763 parsed | — |
| 2025 | 309 | 309 | 00% | 13 months | 25282% | 86of 209 parsed | — |
| 2024 | 161 | 161 | 00% | 2 years 1 month | 13886% | 78of 111 parsed | — |
| 2023 | 95 | 95 | 00% | 3 years 2 months | 8185% | 45of 64 parsed | — |
| 2022 | 64 | 64 | 00% | 4 years 2 months | 5586% | 34of 41 parsed | — |
| 2021 | 47 | 47 | 00% | 5 years 2 months | 3779% | 22of 29 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dash'n'DropsDash'n'Drops | Between one and two years. I would rather aim wide than promise a date and let people down, but my goal is to reach version 1.0 within that window, taking whatever time is needed to make sure the result is worth it.read 6 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 3 weeks | 3% | On the clock23 months left | |
| SpinebreakerSpinebreaker | 2 Yearsread 9 Sep 2026 | about 2 years | 3 weeks | 3% | On the clock23 months left | |
| Rune Robin's DreamscapeRune Robin's Dreamscape | We roughly aim to finish it sometime next year, August of '27 at the latest. Any support we receive from purchases will go directly into finishing the project even earlier as well.read 6 Sep 2026 | 16 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2027 | 2 weeks | 3% | On the clock15 months left | |
| Star Corsairs: Fractured FrontierStar Corsairs: Fractured Frontier | Roughly one year. That should be enough to finish the story campaign, rebalance the economy against player feedback and polish the technical rough edges. If players show me it needs longer, I'll say so openly and update this estimate rather than quietly let it slip.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 weeks | 3% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Janshin -infinity-Janshin -infinity- | At this point, we expect the game to remain in Early Access for about one year. This may change depending on development progress and player feedback, but our plan is to continue improving the game and adding content throughout that period.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 weeks | 3% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Car D GameCar D Game | I expect roughly 6 to 12 months, though this may shift based on player feedback and how much content the community wants to see before calling it 1.0.read 9 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 weeks | 3% | On the clock12 months left | |
| RPG Portrait GeneratorRPG Portrait Generator | We plan to be in Early Access for roughly six to twelve months. This is a one-person studio, so we would rather give an honest range than a date we cannot keep. If that estimate changes, we will update it here rather than quietly let it slide.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 weeks | 3% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Slime WellSlime Well | We currently estimate that Slime Well will remain in Early Access for approximately 6 to 9 months. This is only an approximate timeframe and may change depending on player feedback, the amount of content that requires adjustment, technical issues, and the overall progress of development. We would prefer to leave Early Access when the game provides a sufficiently stable and complete experience rather than commit to a fixed release date too early.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–9 months | 1 week | 3% | On the clock9 months left | |
| Last DropLast Drop | Our estimation is 1-2 years. This is if we do the current storyline and add few new mechanics. We need to add rest of the cutscenes and quest structures to Main story of the game. We should also add some more places to map, side stories, vehicles and npc-characters. Ofcourse player input and comments affect where do we go with the game also.read 7 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 3 weeks | 3% | On the clock23 months left | |
| King-Sized RoommateKing-Sized Roommate | We estimate the game will remain in Early Access for approximately one to two years, but it may change based on the player feedback.read 6 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 3 weeks | 3% | On the clock23 months left | |
| Real backroomsReal backrooms | We expect the game to be in early access for approximately one or two years. I prefer to take the time to develop the game to version 1.0 in order to minimize bugs and other issues, and thus offer a more stable and complete experience to players.read 5 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 3 weeks | 3% | On the clock23 months left | |
| Watchstander - RoR ONLYWatchstander - RoR ONLY | I expect COLREGS Trainer to remain in Early Access for 3–6 months while I expand the question bank, improve analytics, and refine the interface. Since it shares core systems with the full Watchstander simulator, updates will track closely with that project but remain independently stable.read 6 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 6 days | 3% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Void DiscipleVoid Disciple | Around 3 to 6 months (depending on the amount of feedback received). The game is already feature-complete, so this isn't about building missing content, it's about iterating on feedback. If the feedback settles quickly and the balance holds up, it will be closer to three months. I'd rather leave Early Access when the game genuinely feels finished than setting an arbitrary date.read 6 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 6 days | 3% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Raven ErrantRaven Errant | About 6 months for the planned features to be finalized, this is mostly new warband factions and additional weapons, armor and equipment. Depending on the level of player feedback and feature/gameplay requests this could be longer.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 6 days | 3% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Fog of War: Book TwoFog of War: Book Two | 2-3 years.read 6 Sep 2026 | 24–36 months | 1 month | 3% | On the clock2 years 11 months left | |
| BURNED HORIZONSBURNED HORIZONS | Approximately 12 to 18 months. The exact duration depends on how the core systems mature, how the deeper layers connect, and what we learn from players along the way. We'll keep updating and communicating openly throughout, and we'll move toward 1.0 when the game feels the way it's supposed to feel, not on a fixed calendar.read 7 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 2 weeks | 3% | On the clock17 months left | |
| Fossil BoundFossil Bound | We currently expect Fossil Bound to remain in Early Access for approximately 12–18 months. During this time we plan to expand the number of dig sites, fossils, museum features, and gameplay systems while continuing to refine the core excavation mechanics based on player feedback.read 8 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 2 weeks | 3% | On the clock17 months left | |
| Cozy CommonsCozy Commons | We estimate the Early Access period will last 12-18 months, starting September 2026.read 6 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 2 weeks | 3% | On the clock17 months left | |
| Pleiades ZeroPleiades Zero | We plan to stay in Early Access until the full seven-star journey is complete and polished to the standard we're aiming for. We'd rather take the time needed to expand the levels, refine the puzzles, and get performance and presentation right. Our goal is to leave Early Access when the game is ready, not before. We expect the game to remain in Early Access by roughly late 2027.read 5 Sep 2026 | 16 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2027 | 2 weeks | 3% | On the clock16 months left | |
| UltradimensionalUltradimensional | We expect Early Access to last around 1–2 years.read 5 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 3 weeks | 3% | On the clock23 months left | |
| Victor Space ProgramVictor Space Program | I plan to remain in Early Access for around a year, but that could change depending on how the design develops with player feedback.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 weeks | 3% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Little GhostiesLittle Ghosties | 2-3 monthsread 8 Sep 2026 | 2–3 months | 3 days | 3% | On the clock3 months left | |
| DeadzonedDeadzoned | The aim is to fully release the game in around 2 to 3 months.read 8 Sep 2026 | 2–3 months | 3 days | 3% | On the clock3 months left | |
| ANGEL.liteANGEL.lite | 12-18 months.read 8 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 2 weeks | 3% | On the clock17 months left | |
| Story BoredStory Bored | We hope by the end of the year to early next year, we will have a "ready game"- but honestly, there can always be more to add and update. That said- the game will be "finished" once everything we know can be added, fixed, and removed is done, which will hopefully be completed by June 2027 at the latest. There will ALWAYS be more updates after!read 7 Sep 2026 | 10 monthsuntil 30 Jun 2027 | 1 week | 3% | On the clock10 months left | |
| StarShip-DFStarShip-DF | 2 to 5 yearsread 8 Sep 2026 | 24–60 months | 2 months | 3% | On the clock4 years 10 months left | |
| CypherpunkCypherpunk | We anticipate Cypherpunk will remain in Early Access for approximately 36 months. This timeline gives us the necessary runway to expand the world, refine complex mechanics, and fully execute our story vision without sacrificing quality. However, depending on community feedback and the scope of requested features, this timeline may evolve as development progresses.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 3 years | 1 month | 3% | On the clock2 years 11 months left | |
| Mulligans Golf GameMulligans Golf Game | A rough estimate is 2-3 years in Early Accessread 5 Sep 2026 | 24–36 months | 4 weeks | 3% | On the clock2 years 11 months left | |
| GatheraGathera | The game is planned for 1 year of early access.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 1 week | 3% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Zodiac MountainZodiac Mountain | We currently expect Zodiac Mountain to remain in Early Access for approximately 6–12 months. The exact timeline will depend on player feedback and ensuring the game reaches the quality we expect before its full release.read 5 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 week | 3% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Automon ArenaAutomon Arena | About a year.read 7 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 1 week | 3% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Seconds Until You DieSeconds Until You Die | 1 year (31536000 seconds until this game is not in Early Access)read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 1 week | 3% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Survival DimensionSurvival Dimension | We plan to keep our game in early access for one year.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 1 week | 3% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Goblins and GunslingersGoblins and Gunslingers | We currently expect Goblins & Gunslingers to remain in Early Access for about 6 to 12 months. This may change depending on community feedback, development needs, art production, campaign work, balance updates, and multiplayer polish. We will keep players updated through Steam announcements as the roadmap develops.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 week | 3% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Exo's CYOAExo's CYOA | The current plan is around 12 months. Exo's CYOA has already been in development for about a year before its initial Early Access release, and I expect to spend at least another year expanding and refining it. That said, this is a highly systemic and open-ended game, so the exact timing will depend on how development progresses and what feedback comes in. I want to leave Early Access when the game feels truly ready, not just when a fixed date is reached.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 1 week | 3% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Crabs: Chefs StoryCrabs: Chefs Story | Between 6 months and 1 year, but we will be adding lots of content to it and hopefully going for other platforms at 1.0read 5 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 week | 3% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Retail RevengeRetail Revenge | We currently expect Retail Revenge to remain in Early Access for approximately 6–12 months. This estimate may change depending on player feedback, development priorities and the work required to reach the intended quality for version 1.0.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 week | 3% | On the clock12 months left | |
| PetCraftPetCraft | Our Early Access will be about 8-12 months long if everything goes well.read 6 Sep 2026 | 8–12 months | 1 week | 3% | On the clock12 months left | |
| The ConglomerateThe Conglomerate | We anticipate remaining in Early Access for approximately 6 to 12 months. This timeline allows us to expand the content within the 'Studio' and 'Conglomerate' phases while refining the core loop based on player feedback.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 week | 3% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Dungeons And AnimalsDungeons And Animals | We expect the game to remain in Early Access for approximately one year. During this time, we plan to continue improving the game and make it a better experience for our players.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 1 week | 3% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Artificial BloodlineArtificial Bloodline | We estimate the Early Access phase will last approximately one year, though this timeline may be adjusted flexibly based on development progress and community feedback.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 1 week | 3% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Necromancer ParkNecromancer Park | This game will take around a year to come out of early access.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 1 week | 3% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Damage ChessDamage Chess | Approximately 6 to 12 months.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 week | 3% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Food FightFood Fight | We expect at least six months to a year. We'd rather leave Early Access when the balance and content feel right than rush to meet a date.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 week | 3% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Damage XiangqiDamage Xiangqi | Approximately 6 to 12 months.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 week | 3% | On the clock12 months left | |
| RuinRuin | While we cannot provide an exact timeframe, we anticipate Ruin to remain in Early Access for approximately 3 more years. This extended period allows us to incorporate player feedback, refine features, and ensure a polished and immersive experience.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 3 years | 4 weeks | 3% | On the clock2 years 11 months left | |
| DirtnapDirtnap | We plan to release the game latest in Q1/2027.read 6 Sep 2026 | 16 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2027 | 2 weeks | 3% | On the clock16 months left | |
| The Finest SparkThe Finest Spark | TFS is expected to be available in Early Access for 1–3 years, depending on development progress.read 6 Sep 2026 | 12–36 months | 4 weeks | 3% | On the clock2 years 11 months left | |
| OpenSheet 3.5e SRDOpenSheet 3.5e SRD | We expect OpenSheet 3.5e SRD to remain in Early Access for approximately 12 to 18 months. This timeline may change as development progresses and as we continue improving the application based on community feedback.read 8 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 2 weeks | 2% | On the clock18 months left | |
| Craft. Sell. Goblin. Repeat.Craft. Sell. Goblin. Repeat. | The current plan is around one year, though this may change depending on development progress.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 1 week | 2% | On the clock12 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.