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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FalkFalk | We plan to finish it within 6 months. With that said, it will remain in early access until we are satisfied with it.read 9 Sep 2026 | 0–6 months | 4 days | 2% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Airline FounderAirline Founder | 3–6 monthsread 9 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 4 days | 2% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Withering RealmsWithering Realms | The game is planned to leave Early Access approximately in May 2027, alongside a release on consoles.read 9 Sep 2026 | 9 monthsuntil 31 May 2027 | 6 days | 2% | On the clock9 months left | |
| TyrTyr | We anticipate being in Early Access for about 12 months before moving to full release. However, we're committed to taking the time necessary to deliver a polished, complete experience rather than rushing to meet an arbitrary deadline, so we’ll adapt and communicate changes as we gather feedback.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 1 week | 2% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Code My Robot VacuumCode My Robot Vacuum | We expect the game to remain in Early Access for around 6–12 months, depending on development progress and community feedback. We want enough time to expand the game’s content, improve stability and balance, and iterate based on how players use the current version. If our priorities change during development, we’ll keep the store page and community posts updated.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 week | 2% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Wall Street DonkeyWall Street Donkey | We currently expect Early Access to last approximately 6 to 12 months. This estimate may change depending on development progress and player feedback.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 week | 2% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Western RyeWestern Rye | Early Access Duration We can't accurately say how long Western Rye will be in Early Access, because we are currently working on adding new enemies variations, more locations, caves as well as more equipment. But this should be in Early Access for atleast 2 more years.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 2 years | 2 weeks | 2% | On the clock23 months left | |
| SatawnSatawn | We currently expect Satawn to remain in Early Access for approximately 18 to 24 months. This is an estimate rather than a guaranteed deadline, as the schedule may change depending on development progress and community feedback.read 6 Sep 2026 | 18–24 months | 2 weeks | 2% | On the clock23 months left | |
| Torment HexusTorment Hexus | We plan to hit v1.0 in 2027.read 6 Sep 2026 | 16 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2027 | 1 week | 2% | On the clock16 months left | |
| Deadline SaviorDeadline Savior | We estimate that the Early Access phase will last about 12 to 18 months. We view this period as a critical window for polishing the game’s core and expanding content. The 1.0 version will be officially launched once all planned major features are completed and reach a stable quality.read 10 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 2 weeks | 2% | On the clock18 months left | |
| OshiYaOshiYa | We currently expect Early Access to last roughly 9 to 15 months. This is an estimate, not a fixed release promise: the timing will depend on playtest data, technical stability and the scope that proves valuable to the community.read 8 Sep 2026 | 9–15 months | 1 week | 2% | On the clock15 months left | |
| FunorbitFunorbit | I currently expect Funorbit to remain in Early Access for approximately 6 to 12 months. As a solo developer, the exact timeline may depend on development progress and community feedback. My goal is to leave Early Access once the main gameplay systems and planned content feel complete and polished enough for a full release.read 9 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 week | 2% | On the clock12 months left | |
| CRETA: Taskbar FishingCRETA: Taskbar Fishing | The game is currently expected to remain in Early Access for approximately 6 to 12 months. However, this estimate may change depending on the development process and the feedback received from players. CRETA will leave Early Access when its main systems feel sufficiently mature, its content and balance are ready, and the overall experience reaches a level that feels suitable for a full release.read 10 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 week | 2% | On the clock12 months left | |
| My Demonic Jungle QuestMy Demonic Jungle Quest | 6 months to 1 year.read 9 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 week | 2% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Unforgiving DungeonUnforgiving Dungeon | I expect the game to remain in Early Access for roughly 6–12 months. This estimate may change depending on community feedback, feature expansion, and overall development progress, but this is the general timeframe I’m aiming for.read 5 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 week | 2% | On the clock12 months left | |
| ToiletocalypseToiletocalypse | Hard to give a fixed date. Roughly 12 months, but the game will leave Early Access when I consider it actually finished, meaning when there's nothing sensible left to add, not according to a countdown on the calendar. No DLC planned, everything that's needed goes straight into the game...read 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 1 week | 2% | On the clock12 months left | |
| GrimveilGrimveil | 1-2 yearsread 9 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 2 weeks | 2% | On the clock2 years left | |
| Runetome: Battle PracticeRunetome: Battle Practice | It's difficult to predict how long a project will take. Considering how long it took to reach the current level of gameplay I would estimate 1 to 2 years.read 6 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 2 weeks | 2% | On the clock2 years left | |
| GIANTESS PLAYGROUNDGIANTESS PLAYGROUND | Many months to a few years. We have a lot of improvements and continue to expand our scope for the games "playground." We will not be leaving Early Access for a long time, as we want to add a lot of content and functionality to the Giantess community via this software (Custom characters via VRM Importing, custom animations as well.)read 8 Sep 2026 | 24–48 months | 4 weeks | 2% | On the clock3 years 11 months left | |
| 67 Simulator67 Simulator | We estimate 67 Simulator will remain in Early Access for approximately 6 to 7 months, depending on community feedback and development progress.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–7 months | 4 days | 2% | On the clock7 months left | |
| Last Light: SurvivalLast Light: Survival | We expect Last Light: Survival to remain in Early Access for approximately 12 to 18 months. This timeframe allows us to steadily expand the game with new content, features, and improvements while carefully incorporating player feedback and ensuring overall stability and quality. Development progress may vary depending on community input and testing results, but our focus is on delivering a polished and complete full release rather than rushing the process.read 6 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 1 week | 2% | On the clock18 months left | |
| The Inn BetweenThe Inn Between | We estimate the completion of the routes to take another 1 - 1.5 years.read 7 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 1 week | 2% | On the clock18 months left | |
| Guild Management SimulatorGuild Management Simulator | Guild Management Simulator is currently expected to remain in Early Access for approximately 12–18 months. This is only an estimate and may change depending on player feedback, development progress, and how the game’s scope evolves.read 5 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 1 week | 2% | On the clock18 months left | |
| Rior's ArenaRior's Arena | Probably only a month or two?read 10 Sep 2026 | 1–2 months | 1 day | 2% | On the clock2 months left | |
| Skye's ReposeSkye's Repose | I expect this Early Access to last 1-2 years.read 6 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 2 weeks | 2% | On the clock2 years left | |
| Esports Idol SimulatorEsports Idol Simulator | We expect the Early Access period to last around two years. The timeline may adjust based on development progress and player feedback.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 2 years | 2 weeks | 2% | On the clock2 years left | |
| Chore PetChore Pet | I expect it to take about 1-2 years, though I could be mistaken.read 6 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 2 weeks | 2% | On the clock2 years left | |
| Nuktedan: The Forgotten EmotionsNuktedan: The Forgotten Emotions | I'm planning for the Early Access period to last around 3 to 4 months.read 10 Sep 2026 | 3–4 months | 2 days | 2% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Who Haunts The Haunters?Who Haunts The Haunters? | We estimate the Early Access period will last around 6 months.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 3 days | 2% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Midwinter Fan RemasterMidwinter Fan Remaster | Around 6 months. The goal is 1.0 once the full campaign is complete and stable across the whole island and at various difficulty levels.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 3 days | 2% | On the clock6 months left | |
| The Boo CrooThe Boo Croo | We plan to keep The Boo Croo in early access for approximately one year, until Q4 2027.read 5 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 6 days | 2% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Launch Window: 1961Launch Window: 1961 | The current plan is for Launch Window to remain in Early Access for about one year after release. This may change depending on player feedback, development progress, and the amount of polish or additional content that makes sense to add before the full release.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 6 days | 2% | On the clock12 months left | |
| ZedFall: OutbreakZedFall: Outbreak | Up to a year, but hopefully less. The game is already playable start to finish, so the length of Early Access comes down to how much feedback arrives and how far it points. If players are happy with where it lands, it's possible to leave Early Access quicker.read 8 Sep 2026 | 0–12 months | 6 days | 2% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Cheap TattooCheap Tattoo | I'm planning on roughly six to twelve months in Early Access. That depends on what players ask for and how much of it turns out to be worth building, so I'd rather leave myself room than name a date.read 5 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 6 days | 2% | On the clock12 months left | |
| The Last ShootoutThe Last Shootout | 6 months up to a year. It'll be enough time to polish the game further, add more features, more maps, more characters etc.read 7 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 6 days | 2% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Life in red lineLife in red line | We currently expect Life in Red Line to remain in Early Access for approximately 12 to 18 months. This is an estimate and may change depending on development progress and community feedback.read 9 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 1 week | 2% | On the clock18 months left | |
| Emotional Combat: Ratio V MotusEmotional Combat: Ratio V Motus | We estimate roughly 12–18 months in Early Access, though this may vary depending on the scope of emotions and content we add based on community feedback. We want to make sure the game feels complete before a full release.read 6 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 1 week | 2% | On the clock18 months left | |
| Breathedge 2Breathedge 2 | We currently expect Breathedge 2 to remain in Early Access for roughly 16–20 months, though that may change depending on how development progresses, player feedback, and the scope of any changes we decide to make along the way. We plan to leave Early Access once the game is close enough to the full Breathedge 2 experience we have in mind and we’re happy with its overall state. We’ll also do our best to polish everything to a blinding shine and deprive players of at least some of the bugs they love so dearly.read 8 Sep 2026 | 16–20 months | 1 week | 2% | On the clock20 months left | |
| Guilds of MountgateGuilds of Mountgate | We currently expect Guilds of Mountgate to remain in Early Access for approximately 12 to 18 months. This estimate may change depending on player feedback, the scope of upcoming systems, and the amount of testing and balancing required. We would rather give important features the time they need than rush the game toward Version 1.0 before it is ready. Development will continue throughout Early Access with regular updates, additional content, balancing changes, quality-of-life improvements, and larger system expansions.read 9 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 1 week | 1% | On the clock18 months left | |
| A College of Thirst & ClawsA College of Thirst & Claws | We currently estimate that this project will be in early access for 2-3 years until we have fully completed everything for the game to be in its finalised state. We aim to release new episodes as we develop them up to the full release.read 8 Sep 2026 | 24–36 months | 2 weeks | 1% | On the clock2 years 11 months left | |
| Level Up, Tiny King!Level Up, Tiny King! | We plan for the game to stay in Early Access for around 6 to 12 months. This will give us enough time to gather feedback, improve balance, add content, and polish the overall experience without rushing development.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 5 days | 1% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Path of the idle cultivatorPath of the idle cultivator | We expect the game to remain in Early Access for approximately one year. This timeline gives us enough room to develop and release the remaining Ascensions, incorporate community feedback into pacing and balance, and polish the overall experience before considering the game feature-complete. That said, our priority is making sure the content is properly tested and balanced rather than rushing to hit a fixed date, so this timeframe could shift depending on how development and community feedback progress.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 5 days | 1% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Wayfarer ProtocolWayfarer Protocol | Roughly 6 to 12 months. That really depends on how much the game grows and how much player feedback shapes it, so I'd rather give an honest estimate than promise a fixed date.read 9 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 5 days | 1% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Crown MarshalCrown Marshal | We currently expect Crown Marshal to remain in Early Access for approximately 24 months. This estimate may change depending on development progress, testing results, and community feedback. Rather than rushing to meet a fixed date, we intend to evaluate when the game is ready to leave Early Access based on its content, stability, and overall level of polish.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 2 years | 1 week | 1% | On the clock2 years left | |
| Until North EndsUntil North Ends | I plan to keep the project in early access for two years after its release.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 2 years | 1 week | 1% | On the clock2 years left | |
| Idiots in the DASIdiots in the DAS | one to two years.read 10 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 1 week | 1% | On the clock2 years left | |
| Gridiron ManagerGridiron Manager | We currently expect Gridiron Manager to remain in Early Access for approximately 12 to 18 months. This estimate may change depending on development progress and community feedback.read 5 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 1 week | 1% | On the clock18 months left | |
| DEMO IT!DEMO IT! | We are aiming for somewhere around a year to eighteen months, and we do not plan for it to run beyond the end of 2027. That is an estimate rather than a promise. We would rather leave Early Access when the game is genuinely finished than leave it on a date we picked before anyone had played it. How long it really takes will depend a great deal on what players ask for once they are in — if the feedback points somewhere we did not expect, we would rather follow it than hold to a schedule.read 6 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 1 week | 1% | On the clock18 months left | |
| Infected EscapedInfected Escaped | About 2 to 3 yearsread 9 Sep 2026 | 24–36 months | 2 weeks | 1% | On the clock3 years left | |
| Not Quite Dead: Open World SurvivalNot Quite Dead: Open World Survival | 1 - 2 years.read 10 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 1 week | 1% | On the clock2 years 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.