How long did they say Early Access would take, and how long has it been? · 2,445 in Early Access · 3,311 promises read · 1,111 announced, not started
| Year | Games | In Early Access now | Graduated | Median time in EA | Promise read | Overdue | Promise kept |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1,148 | 1,123 | 252% | 2 months | 1,08194% | 38of 970 parsed | — |
| 2025 | 434 | 434 | 00% | 13 months | 39791% | 145of 340 parsed | — |
| 2024 | 229 | 229 | 00% | 2 years 1 month | 21092% | 124of 170 parsed | — |
| 2023 | 122 | 122 | 00% | 3 years 2 months | 11191% | 67of 89 parsed | — |
| 2022 | 82 | 82 | 00% | 4 years 2 months | 7490% | 49of 58 parsed | — |
| 2021 | 60 | 60 | 00% | 5 years 2 months | 5388% | 31of 40 parsed | — |
| 2020 | 50 | 50 | 00% | 6 years 1 month | 4794% | 23of 29 parsed | — |
| 2019 | 49 | 49 | 00% | 7 years 3 months | 49100% | 26of 29 parsed | — |
| 2018 | 30 | 30 | 00% | 8 years 2 months | 2893% | 19of 20 parsed | — |
| 2017 | 35 | 35 | 00% | 9 years 3 months | 3497% | 17of 19 parsed | — |
| Game | Promise | Promised | Elapsed | Clock | Verdict | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DarkStone RestorationDarkStone Restoration | We expect Darkstone Restoration to remain in Early Access for several months. The exact duration may vary depending on development progress, technical requirements, and community feedback. Rather than commit to a fixed final date too early, we want to keep enough flexibility to do the work properly.read 7 Sep 2026 | 3–9 months | 3 months | 30% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Anomaly Zone RenovationAnomaly Zone Renovation | Roughly 12 months; but everything will depend on how things go based on your feedback. We'll keep you updated!read 10 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 4 months | 29% | On the clock8 months left | |
| Echoes of Creation: OriginEchoes of Creation: Origin | We expect the game to remain in Early Access for approximately 3–12 months. This timeframe allows us to iterate based on player feedback, refine gameplay systems, and deliver a more polished and complete experience.read 11 Sep 2026 | 3–12 months | 4 months | 29% | On the clock8 months left | |
| Nexus WarsNexus Wars | Approximately 5 years. This timeline allows us to refine mechanics, expand the galaxy’s lore, and perfect the experience with player input, ensuring a polished, immersive sci-fi odyssey by the end. Implement all of the next stages of game development, and putting it all together as one of a kind game experience.read 10 Sep 2026 | about 5 years | 17 months | 29% | On the clock3 years 7 months left | |
| Abyss BornAbyss Born | We plan to be in the early access phase for about a year.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 3 months | 27% | On the clock9 months left | |
| RélyoraRélyora | We currently expect Relyora to remain in Early Access for approximately three months. This estimate may change depending on community feedback and the development needs identified during this period.read 12 Sep 2026 | about 3 months | 3 weeks | 26% | On the clock2 months left | |
| InfiniumInfinium | It is difficult to accurately predict how long Early Access will last. Based on the progress so far, we expect it to take roughly 12 months. We have a a few more goals we are working towards. We are focusing on delivering quality at a reasonable pace. There is no higher goal than completing Infinium and making it the best game possible.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 3 months | 24% | On the clock9 months left | |
| Disc Golf MastersDisc Golf Masters | We estimate the game will be in Early Access after its initial release for about one year.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 3 months | 22% | On the clock9 months left | |
| Rift Wizard 3Rift Wizard 3 | We are aiming for a 1 year early access period.read 10 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 3 months | 22% | On the clock9 months left | |
| 仙之气仙之气 | Approximately 12-18 months.read 10 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 4 months | 21% | On the clock14 months left | |
| VERLIES III - ResurrectionVERLIES III - Resurrection | The game is expected to remain in Early Access for approximately 2 to 3 months. During this time, I will finalize the remaining content, improve game balance, fix bugs, and incorporate community feedback before the full 1.0 release.read 8 Sep 2026 | 2–3 months | 3 weeks | 21% | On the clock2 months left | |
| Soluna Explorers: Tether Curse of SlimusSoluna Explorers: Tether Curse of Slimus | The planned Early Access period is approximately 12–24 months. During this time, development will focus on expanding the game to at least three mechanically distinct exploration maps, along with continued tuning of core systems and progression. Once these maps are complete and the overall experience feels cohesive and stable, the game will be evaluated for a full release.read 12 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 5 months | 21% | On the clock19 months left | |
| BesmirchBesmirch | Until approximately Halloween 2027 (October 31st, 2027). Perhaps we will hit 1.0 earlier as well.read 11 Sep 2026 | 20 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2027 | 4 months | 21% | On the clock16 months left | |
| Dungeons & DonutsDungeons & Donuts | 6 months. We plan to release between November - Dec. 31. 2026read 6 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 1 month | 20% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Cindervale IdleCindervale Idle | I'm aiming for roughly 6 months in Early Access, though the priority is getting it right over hitting a fixed date. If the remaining features and balance come together sooner, it'll leave Early Access sooner; if they need more time, I'll take it. Development is active and ongoing, with regular updates throughout.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 1 month | 20% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Troubled LegacyTroubled Legacy | We plan to keep Troubled Legacy in Early Access until around the end of 2027. The current target date is December 31, 2027. As the project continues to grow, this timeframe may change depending on the scope of future content.read 10 Sep 2026 | 20 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2027 | 4 months | 20% | On the clock16 months left | |
| Sinners Landing: Bane of PassionSinners Landing: Bane of Passion | We expect to stay in Early Access through 2026, and hope to launch the game sometime in 2027.read 10 Sep 2026 | 20 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2027 | 4 months | 20% | On the clock16 months left | |
| The Story PageThe Story Page | 2-3 years, depending on the wishes and feedback of the playersread 10 Sep 2026 | 24–36 months | 7 months | 19% | On the clock2 years 5 months left | |
| Ice AgeIce Age | Expected to the state of earlyaccess for about 1-2 yearsread 9 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 4 months | 19% | On the clock20 months left | |
| RuneKingdomRuneKingdom | We hope to stay in Early Access until the game is more polished to a point we and the community are happy. We expect this to be until Q2 2027 - Q3 2027read 6 Sep 2026 | 12 monthsuntil 30 Jun 2027 | 2 months | 18% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Fractured RealmsFractured Realms | Roughly 6 months to a year. That gives us time to bring players in, build the major content that is still planned, act on community feedback, and get the game into the shape we want for a full release.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 months | 18% | On the clock10 months left | |
| 幻兽纪元幻兽纪元 | It lasts approximately 2 to 3 months.read 12 Sep 2026 | 2–3 months | 2 weeks | 17% | On the clock2 months left | |
| Cultivation IdleCultivation Idle | We expect the Early Access period to last approximately 6 to 12 months. The exact duration may change depending on development progress, player feedback, and the overall state of the game content. We will prioritize making sure the core gameplay, balance, and main content experience reach a more stable state before leaving Early Access.read 10 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 months | 17% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Gardens Of LutoniaGardens Of Lutonia | We plan to stay in Early Access for roughly 8 to 12 months, with 2027 as a realistic milestone for opening the complete Campaign mode. The length depends on several layers we want to stabilize together with the community: - the CAMPAIGN PACING under Roman pressure, and the cyclical mechanic of 100% peace that unlocks the main victory condition (the ending is not a one-shot, the counter can drop again, the player can keep playing or restart) - the BALANCE of the species roster and the fauna/flora card system facing emergent player builds - the STABILIZATION OF THE DICEBONE SYSTEM and its in-game potion effects, shared with the roguelite crossover game - the INTEGRATION ACROSS SCALES (territorial, tile, micro) and the rollout of the day/night lunar cycle and weather system - the TRANSMEDIA COHERENCE with the book, the comic, and the crossover game, plus the progressive arrival of advanced lore elements (the sixth moral element, underground levels, etc.) We would rather take the time to stabilize these layers than commit to a date that would force compromises on the vision!read 11 Sep 2026 | 8–12 months | 2 months | 17% | On the clock10 months left | |
| SpiritValeSpiritVale | We estimate staying in Early Access for 6–12 months, depending on community feedback and how quickly we can refine the remaining content, systems, and UI polish.read 12 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 months | 16% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Stellar OdysseyStellar Odyssey | Stellar Odyssey will remain in Early Access for roughly 6 months until the game is polished, balanced, and engaging enough to meet both our expectations and those of our community. Our focus is on ensuring that every aspect of the game from exploration and combat to multiplayer interactions is finely tuned and fully realized. We plan to stay in Early Access for around 6 months and be feature complete by December 2026.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 4 weeks | 16% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Fantasy Classic: Dungeon CrawlerFantasy Classic: Dungeon Crawler | We intend to stay in Early Access for about 6 months to adjust and polish the content of the game for final release, the exact duration will depend on the amount of community requests we intend to tackle!read 10 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 4 weeks | 16% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Multi-Tactics: 豊葦原星記 -蒸気の章-Multi-Tactics: 豊葦原星記 -蒸気の章- | At this time, we expect the Early Access period to last approximately one year. Since this game is being developed as an individual project, the timing of the full release will not be tied to a fixed date. Instead, it will be determined based on development progress and the work required to respond to player feedback. The transition to the full version will be based on the completion of the full three-act story, implementation of major systems, improvement of the core gameplay experience, and resolution of major issues. For this reason, the Early Access period may change depending on the state of development.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 months | 15% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Expeditions: SamuraiExpeditions: Samurai | Depending on your feedback and reception of the game, we want to release the full version of Expeditions: Samurai in Q1 of 2027.read 8 Sep 2026 | 8 monthsuntil 31 Mar 2027 | 1 month | 15% | On the clock7 months left | |
| RomesteadRomestead | While it is difficult to provide an exact timeline, we currently anticipate that Romestead will remain in Early Access for approximately one to two years. This timeframe allows us to continue expanding the game with new content and features while maintaining a sustainable pace of development and acting on community feedback.read 6 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 4 months | 15% | On the clock20 months left | |
| Ore BastardsOre Bastards | We expect Ore Bastards to be in Early Access for around 6 to 12 months. The exact timeline may change based on player feedback, balancing needs, and the amount of new content added during development. We do not want to rush the full release; our goal is to leave Early Access when the game feels stable, polished, balanced, and rich enough to represent the full vision of Ore Bastards.the store says it leaves Early Access on 23 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 months | 15% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Spark in the DarkSpark in the Dark | We expect the game to remain in Early Access for approximately 2–3 years, depending on development progress and community feedback. Our goal is to expand the game step by step, adding new levels, content, and improvements over time.read 10 Sep 2026 | 24–36 months | 5 months | 15% | On the clock2 years 7 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 11 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 months | 14% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Dragonlance: Veil of the Last SanctumDragonlance: Veil of the Last Sanctum | The current plan is to get to a full release in the final of 2026 however this may change depending on features added and how the game will progress through early access.read 12 Sep 2026 | 4 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 2 weeks | 13% | On the clock3 months left | |
| EclipsiaEclipsia | We expect Eclipsia to remain in Early Access for approximately 3 to 6 months. This timeframe allows us to expand the game's content, refine existing systems, and incorporate community feedback before the full release.read 10 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 3 weeks | 13% | 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 | 13% | 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 | |
| Colossus - Eternal BlightColossus - Eternal Blight | We want to provide the best experience possible with Colossus, and aim to release the final version in its best state. As such, we expect Early Access to continue until around the end of 2027. This gives us time to develop features, whilst also letting our community play and provide feedback for us to incorporate.read 10 Sep 2026 | 17 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2027 | 2 months | 10% | On the clock15 months left | |
| Survive the Wild The First HowlSurvive the Wild The First Howl | 1-2 Years, and depending on feed back. We may upgrade to unreal Engine 5 and this may delay the game development a little longer. Feed back will be key in this area of development and we will update the community with progress.read 9 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 2 months | 10% | On the clock22 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 | 10% | 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 | 9% | On the clock11 months left | |
| IronwakeIronwake | Roughly 6 to 9 months. That estimate covers the planned 1.0 work: the platform features (controller, Steam Deck verification, achievements, cloud saves), the fourth dungeon and additional bosses, and the combat balance rework. If community feedback surfaces something substantial that deserves to be in 1.0, I would rather extend than ship early - but I will say so publicly on the store page and in a patch note rather than let the date drift quietly.read 11 Sep 2026 | 6–9 months | 4 weeks | 9% | On the clock8 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 11 Sep 2026 | 0–12 months | 1 month | 9% | 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 | 1 month | 9% | 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 | 1 month | 9% | 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 | 1 month | 9% | On the clock11 months left | |
| UpgradiaUpgradia | Scheduled release 2027.read 7 Sep 2026 | 17 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2027 | 1 month | 8% | On the clock16 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 10 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 4 weeks | 8% | On the clock11 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 | 4 months | 7% | On the clock3 years 8 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 |
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.