How long did they say Early Access would take, and how long has it been? · 2,108 in Early Access · 2,644 promises read · 905 announced, not started
| Year | Games | In Early Access now | Graduated | Median time in EA | Promise read | Overdue | Promise kept |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1,061 | 1,048 | 131% | 1 month | 97392% | 32of 884 parsed | — |
| 2025 | 386 | 386 | 00% | 13 months | 33687% | 126of 292 parsed | — |
| 2024 | 187 | 187 | 00% | 2 years 1 month | 16588% | 97of 133 parsed | — |
| 2023 | 108 | 108 | 00% | 3 years 2 months | 9487% | 54of 74 parsed | — |
| 2022 | 76 | 76 | 00% | 4 years 2 months | 6788% | 43of 51 parsed | — |
| 2021 | 50 | 50 | 00% | 5 years 1 month | 4182% | 23of 31 parsed | — |
| 2020 | 43 | 43 | 00% | 6 years 1 month | 3888% | 18of 22 parsed | — |
| 2019 | 39 | 39 | 00% | 7 years 3 months | 39100% | 19of 22 parsed | — |
| 2018 | 21 | 21 | 00% | 8 years 1 month | 1990% | 10of 11 parsed | — |
| 2017 | 19 | 19 | 00% | 9 years 3 months | 1895% | 8of 10 parsed | — |
| Game | Promise | Promised | Elapsed | Clock | Verdict | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mad Television TycoonMad Television Tycoon | It is planned to leave the game in Early Access for 6-12 months. That's enough time to improve the game with the help of the community.read 7 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 5 months | 43% | On the clock7 months left | |
| BatakBatak | We plan to be in Early Access for up to one year.read 7 Sep 2026 | 0–12 months | 5 months | 43% | On the clock7 months left | |
| ModernFireModernFire | The game will be available in Early Access for approximately one year — until the main stages of the project’s development are completed. During this period, active work is planned on fixing bugs and improving key mechanics, including unit balance, commander abilities, and more. We also plan to expand the selection of units and special abilities that may reflect the military potential of several countries. In addition, we are considering adding new maps with different atmospheres and designs to make battles more diverse. Possible options include maps with desert cities, open terrain, and densely built urban areas, which may create additional conditions for tactics and strategic decision-making.read 10 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 5 months | 41% | On the clock7 months left | |
| CLOUD DWELLERSCLOUD DWELLERS | The length of our Early Access period will ultimately depend on the feedback we receive from players — your input will help shape how the game evolves. That said, based on our current roadmap, we expect Cloud Dwellers to remain in Early Access for about a year, with the full release planned for mid-2027. We’re fully committed to making sure the game is worth your time and support. Our goal is to keep delivering meaningful updates and genuine enjoyment throughout the development process and beyond.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 5 months | 40% | On the clock7 months left | |
| Political Survival - Head of StatePolitical Survival - Head of State | We expect Political Survival to remain in Early Access for approximately 1 to 2 months, depending on community feedback and planned feature development.read 6 Sep 2026 | 1–2 months | 3 weeks | 40% | On the clock1 month left | |
| Shady O'Grady's™ Overnight SensationShady O'Grady's™ Overnight Sensation | As long as it takes to record the 164 soundtrack songs. We're hoping it could be 9-12 months.read 8 Sep 2026 | 9–12 months | 5 months | 38% | On the clock7 months left | |
| SkyInFlamesSkyInFlames | Approximately one year.read 10 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 5 months | 38% | On the clock7 months left | |
| Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden EraHeroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era | 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 months | 37% | On the clock8 months left | |
| BETRAYEDBETRAYED | We currently plan 6–12 months, depending on the scale of the features the community requests. If we see strong demand for larger systems (new roles, bigger maps, additional modes etc.), the Early Access period may be extended to deliver them properly.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 4 months | 36% | On the clock8 months left | |
| Soccer PuzzleSoccer Puzzle | We estimate that the game will be in Early Access for about one and a half years. This timeframe will allow us to gather feedback, implement new features, and polish the game based on player input.read 10 Sep 2026 | about 18 months | 6 months | 35% | On the clock12 months left | |
| City Builder ProCity Builder Pro | We estimate that the game will be in Early Access for about one and a half years. This timeframe will allow us to gather feedback, implement new features, and polish the game based on player input.read 10 Sep 2026 | about 18 months | 6 months | 35% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Peg Solitaire ProPeg Solitaire Pro | We estimate that the game will be in Early Access for about one and a half years. This timeframe will allow us to gather feedback, implement new features, and polish the game based on player input.read 10 Sep 2026 | about 18 months | 6 months | 35% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Cyber PlinkoCyber Plinko | 3 months at mostread 6 Sep 2026 | 0–3 months | 1 month | 34% | On the clock2 months left | |
| 魔堡乱斗魔堡乱斗 | We expect the Early Access period to last approximately 6 to 9 months. During this time, we will determine the direction of core gameplay adjustments and the development of additional game modes in the future based on player feedback.read 10 Sep 2026 | 6–9 months | 3 months | 34% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Warp to Sector OneWarp to Sector One | Not long!!! I am currently working on finishing the 3 remaining career paths and having some polish put on the visuals and audio. I anticipate exiting Steam Early Access early Q4 of 2026!read 7 Sep 2026 | 6 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 2 months | 32% | On the clock4 months left | |
| 红或黑 Red or Black红或黑 Red or Black | Expected to maintain 2-3 months of early access, with the latest official version date not exceeding January 2027.read 6 Sep 2026 | 2–3 months | 4 weeks | 32% | On the clock2 months left | |
| World Order: Global PowerWorld Order: Global Power | We expect the game to be in Early Access for approximately 6–12 months, depending on player feedback and development progress. Our goal is to ensure the full release delivers a polished, deep, and well-balanced experience.read 10 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 4 months | 30% | On the clock8 months left | |
| Tiny Train TycoonTiny Train Tycoon | Around 6 months. This estimate may change depending on development progress and community feedback.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 2 months | 29% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Bob Saves the PrincessBob Saves the Princess | Being a solodev, I intend on continuing production of this game until the list of features I have is in the game. I believe all future features I intend to develop can be done within 1 year, also considering bug fixes and the inclusion of possible suggestions from the community.read 10 Sep 2026 | 0–12 months | 3 months | 29% | On the clock9 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 | |
| Pact or Peril: World DominationPact or Peril: World Domination | Three to Six Months. We will leave Early Access after completing the remaining visual polish, balance testing, and multiplayer validation.read 10 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 2 months | 29% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Global Protocol: New World OrderGlobal Protocol: New World Order | We anticipate Early Access lasting between 6 months and 1 year, though it may extend beyond that if needed. The timeline depends on the depth of feedback we receive and the quality bar we set for the full release. We would rather take the time to get it right than rush to a 1.0 that doesn't meet our standards. We will communicate our progress openly and regularly through development updates.read 10 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 3 months | 28% | On the clock9 months left | |
| Battleship CommandBattleship Command | The current plan is to be in Early Access for 12 months. Should that change based on feedback and things beyond our control we will update you through Steam blogs.read 7 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 3 months | 28% | On the clock9 months left | |
| TFC2: The Fertile Crescent 2 - Collapse of the Bronze AgeTFC2: The Fertile Crescent 2 - Collapse of the Bronze Age | 3 months.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 3 months | 3 weeks | 27% | On the clock2 months left | |
| Slay the Spire 2Slay the Spire 2 | Until the game feels great! Last time we thought it would be about a year and it took about 1.5 years. So perhaps in the same 1 - 2 year range.read 6 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 6 months | 26% | On the clock18 months left | |
| Gladiator CommandGladiator Command | We expect to remain in Early Access for approximately 12 to 24 months, depending on the scope of community feedback and feature expansion. The goal is to deliver regular updates and iterate toward a polished, content-rich 1.0 release.read 10 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 6 months | 26% | On the clock18 months left | |
| Pro Soccer Manager 27Pro Soccer Manager 27 | Pro Soccer Manager 2027 will remain in Early Access for approximately 2 months. During this period, we will continue adding new features and new leagues.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 2 months | 2 weeks | 23% | On the clock2 months left | |
| SpaceSlogSpaceSlog | It's difficult to specify a precise timeline, but we anticipate to be in Early Access until at least February 2028. We have a long list of features and ideas for the game, all of which require time to develop in order to deliver a high quality product. However, we strongly recommend to only purchase the game based solely on its current features rather than on planned future updates, to avoid any potential disappointment.read 7 Sep 2026 | 22 monthsuntil 29 Feb 2028 | 5 months | 22% | On the clock17 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 | |
| GastroNomiconGastroNomicon | I expect to be in Early Access for exactly 2 months, October 28, 2026. My goal is to use this short window to gather player feedback on weapon and tower balance while I finishing the roll out of the environment sets, currently just a few are available but each week I will be adding more. The full release is planned for a few days before Halloween, giving the game room to breathe before the holiday rush. That timeline gives me enough space to refine content, respond to feedback, and add a few surprise updates leading up to launch.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 2 months | 2 weeks | 22% | On the clock2 months left | |
| Ludus Magnatus: Gladiator Manager SimulatorLudus Magnatus: Gladiator Manager Simulator | The target is 6–8 months of Early Access.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–8 months | 2 months | 21% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Duel of GaiaDuel of Gaia | We are targeting approximately 6 to 12 months. This may be adjusted based on development pace and community feedback.read 10 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 3 months | 21% | On the clock9 months left | |
| MEGACITYMEGACITY | I'm planning roughly 12 months in Early Access. That window covers the planned expansion of the world map, the military and War Room overhaul, the remaining auto-manager roles, the character/officer deepening pass, and replacing the placeholder pencil-sketch portraits with finished art. I'll revisit the timeline publicly if community feedback pushes us in a direction that needs more time.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 months | 21% | On the clock10 months left | |
| idle:Doodle Realmidle:Doodle Realm | Early Access is planned to last 6 months to 1 year. This timeframe may extend depending on actual development progress and community feedback.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 months | 21% | On the clock10 months left | |
| VonkelveldVonkelveld | 6-12 monthsread 7 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 months | 20% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Global RescueGlobal Rescue | The duration of Early Access largely depends on how the game evolves together with the community and when we feel it has reached a complete and polished state. Based on our current plans, we expect Global Rescue to remain in Early Access for approximately 1 to 2 years. However, this timeframe may change depending on development progress, player feedback, and the overall reception of the game.read 7 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 5 months | 19% | On the clock19 months left | |
| Chessman AdventuresChessman Adventures | We currently expect Chessman Adventures to remain in Early Access for around 6–12 months. This may change depending on community feedback and the scope of future updates.read 9 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 months | 18% | On the clock10 months left | |
| FRAGLINE: Esports ManagerFRAGLINE: Esports Manager | We're aiming for a focused Early Access period of roughly two to three months. Our goal is to reach the 1.0 release once the core systems are deep, balanced, and stable, with our full 3D match presentation mode as a key milestone along the way. We'd rather ship a confident 1.0 on that kind of timeline than stay in Early Access indefinitely.read 10 Sep 2026 | 2–3 months | 2 weeks | 18% | On the clock2 months left | |
| TesseraTessera | 4-6 months I hoperead 6 Sep 2026 | 4–6 months | 1 month | 18% | On the clock5 months left | |
| The Snake Is the TowerThe Snake Is the Tower | We expect roughly 2 to 4 months, but we will stay in Early Access as long as it takes to get the full version right.read 7 Sep 2026 | 2–4 months | 3 weeks | 17% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Three Kingdoms:BONDThree Kingdoms:BOND | We are planning to officially release the game in approximately 6 months to a year. However, our top priority is delivering a game that truly satisfies our players. Depending on the feedback we receive from the community and any requests for new features, there is a possibility that this period may be extended.read 10 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 months | 16% | On the clock10 months left | |
| DragonFire: DefenseDragonFire: Defense | Approximately 6 months from the Early Access launch.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 4 weeks | 16% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Holdem God - MindBusterHoldem God - MindBuster | We plan to keep the game in Early Access for approximately 3 to 6 months. This timeframe will give us enough time to implement additional features, test new card rules, and polish the game based on community feedback.read 6 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 4 weeks | 16% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Pirate TwistPirate Twist | Roughly 6 to 12 months from the July 2026 launch. 1.0 lands once the planned additions (pick-your-crew, a multi-ship fleet, more captains and modules, an endless mode) and the balance work behind them feel finished. We would rather move that date than ship a 1.0 that has not earned it. If the timeline shifts, it gets said out loud in the patch notes.read 10 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 months | 16% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Rich List: The OrderRich List: The Order | The Early Access period is planned to last around 6–12 months. My goal is to add new features, improve existing systems, and ensure the game is fully balanced before launch.read 7 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 months | 16% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Arena Blues - Requiem for 35Arena Blues - Requiem for 35 | We plan to release it within 2026, with a maximum delay of about three months.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 3 months | 2 weeks | 16% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Fire and MovementFire and Movement | We currently expect the game to remain in Early Access for approximately three to six months. However, this timeframe may change depending on player feedback and the progress of development.read 6 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 4 weeks | 15% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Jingjie: Probability Cloud - Nagumo's DilemmaJingjie: Probability Cloud - Nagumo's Dilemma | We currently expect Early Access to last roughly 9 to 12 months. The schedule may change if feedback shows that onboarding, scenario structure, command readability, or technical stability needs more work than expected. We will update this answer when the schedule changes meaningfully.read 9 Sep 2026 | 9–12 months | 2 months | 15% | On the clock10 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 | |
| Master Stacker: Tower TrialsMaster Stacker: Tower Trials | 2-4 months is my guess. i feel i'm relatively close to release. 2 months if i keep to just adding modes or piece sets and general debugging of the systems we already have. Up to 4 if people give me new good features that fit the game and should be added. also i need to spend time advertising.read 6 Sep 2026 | 2–4 months | 2 weeks | 14% | On the clock3 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.