How long did they say Early Access would take, and how long has it been? · 1,732 in Early Access · 1,948 promises read · 668 announced, not started
| Year | Games | In Early Access now | Graduated | Median time in EA | Promise read | Overdue | Promise kept |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 932 | 924 | 81% | 1 month | 81988% | 23of 748 parsed | — |
| 2025 | 303 | 303 | 00% | 13 months | 24681% | 83of 203 parsed | — |
| 2024 | 157 | 157 | 00% | 2 years | 13485% | 75of 107 parsed | — |
| 2023 | 92 | 92 | 00% | 3 years 2 months | 7885% | 44of 62 parsed | — |
| 2022 | 62 | 62 | 00% | 4 years 2 months | 5284% | 33of 40 parsed | — |
| 2021 | 46 | 46 | 00% | 5 years 2 months | 3678% | 21of 27 parsed | — |
| 2020 | 41 | 41 | 00% | 6 years 1 month | 3688% | 16of 20 parsed | — |
| 2019 | 29 | 29 | 00% | 7 years 3 months | 29100% | 12of 15 parsed | — |
| 2018 | 17 | 17 | 00% | 8 years 1 month | 1588% | 7of 8 parsed | — |
| 2017 | 13 | 13 | 00% | 9 years 3 months | 1292% | 5of 7 parsed | — |
| Game | Promise | Promised | Elapsed | Clock | Verdict | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hollywood AnimalHollywood Animal | We plan to take the game out of Early Access in 2026.read 5 Sep 2026 | 21 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 17 months | 81% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Chronicle Archive - JapanChronicle Archive - Japan | Our goal is to fully release *Chronicle Archive - Japan* by the **next year sometime**, but we’re committed to delivering the best experience possible and will strive to complete it even earlier if feasible. Your feedback during Early Access will play a crucial role in helping us refine the game and reach this milestone.read 8 Sep 2026 | 21 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 17 months | 81% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Idle Hero TD - Tower Defense RPGIdle Hero TD - Tower Defense RPG | We anticipate the official production release being in Q1 2027.read 6 Sep 2026 | 2 years 11 monthsuntil 31 Mar 2027 | 2 years 4 months | 81% | On the clock7 months left | |
| Project AfterfallProject Afterfall | We’re planning for a period of around six months to a year. Of course, nothing is ever certain, but this timeline has worked well for our past titles, so we hope to stay within that estimate.read 7 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 10 months | 80% | On the clock2 months left | |
| 异星家园 (XenoHaven)异星家园 (XenoHaven) | We expect the Early Access period to last around one year. However, the exact timeline may be adjusted based on development progress and player feedback. As new content is added and the community provides suggestions, the direction and pace of the game’s development may evolve. Throughout this process, we will continue to communicate closely with our players.the store says it leaves Early Access on 28 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 10 months | 80% | On the clock2 months left | |
| Solar Nations 2Solar Nations 2 | My estimation is that Solar Nations 2 will be leaving early access in January of 2027, but that may change of course.read 8 Sep 2026 | 2 yearsuntil 31 Jan 2027 | 19 months | 80% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Tamer: King of DinosaursTamer: King of Dinosaurs | We hope to finish production of Tamer: King of Dinosaurs by Q4 2026 (approximately 4 months post-EA launch), but if the community requests additional features we could realistically extend production until Q1 2027 to significantly change and improve the game.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 4 months | 3 months | 80% | On the clockDue this month | |
| Flipper FrenzyFlipper Frenzy | The current goal is to leave Early Access within the next year. There's still plenty I want to add—more tracks, game modes, features, polish, and quality-of-life improvements—but the finish line is finally in sight. The goal has never been to stay in Early Access forever. I want Flipper Frenzy to become a complete, polished game that people can keep coming back to. If it takes a little longer, it'll be because I'm adding meaningful improvements—not because I'm trying to stretch out development.read 7 Sep 2026 | 20 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 16 months | 79% | On the clock4 months left | |
| BellwrightBellwright | With the scale of the game and major plans for upcoming updates, along with your feedback regarding what you want to see in the game, we're estimating to reach full release within the next 3 years.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 3 years | 2 years 5 months | 79% | On the clock7 months left | |
| Kings of HellKings of Hell | Each Chapter of my game takes roughly a year to complete. The initial Steam release of this game will have the game be at Chapter 4, with the Final game having 6 Chapters in Total.read 7 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 9 months | 79% | On the clock3 months left | |
| 无名勇者见闻录无名勇者见闻录 | It will take 4-5 years to experience the freshness. After going online, we will gradually develop the complete content and modify the unreasonable aspects according to the feedback: Phase I: Perfect the whole script; Redo UI; Complete main city and its supporting facilities; Add the current main line NPC and the corresponding plot flow; Reasonable trading system prototype; Corresponding dungeons; Phase II: A new map and matching plot; Perfect the trading system; New monsters; New dungeon; Modify the action system; Modify monster Ai; Add new equipment; The third stage: A new map and matching plot; New monsters; Add new interactive items; More intelligent Ai; New dungeon; Phase IV: (possibly) add language; Redo the ending; Open MOD; Support to the community.read 7 Sep 2026 | 48–60 months | 3 years 11 months | 79% | On the clock13 months left | |
| LION The Last HomelandLION The Last Homeland | The game will remain in Early Access until Q3 2027, at which point it will be complete in its entirety. You can report bugs, make suggestions, or ask questions through my social media on X, write to me directly at my support email, or post in the Community Hub. Twitter; https://x.com/SirArcanosread 7 Sep 2026 | 4 years 9 monthsuntil 30 Sep 2027 | 3 years 9 months | 79% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Wallpaper AnimatorWallpaper Animator | 3 to 6 months. The core system is already working. This time will be used to improve quality, add new animation models, expand editing tools, and grow the community library. The timeline may adjust depending on progress and user feedback.read 9 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 5 months | 79% | On the clock1 month left | |
| S.R.AS.R.A | We estimate that the game will be in Early Access for roughly 6 to 18 months, depending on player feedback and development progress.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–18 months | 14 months | 78% | On the clock4 months left | |
| BrickadiaBrickadia | Brickadia will remain in early access while we implement the last few huge features and improve the performance/stability of the game overall. We currently anticipate leaving Early Access at the end of 2026.read 5 Sep 2026 | 18 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 14 months | 78% | On the clock4 months left | |
| He Maid Her FallHe Maid Her Fall | 8 monthsthe store says it leaves Early Access on 23 Nov 2026 | about 8 months | 6 months | 77% | On the clock2 months left | |
| Tornado: Research and RescueTornado: Research and Rescue | Time estimates are incredibly difficult to give, and I have since completely rebuilt the game since the initial release in 2023. I aim for multiplayer in the next year, hopefully reaching 1.0 by Summer 2027.read 6 Sep 2026 | 4 years 3 monthsuntil 31 Aug 2027 | 3 years 3 months | 77% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Graffiti RushGraffiti Rush | Game will be Early Access till NOV 2026read 8 Sep 2026 | 11 monthsuntil 30 Nov 2026 | 8 months | 77% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Prehistoric KingdomPrehistoric Kingdom | During the Early Access release in April 2022, the team felt that around 20 content updates would be necessary to make Prehistoric Kingdom feel polished and feature-complete. As of the time of writing in 2026, the team is hard at work on Update 18 and is aiming to fully release the game with Update 19, which is currently scheduled for 2027.read 5 Sep 2026 | 5 years 8 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2027 | 4 years 4 months | 77% | On the clock16 months left | |
| Dawn ApartDawn Apart | We're aiming for an early access phase of 12-18 months - depending on the input we receive from players. We might extend the early access period based on the development progress, or if we're happy with the game's state, we'll proceed with the official release.read 7 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 14 months | 77% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Off World RacingOff World Racing | We plan for Off World Racing to be in Early access for 8 - 12 Months. We have 3 Major milestones in our last 20% of development. 1 - Launch stable build with 5 worlds, full physics engine, and 10 vehicle. Collect telemetry & player feedback. 2 - Implement feedback, add new tracks, Visual Damage, and implement Steam leaderboards, polish UI & visuals, and expand multiplayer stability. 3 - Final content integration, Multiple Language Support, console certification prep, marketing & press push.read 8 Sep 2026 | 8–12 months | 9 months | 77% | On the clock3 months left | |
| みんなで Physical TRAIN ~チャムランド国営鉄道~みんなで Physical TRAIN ~チャムランド国営鉄道~ | We expect to continue worldbuilding and refinement through Early Access for up to a year, and to improve the content of the game. In the future, we will decide whether to extend Early Access or release the game officially depending on the progress of development.read 9 Sep 2026 | 0–12 months | 9 months | 77% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Requiem For a Lost WorldRequiem For a Lost World | I am expecting to be out of Early Access by the end of 2026 or early 2027 🎉read 8 Sep 2026 | 2 years 5 monthsuntil 31 Mar 2027 | 22 months | 77% | On the clock7 months left | |
| Our HomeOur Home | We aim to keep this first chapter of the game in early access for around 18 to 24 months. During this period, we plan to release significant updates every three months, adding new stories, scenes, and improvements based on community feedback. This approach will allow us to continuously and carefully develop and refine the game's content.read 8 Sep 2026 | 18–24 months | 18 months | 77% | On the clock6 months left | |
| CloudheimCloudheim | We expect Early Access to take 9-12 months and plan on adding regular content updates throughout Early Access. We’ll also be constantly evaluating the state of the game and sharing future plans in the form of announcements and roadmaps with the community.read 5 Sep 2026 | 9–12 months | 9 months | 76% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Pirates Outlaws 2: HeritagePirates Outlaws 2: Heritage | Our forecast for adding the major planned content is estimated at around 1 year of development.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 9 months | 76% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Card Survival: Fantasy ForestCard Survival: Fantasy Forest | We expect the game to remain in Early Access for approximately two years. During that time you can expect frequent updates as we've done with our previous releases.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 2 years | 18 months | 76% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Red Chaos - The Strict OrderRed Chaos - The Strict Order | We plan to stay in Early Access for about 12-15 months.read 7 Sep 2026 | 12–15 months | 11 months | 76% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Dungeon RampageDungeon Rampage | We anticipate being in early access for 6 - 12 months.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 9 months | 76% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Операция "Гость"Операция "Гость" | About a year.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 9 months | 76% | On the clock3 months left | |
| BeastieballBeastieball | We currently expect Beastieball to be in Early Access until early 2027. You can read more about our development plans in our Road to 1.0 post here:read 5 Sep 2026 | 2 years 5 monthsuntil 31 Mar 2027 | 22 months | 75% | On the clock7 months left | |
| High FructoseHigh Fructose | We currently expect to remain in Early Access for around 6–12 months, but this may change based on community feedback and development needs. Our goal is to deliver steady, high-quality updates without rushing the game.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 9 months | 75% | On the clock3 months left | |
| The End of HistoryThe End of History | We expect the Early Access period to last around 6 months to 1 year, depending on the volume and nature of feedback we receive during development.read 7 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 9 months | 75% | On the clock3 months left | |
| With Me: Aquatic TimeWith Me: Aquatic Time | We plan to stay in Early Access for six months to one year, gradually delivering planned additional content, improving player experience, and refining the game until the full version’s feature set is complete.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 9 months | 75% | On the clock3 months left | |
| My Car My LifeMy Car My Life | 1 yearread 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 9 months | 74% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Seafarer: The Ship SimSeafarer: The Ship Sim | We are currently planning for a full release sometime in 2026.read 7 Sep 2026 | 15 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 11 months | 74% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Rectangle JumpRectangle Jump | I currently expect Rectangle Jump to be in Early Access for approximately one month. During this time, I will be finishing and polishing the remaining main levels and extra levels, fixing bugs, balancing the game, and making improvements based on player feedback. The exact length may change if additional development or testing is needed. I would rather extend Early Access if necessary than release the full version before it is ready.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 1 month | 3 weeks | 74% | On the clockDue this month | |
| The Boss Gangster: Criminal EmpireThe Boss Gangster: Criminal Empire | We currently plan to remain in Early Access until late 2026. The exact timeline may change depending on development progress and community feedback, but we are committed to releasing regular major content updates throughout Early Access.the store says it leaves Early Access on 27 Oct 2026 | 14 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 10 months | 74% | On the clock4 months left | |
| TobianoTobiano | Tobiano is planned for full release around the fall of 2026.read 6 Sep 2026 | 9 monthsuntil 30 Nov 2026 | 7 months | 74% | On the clock2 months left | |
| Raiders of BlackveilRaiders of Blackveil | We believe we will be in EA around 6 to 12 months.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 9 months | 73% | On the clock3 months left | |
| PIONERPIONER | One year approximately.read 5 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 9 months | 73% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Varthos - Heir to the ThroneVarthos - Heir to the Throne | This is of course based on the game's success and how fast we can implement the feedback from our community. For now we're roughly planning with one more year of development in early access.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 9 months | 73% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Schedule ISchedule I | Schedule I will be in early access for approximately 2 years.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 2 years | 18 months | 73% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Pixel PiratesPixel Pirates | We anticipate Pixel Pirates will be in Early Access until early 2027. This timeline allows us to incorporate player feedback to shape future content and the player experience.read 8 Sep 2026 | 2 years 1 monthuntil 31 Mar 2027 | 18 months | 72% | On the clock7 months left | |
| N.O.X.N.O.X. | Our current plan is to release the full game by the end of 2026, but this schedule may change depending on new features added and the development process during Early Access.read 8 Sep 2026 | 14 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 10 months | 72% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Piano GlowPiano Glow | Late 2026 or early 2027.read 8 Sep 2026 | 2 years 1 monthuntil 31 Mar 2027 | 18 months | 72% | On the clock7 months left | |
| 轻灵音乐轻灵音乐 | The expected duration is 3–6 months. The exact timeline will depend on development progress and the speed at which we integrate community feedback. Once the features reach a stable state, we will release the full version. We do not plan to stay in Early Access indefinitely.read 8 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 4 months | 72% | On the clock2 months left | |
| Abyss VeilAbyss Veil | It really depends on how much time I can put into it. Worst case, the full game should be done by the end of 2026 (hopefully sooner).read 9 Sep 2026 | 14 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 10 months | 71% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Virtual SkateVirtual Skate | Depending on how the game evolves with community feedback and how many features make the cut for 1.0, we anticipate 12 to 18 months in Early Access. While we have a roadmap, we want to be flexible to allow players to voice their thoughts and help make the best skate game we can.read 9 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 13 months | 70% | On the clock5 months left | |
| How To Hack In?How To Hack In? | I'm currently targeting a full release in 2027. Until then, I plan to add more systems and content, improve how existing systems work together, and continue polishing the game. I will update this estimate if the schedule changes.read 9 Sep 2026 | 4 years 3 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2027 | 3 years | 70% | On the clock15 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.