How long did they say Early Access would take, and how long has it been? · 2,149 in Early Access · 2,756 promises read · 940 announced, not started
| Year | Games | In Early Access now | Graduated | Median time in EA | Promise read | Overdue | Promise kept |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1,077 | 1,059 | 182% | 1 month | 99492% | 32of 898 parsed | — |
| 2025 | 392 | 392 | 00% | 13 months | 34287% | 126of 296 parsed | — |
| 2024 | 195 | 195 | 00% | 2 years 1 month | 17389% | 104of 140 parsed | — |
| 2023 | 112 | 112 | 00% | 3 years 2 months | 9888% | 57of 77 parsed | — |
| 2022 | 76 | 76 | 00% | 4 years 2 months | 6788% | 43of 51 parsed | — |
| 2021 | 50 | 50 | 00% | 5 years 1 month | 4284% | 24of 32 parsed | — |
| 2020 | 44 | 44 | 00% | 6 years 1 month | 3989% | 19of 23 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 weeks | 14% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Aquapark TycoonAquapark Tycoon | It's hard to set an exact date at this point. We still have a few major updates planned, and we also want to incorporate feedback and suggestions from the community into the development process. Currently, we expect Aquapark Tycoon to remain in Early Access for about a year.read 7 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 months | 14% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Celestial DescendsCelestial Descends | We expect the Early Access period to last around one year, though the actual duration may be adjusted based on development progress and player feedback.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 months | 14% | On the clock10 months left | |
| War CommanderWar Commander | It is our intent to be in early access for about a year, using this time to refine the game for the desktop platform. This would put the full release at the beginning of 2027.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 months | 14% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Banana KingdomBanana Kingdom | I plan for roughly 3 months in Early Access.read 10 Sep 2026 | about 3 months | 2 weeks | 14% | On the clock3 months left | |
| PieceMonstersPieceMonsters | We currently expect Early Access to last approximately six months, though this may change depending on the development progress.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 4 weeks | 13% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Kungfu CardKungfu Card | The game will be in Early Access for approximately 7 to 8 months. We will release a content update roadmap, and Early Access will conclude once those milestones are achieved. Of course, this timeline is not absolute and may change depending on the feedback we receive and the additional time needed to polish the game's quality. We will continually share our latest progress with the community throughout the development phase.read 10 Sep 2026 | 7–8 months | 1 month | 13% | On the clock7 months left | |
| Market Simulation: Rush HourMarket Simulation: Rush Hour | We expect Market Simulation: Rush Hour to stay in Early Access for approximately 12–18 months. During this time, we plan to expand core gameplay systems, improve balance, and add new content based on player feedback. The timeline may change as development continues, but our goal is a polished and complete full release.read 11 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 2 months | 12% | On the clock16 months left | |
| SkylandSkyland | The game will remain in early access for the duration of the 2026 calendar year.read 5 Sep 2026 | 4 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 2 weeks | 12% | On the clock4 months left | |
| StoneguardStoneguard | After the Early Access release, we hope to finish the game within 6 to 12 months. But this will also depend on the community's feedback. Because if bigger changes are needed, this may take longer.read 10 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 month | 12% | On the clock11 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 | 12% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Built by Day, Bitten by NightBuilt by Day, Bitten by Night | We plan to spend roughly 6–12 months in Early Access. Long enough to ship a stack of new bosses, climate events and quality-of-life updates; short enough that you'll see meaningful changes every couple of weeks.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 month | 12% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Warrior's Memory The Hollow StrataWarrior's Memory The Hollow Strata | At this point, we expect the Early Access period to last approximately one to two years. However, the schedule may change depending on the scale of additional content, player feedback, and the overall state of development.read 8 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 3 months | 11% | On the clock21 months left | |
| RanchboundRanchbound | I currently expect Ranchbound to stay in Early Access for around 6 months to 1 year, depending on feedback and development progress.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 month | 10% | On the clock11 months left | |
| DuelgroundsDuelgrounds | We expect the game to remain in Early Access for approximately 3–5 months. However, the exact duration may vary depending on community feedback, feature development, and the overall progress of the project.read 6 Sep 2026 | 3–5 months | 2 weeks | 10% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Save Dad's ShopSave Dad's Shop | Around 3–4 months, depending on community feedback.read 6 Sep 2026 | 3–4 months | 2 weeks | 10% | On the clock4 months left | |
| FinSimFinSim | We expect the game to remain in Early Access through Q4 2026, with a full release planned for H1 2027.read 10 Sep 2026 | 10 monthsuntil 30 Jun 2027 | 4 weeks | 9% | On the clock9 months left | |
| Galactum MeridianGalactum Meridian | I currently expect Galactum Meridian to remain in Early Access for roughly two to four months. This is an estimate rather than a fixed deadline. The timing may change depending on the amount and quality of player feedback, the scope of the improvements that prove worthwhile, and how long those changes take to implement and test properly.read 10 Sep 2026 | 2–4 months | 2 weeks | 9% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Valdrax Beyond the RiftValdrax Beyond the Rift | I plan to keep the game in Early Access for approximately 6 to 12 months. This timeline gives me enough room to implement new features, fully test the balance between factions, and act on community feedback without rushing the development process.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 month | 9% | On the clock11 months left | |
| PESKY ORCS!PESKY ORCS! | The early access phase will last circa half a year based on the currenct schedule.read 10 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 2 weeks | 9% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Mandate OrderMandate Order | Our current development target is approximately 12 months for "Mandate Order"'s Early Access phase. Once the core content, overall stability, and long-term play experience meet our standards for the full version, "Mandate Order" will officially enter version 1.0. The actual timing of the 1.0 release will still be adjusted according to development progress, version quality, and player feedback. We will not rush out of Early Access just to meet a date, nor do we want to leave the game in a state of stagnation for a long time.read 10 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 1 month | 8% | On the clock11 months left | |
| PowerplayPowerplay | From 12 to 18 months in early accessread 7 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 1 month | 8% | On the clock17 months left | |
| Water Polo Manager 2026Water Polo Manager 2026 | Our current estimate is approximately three to six months. This is a planning window, not a fixed promise: we will move to version 1.0 when stability, balance, onboarding and the overall career experience meet our quality target. We will communicate any meaningful change to that estimate through Steam announcements.read 8 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 2 weeks | 8% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Ricochet AbyssRicochet Abyss | We currently expect Ricochet Abyss to remain in Early Access for approximately 12 months. This timeline may change depending on development progress and community feedback, but our goal is to use this period to complete our planned content updates and polish the game to a full release standard.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 4 weeks | 8% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Crisis CabinetCrisis Cabinet | We currently expect Crisis Cabinet to remain in Early Access for approximately 6 to 12 months. This may change depending on player feedback, development progress and the amount of balancing, content expansion and polish needed before the full release.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 4 weeks | 8% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Mind Against FateMind Against Fate | We plan to remain in Early Access for approximately 6 to 12 months. This timeframe will give us enough flexibility to polish the game mechanics, balance combat classes based on competitive data, and introduce planned features while maintaining high performance.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 4 weeks | 8% | On the clock11 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 | 7% | 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 | 3 months | 7% | On the clock3 years 9 months left | |
| Solar WaveSolar Wave | I expect the game to remain in Early Access for approximately one year. However, this timeline may shift depending on community feedback and the time required to implement new features and polish the gameplay.read 11 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 4 weeks | 7% | On the clock11 months left | |
| 无限数字工厂无限数字工厂 | We currently expect the game to remain in Early Access for approximately 6 to 12 months. The exact duration may change depending on player feedback and the amount of balancing, optimization, and additional content required.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 4 weeks | 7% | On the clock11 months left | |
| EslabongEslabong | I expect the game to remain in Early Access for approximately 3 to 9 months. The game is already close to the experience I want to deliver, but I will use Early Access to gather feedback and make improvements based on what the community wants and expects. As a player, I dislike Early Access games that remain unfinished for years or make unrealistic promises. My goal is to avoid that and keep the development process transparent and focused.read 11 Sep 2026 | 3–9 months | 3 weeks | 7% | On the clock8 months left | |
| 修仙·卦象录修仙·卦象录 | We plan for the Early Access period to last approximately one year. The exact duration will depend on the pace of content updates and community feedback—we prioritize quality over rushing. We'll keep players informed of progress through regular update posts.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 4 weeks | 7% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Train TrekTrain Trek | I plan to be in Early Access for roughly 6 to 12 months. The exact length depends on how much iteration the campaign and multiplayer need once players are testing them at scale, and on the time it takes to validate performance across the broad spread of hardware I'm targeting. I'd rather leave Early Access when the game genuinely feels ready than commit to a fixed date.read 10 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 4 weeks | 7% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Captain VKingCaptain VKing | We expect Early Access to last roughly 8 to 12 months, depending on player feedback and how the scope of our planned features evolves during development.read 6 Sep 2026 | 8–12 months | 4 weeks | 7% | On the clock11 months left | |
| PlagueSteadPlagueStead | We are expecting approximately 1 year in early access. This estimate may change depending on development progress and community feedback.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 4 weeks | 7% | On the clock11 months left | |
| SeaColonySeaColony | We currently expect SeaColony to remain in Early Access for approximately 6–9 months, though the timeline may change depending on development progress and community feedback.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–9 months | 3 weeks | 6% | On the clock8 months left | |
| FlekkiaFlekkia | I plan to keep Flekkia in Early Access for roughly 6 months. That estimate depends on what the data and player feedback surface. I would rather leave Early Access when the balance and the co-op experience are solid than on a fixed date.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 2 weeks | 6% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Roll to RuinRoll to Ruin | We plan for Early Access to last around 6 to 12 months, depending on player feedback and content completion. The core systems and all 7 chapters are already implemented in the Early Access build — the remaining time will be spent on balance iteration and quality-of-life polish.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 3 weeks | 6% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Platform NationPlatform Nation | I currently expect Platform Nation to remain in Early Access for approximately 12 months. This estimate may change depending on player feedback, technical issues, and the amount of refinement the game needs before it feels ready for a full release.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 3 weeks | 6% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Nazi ZombiesNazi Zombies | This game will be in early access for approximately 1-2 years.read 11 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 1 month | 6% | On the clock23 months left | |
| OverhatchedOverhatched | We currently expect Overhatched to remain in Early Access for approximately 6 months to 1 year. Development timelines can evolve as we continue gathering feedback and improving the game, but our goal is to use this period to expand content, polish systems, and prepare the game for a strong full release.read 9 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 3 weeks | 6% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Ultimate Racing Simulator 1Ultimate Racing Simulator 1 | 6 monthsread 10 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 2 weeks | 6% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Cage Empire: MMA ManagerCage Empire: MMA Manager | We plan to remain in Early Access for roughly six months. This is an estimate, not a fixed commitment. If the community wants more depth and content, we would rather take the time to get it right than leave Early Access on a schedule.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 2 weeks | 6% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Football AgentFootball Agent | We expect Football Agent to stay in Early Access for roughly 6 to 12 months. We would rather leave Early Access when the game is genuinely ready than rush to a fixed date.read 11 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 3 weeks | 5% | On the clock11 months left | |
| The Undercut: Racing ManagerThe Undercut: Racing Manager | 6 monthsread 9 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 1 week | 5% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Masters of MagicMasters of Magic | The full game should be out in approximately 6 months to 1 year.read 11 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 weeks | 5% | On the clock11 months left | |
| The Severed GodsThe Severed Gods | Based on our current development roadmap and community feedback, we expect the game to remain in Early Access for around 1–2 years.read 5 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 1 month | 4% | On the clock23 months left | |
| Director of Management: Football ClubDirector of Management: Football Club | We plan for Early Access to last approximately 18 to 24 months. This gives us time to expand the competition pyramid into the lower tiers, widen territory coverage, deepen the life events and legal drama systems, and grow the women's and youth football structures. We plan to leave Early Access when the game reaches the full scope described on this page.read 10 Sep 2026 | 18–24 months | 1 month | 4% | On the clock23 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 6 Sep 2026 | 6–9 months | 2 weeks | 4% | On the clock9 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.