How long did they say Early Access would take, and how long has it been? · 3,294 in Early Access · 4,607 promises read · 1,446 announced, not started
| Year | Games | In Early Access now | Graduated | Median time in EA | Promise read | Overdue | Promise kept |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1,366 | 1,327 | 393% | 2 months | 1,32497% | 58of 1,185 parsed | — |
| 2025 | 565 | 565 | 00% | 14 months | 54196% | 217of 468 parsed | — |
| 2024 | 289 | 289 | 00% | 2 years 1 month | 27896% | 170of 224 parsed | — |
| 2023 | 156 | 156 | 00% | 3 years 2 months | 14895% | 94of 123 parsed | — |
| 2022 | 109 | 109 | 00% | 4 years 2 months | 10495% | 65of 79 parsed | — |
| 2021 | 86 | 86 | 00% | 5 years 2 months | 7992% | 52of 62 parsed | — |
| 2020 | 71 | 71 | 00% | 6 years 2 months | 7099% | 41of 49 parsed | — |
| 2019 | 63 | 63 | 00% | 7 years 3 months | 63100% | 36of 40 parsed | — |
| 2018 | 54 | 54 | 00% | 8 years 3 months | 5296% | 39of 40 parsed | — |
| 2017 | 100 | 100 | 00% | 9 years 4 months | 9999% | 64of 67 parsed | — |
| Game | Promise | Promised | Elapsed | Clock | Verdict | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of PieceMaster of Piece | We are anticipating about 6 months to a year of Early Access period. This may vary depending on development progress, and any schedule changes will be shared via announcements.read 16 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 7 months | 61% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Hand-me-downsHand-me-downs | Hand-me-downs will leave Early Access in Autumn 2026.the store says it leaves Early Access on 28 Oct 2026 | 7 monthsuntil 30 Nov 2026 | 4 months | 61% | On the clock3 months left | |
| MENACEMENACE | We plan to remain in Early Access for a year, but that could change depending on how the design develops with player feedback.read 15 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 7 months | 61% | On the clock5 months left | |
| The Bell EchoesThe Bell Echoes | We expect Early Access to last for approximately 6 to 12 months. The exact duration will depend on our development progress, optimization efforts, and community feedback. If we feel that more time is needed to polish the content to meet our quality standards, this timeline may be adjusted.read 16 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 7 months | 61% | On the clock5 months left | |
| TDM : Task Drill ManiacTDM : Task Drill Maniac | We currently expect Taskbar Mining to remain in Early Access for approximately one months. This schedule may change depending on player feedback, development progress, and the stability of the in-game economy.the store says it leaves Early Access on 1 Oct 2026 | about 1 month | 3 weeks | 61% | On the clockDue this month | |
| Away From LifeAway From Life | We are planning a full release of the game for end 2026.read 14 Sep 2026 | 8 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 5 months | 61% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Flux AscendantFlux Ascendant | Roughly 3-6 months. I'm aiming for a 1.0 release before the end of 2026, depending on community feedback during Early Access. My goal is to leave Early Access as soon as the planned content is in and properly polished, I don't see Early Access as a long-term state for this game. As Flux Ascendant is developed by a single person, the intent is to reach 1.0 as quickly as quality allows.read 11 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 4 months | 60% | On the clock2 months left | |
| Octavia’s AlienzzleOctavia’s Alienzzle | We currently expect Octavia’s Alienzzle to remain in Early Access for approximately 1–2 months. The exact duration will depend on community feedback and the progress of planned content and polish. Our priority is to deliver a complete, polished experience rather than release on a fixed date.read 6 Sep 2026 | 1–2 months | 1 month | 60% | On the clockDue this month | |
| vrOSvrOS | Our current target is approximately six to seven months, but this is an estimate, not a guarantee. The timeline may change depending on platform changes in the social VR ecosystem, hardware releases, and feedback priorities. Expect frequent updates throughout Early Access.read 16 Sep 2026 | 6–7 months | 4 months | 60% | On the clock3 months left | |
| ZooLife SimulatorZooLife Simulator | We expect the game to stay in Early Access for around 10 months. This may change slightly depending on development needs and community feedback.read 13 Sep 2026 | about 10 months | 6 months | 60% | On the clock4 months left | |
| FrictionFriction | About 3-5 monthsread 15 Sep 2026 | 3–5 months | 3 months | 59% | On the clock2 months left | |
| SELINISELINI | I plan for a relatively short Early Access period, currently estimated at around 8 to 12 months. The primary purpose is to test, tune and polish the game with player feedback before the full release. This estimated timeframe is based on the current development plan but it may change as I work with the community.read 6 Sep 2026 | 8–12 months | 7 months | 59% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Monster Lab SimulatorMonster Lab Simulator | We plan to release the full game within 12 months. This timeframe is what we estimate to implement all the planned features and refine the game into its best version.read 6 Sep 2026 | 0–12 months | 7 months | 59% | On the clock5 months left | |
| ENCHAINENCHAIN | Approximately 1 year. Any necessary time will be taken to make the full game into something I am happy to release.read 12 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 7 months | 59% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Team Principal: A Racing ManagerTeam Principal: A Racing Manager | 6 months - 1 yearread 15 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 7 months | 59% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Augmental PuzzlesAugmental Puzzles | Our goal is between six months to a year depending on audience reaction. Monthly updates give us the opportunity to release new or improved puzzle modes and content to our community. We will also be polishing the overall experience as we go. If we receive strong feedback, we may take additional time to improve on things. The only major feature left to develop is the real time multiplayer elements. Our launch window is flexible to account for feedback on new puzzle modes and difficulties in developing the multiplayer to a quality level we are happy. Our 1.0 launch will be simultaneous across all platforms, this may require us to delay based on commitments and timetables on those platforms.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 7 months | 59% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Starforged LegacyStarforged Legacy | We expect to continue iterating on Starforged Legacy for 3-6 months after its Early Access launch.read 16 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 4 months | 59% | On the clock2 months left | |
| 世界岛 · 宅急送世界岛 · 宅急送 | Roughly 6 months to a year…I know that might sound unreliable…But what if those 6 months include at least one small content update every day (bug fixes not counted), and one major story update every week?It’s possible that in just a few weeks, ARKPARK · HURRYUP will already feel like a full 1.0 release.We’ve already worked on it for 5 years—most content is finished; it just doesn’t fit the story order yet… Our ambition goes far beyond that.What really happened in ARKPARK?Where were the humans of Earth in 2102?Why do you play as an alien running a RamenDino with your robot friend?And so many more major “historical changes” coming to ARKPARK… We plan to spend the next 40 years of our lives telling this story across 5 mainline titles—the story of humans, aliens, and AIs in the ANTI Series spanning billions of years.This isn’t just a plan. We’ve already put in 5 years of work. ARKPARK · HURRYUP is the first of these five games: an open-world title combining adventure, management, and roguelike FPS.It needs massive polish and feedback to reach our extremely high standards.That’s why we need your help—and to let you witness this miracle story called “ANTI” together.read 16 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 7 months | 59% | On the clock5 months left | |
| ドキドキ羽根突きVRドキドキ羽根突きVR | We plan for Early Access to last approximately one year. During this period, we will continuously add new content and improve systems while incorporating player feedback. We intend to move to full release once all planned features have been thoroughly polished. We anticipate a minimum of one year in Early Access, though this duration may vary depending on development progress.read 10 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 7 months | 59% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Beyond SandboxBeyond Sandbox | We expect Beyond Sandbox will remain in Early Access through at least 2026. We are going to continue working around the clock but won't rush Full Release out the door until it's 100% ready.read 15 Sep 2026 | 8 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 5 months | 58% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Oaken TowerOaken Tower | We plan to work on the game until we are confident there is enough great content to release to 1.0. We expect the game will be in early access for approximately 8 months.read 16 Sep 2026 | about 8 months | 5 months | 58% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Beyond the DoorsBeyond the Doors | We plan to finish it within a year, but we don't have a specific date in mind yet. It will remain in Early Access depending on player expectations and until we are satisfied with the final version of the game.read 11 Sep 2026 | 0–12 months | 7 months | 58% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Chaos ConstructorsChaos Constructors | We aim to release the full version in about a year. However, due to the nature of game development and the guidance of community feedback, this timeframe may change. Our main goal is not to rush, but to continue development until the game feels truly complete and ready.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 7 months | 58% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Guinea Pig Runaway TogetherGuinea Pig Runaway Together | Approximately 3-6 months. We have a clear roadmap and the core game is already feature-complete. Early Access will focus on polish, additional content, and community-driven improvements.the store says it leaves Early Access on 27 Oct 2026 | 3–6 months | 3 months | 58% | On the clock3 months left | |
| TradingLifeTradingLife | We expect Early Access to last around one year. That said, we’ll focus on shipping meaningful improvements and updates as they’re ready, based on development progress and community feedback.read 16 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 7 months | 58% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Flips: A 2D Flipbook Animation Tool by zelun_Flips: A 2D Flipbook Animation Tool by zelun_ | Flips is expected to remain in Early Access for approximately 6 to 12 months. This timeframe allows for iterative development, usability refinements, performance improvements, and feature adjustments based on community feedback. The exact duration may change depending on feedback and development progress. A full release will happen once Flips reaches a stable, polished, and reliable state that meets its core design goals.read 7 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 7 months | 58% | On the clock5 months left | |
| ClockfallClockfall | The game is set to be release from Early Access in Autumn 2026read 15 Sep 2026 | 6 monthsuntil 30 Nov 2026 | 3 months | 57% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Backpack SurvivorsBackpack Survivors | We aim to be in Early Access for about 9 months. The roadmap and plans for Early Access will be communicated on our Discord.read 15 Sep 2026 | about 9 months | 5 months | 57% | On the clock4 months left | |
| PROTON VRPROTON VR | 1.0 Release is planned for Winter 2026 Early Access is the foundation where I build my game on. Player feedback is crucial to refine mechanics, expand content, and ensure every feature meets the quality this game deserves. This is my first game, I will not pretend to know everything about developing and game, so I heavily rely on my players to help me see the things I miss. Together, we’ll build a polished and fun retro VR shooter worthy of its vision.read 12 Sep 2026 | 8 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 5 months | 57% | On the clock3 months left | |
| BYTEWORLDBYTEWORLD | We are estimating that it will take around 1 year from release until the game is ready to leave early access.read 16 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 7 months | 57% | On the clock5 months left | |
| HattersHatters | We expect the game to remain in Early Access until early winter 2026. This timeline may change depending on development progress and community feedback.read 11 Sep 2026 | 9 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 5 months | 56% | On the clock4 months left | |
| 2 Cooks 1 Mess2 Cooks 1 Mess | We estimate 2 Cooks 1 Mess will remain in Early Access for around 6-9 months. This may change depending on community feedback, how players engage with the different modes, and the amount of polish and additional content required to deliver the final release we have in mind.read 15 Sep 2026 | 6–9 months | 5 months | 56% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Corner MarketCorner Market | I expect the Early Access period to last no longer than 3 months.read 15 Sep 2026 | 0–3 months | 2 months | 56% | On the clock1 month left | |
| Rise of PiracyRise of Piracy | The goal is to remain in Early Access for 12 months, but this will depend on the feedback that comes in from players and how the scope may change as a result.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 7 months | 56% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Wings of EmpireWings of Empire | Based on previous projects, I estimate 6-9 months in Early Access, with each act taking ~2-3 months to develop. This pace may adjust based on feedback and development progress.read 14 Sep 2026 | 6–9 months | 5 months | 56% | On the clock4 months left | |
| NovorskNovorsk | Novorsk is expected to remain in Early Access for approximately 12 months. This timeframe allows for continued development, balance iteration, and the addition of planned content based on player feedback. Development timelines may change as features evolve, but the goal is to exit Early Access once core systems are stable and content goals are met.read 14 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 7 months | 55% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Karakage The Sky ShadowKarakage The Sky Shadow | Karakage The Sky Shadow will remain in Early Access until all core features are implemented and working as intended, roughly by January 2027, so about a year or so.read 7 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 7 months | 55% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Sparrow CountrySparrow Country | The game is planned to be in Early Access for about 12 months, concluding around the beginning to mid of 2027.read 14 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 7 months | 55% | On the clock5 months left | |
| The Interdependent View-Dimension: ZenaThe Interdependent View-Dimension: Zena | Probably around six months or so.read 16 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 3 months | 55% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Untamed KingdomUntamed Kingdom | Untamed Kingdom" plans to remain in Early Access for 1 yearread 15 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 7 months | 55% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Metal GooseMetal Goose | The game will remain in early access until the second area is completed and polished, which is expected to take about a year.read 14 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 7 months | 55% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Tiny VikingsTiny Vikings | We plan to stay in Early Access for approximately one year. Since the scope of the full release version may change based on player feedback, this period may extend somewhat.read 12 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 7 months | 55% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Bigfoot HuntingBigfoot Hunting | We plan to remain in Early Access for roughly six to nine months to polish mechanics, expand forest zones, introduce new traps, and balance combat and survival systems.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–9 months | 5 months | 55% | On the clock4 months left | |
| CrystantCrystant | We expect that several more months will be required for overall optimization and content expansion. The actual timeline will be dynamically adjusted based on player feedback and overall experience evaluations. Once the game’s content and quality meet our established standards and final preparations are complete, the full release will be launched, and we will continue to invest in ongoing updates and optimizations to ensure a stable and high-quality gameplay experience.the store says it leaves Early Access on 21 Sep 2026 | 3–9 months | 5 months | 54% | On the clock4 months left | |
| DrainSimDrainSim | The current development target is around 12 months. This timeframe may adjust depending on progress and how the scope evolves during development.read 15 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 6 months | 54% | On the clock6 months left | |
| The Legend of KhiimoriThe Legend of Khiimori | We expect The Legend of Khiimori to be in Early Access for approximately 12 months. We cannot provide you with an exact date yet, because our motto is “quality over speed,” and we simply do not yet know when the game will meet our quality standards to ensure a final release. Early Access allows us to expand the world, polish gameplay systems, and integrate community-driven improvements. We’ll keep players updated regularly and adjust the timeline with more specific dates as we progress.read 16 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 6 months | 54% | On the clock6 months left | |
| ChickenautsChickenauts | We expect Chickenauts to stay in Early Access between 6 months and a year. Of course, for how long exactly depends on the features and ideas that you and other community members may bring to the table. We want Early Access to be the time for you to explore the game, see what feels right, and what could use some of that good, old elbow grease, and what additions to the game you’d like to see. It’s also time for us, a time to assess all your suggestions, see what is possible and what is not, implement it, and make sure that everything added to the game is as polished as its foundations.read 9 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 6 months | 54% | On the clock6 months left | |
| 后汉姬异录 - Obscure Chronicle of Dynastia后汉姬异录 - Obscure Chronicle of Dynastia | We plan to complete this project within a minimum of six months and a maximum of approximately one year.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 6 months | 54% | On the clock6 months left | |
| ASTRALASTRAL | ASTRAL intends to remain in Early Access until we’re confident it meets our quality standards and delivers a complete experience. Depending on progress, we intend to aim for full release around Q4 2026 / Q1 2027. This remains contingent on community feedback and our velocity in refining gameplay, adding content, and polishing the title.read 16 Sep 2026 | 14 monthsuntil 31 Mar 2027 | 8 months | 54% | On the clock6 months left | |
| ExelioExelio | As a guideline, we expect to continue improving the game in Early Access for at least around one year (this may change depending on development progress). Currently, the story is about 25% complete. We will continue developing new features and implement them step by step. In addition to the campaign scenario, we will also keep adding content and improving systems based on the development roadmap. Feedback during Early Access will be an important factor in deciding our priorities. We’d really appreciate your support.read 15 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 6 months | 54% | On the clock6 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.