How long did they say Early Access would take, and how long has it been? · 1,730 in Early Access · 1,941 promises read · 665 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 | 81888% | 22of 747 parsed | — |
| 2025 | 301 | 301 | 00% | 13 months | 24481% | 82of 201 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PlentifulPlentiful | The plan is to be in Early Access for 6 months or so.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 4 months | 70% | On the clock2 months left | |
| NOODSNOODS | We plan to remain in Early Access for one to two years, giving us time to implement player-requested features.read 8 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 17 months | 69% | On the clock7 months left | |
| War and PoliticsWar and Politics | The full version is scheduled to be released after approximately one year of early access. However, this may change due to development circumstances.the store says it leaves Early Access on 1 Jan 2027 | about 12 months | 8 months | 69% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Maximilian SpeeMaximilian Spee | I have plan to remain in Early Access for approximately 6–9 months. This timeframe allows me to expand content, refine balance, and incorporate player feedback while ensuring the quality and stability of the full release.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–9 months | 6 months | 69% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Dinosaur WorldDinosaur World | Expected to the state of earlyaccess for about 1-2 yearsread 8 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 16 months | 69% | On the clock8 months left | |
| No Man's HomeNo Man's Home | I am planning to reach to a full release state in Q4 2026. This date can change.read 7 Sep 2026 | 13 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 9 months | 69% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Nuclear OptionNuclear Option | Nuclear Option will be in Early Access well into 2027, and perhaps beyond. To us, Early Access is not an excuse to ship a sub-par game, but a commitment to continue improving the game for as long as we're able.read 6 Sep 2026 | 4 years 3 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2027 | 2 years 11 months | 68% | On the clock16 months left | |
| Logic WorldLogic World | We're not sure, but we're hoping to finish in 2027 or 2028. We're going as fast as we can!read 9 Sep 2026 | 7 years 2 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2028 | 4 years 11 months | 68% | On the clock2 years 3 months left | |
| Backrooms Game CreatorBackrooms Game Creator | Till Oct 2026read 8 Sep 2026 | 5 monthsuntil 31 Oct 2026 | 3 months | 68% | On the clock2 months left | |
| Drunkard SimulatorDrunkard Simulator | I'm aiming to release 1.0 version in 2026, but I'll prioritize a properly aged brew over some rushed garbage.read 6 Sep 2026 | 11 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 7 months | 68% | On the clock4 months left | |
| SupraworldSupraworld | Maybe early 2027read 5 Sep 2026 | 19 monthsuntil 31 Mar 2027 | 13 months | 68% | On the clock6 months left | |
| StarRuptureStarRupture | We plan to make StarRupture stay in Early Access for about a year from its initial release. Our goal is to provide the best quality of the game to our players. We want to use the Early Access stage to cooperate with the Community on the feedback, fine-tune and polish the gameplay experience and - when we’re certain that we’ve achieved the best version of the game possible - leave Early Access.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 8 months | 67% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Teddy's HavenTeddy's Haven | I'm currently expecting the full release to happen by late 2026 to early 2027. The development velocity has been substantial, and while the game is already in an incredibly stable state, we want to take the time needed to fully realize my final vision. My estimated time in Early Access is about 18 - 24 months. Even after the full release, I plan to continue offering updates and new content to keep the experience fresh and engaging.read 5 Sep 2026 | 18–24 months | 16 months | 67% | On the clock8 months left | |
| AI Pals EngineAI Pals Engine | The plan is to release the full version one year after the Early Access launch. This timeline allows for delivering a polished and feature-rich experience that meets both standards and community expectations, while also providing time to continue refining the AI and ensure it remains state-of-the-art upon release. This timeline can be extended according to the needs of the user base.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 8 months | 67% | On the clock4 months left | |
| LandoniaLandonia | I foresee that the game will be completed and out of Early Access by middle of 2027.read 8 Sep 2026 | 2 years 6 monthsuntil 30 Jun 2027 | 20 months | 67% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Star BirdsStar Birds | About 1.5 years. We’re currently expecting around 16–18 months.read 5 Sep 2026 | 16–18 months | 12 months | 67% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Scam LineScam Line | Approximately one yearthe store says it leaves Early Access on 2 Nov 2026 | about 12 months | 8 months | 66% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Swords And Magic: Path Of ConquestSwords And Magic: Path Of Conquest | I plan to have Early Access for around a year, but it really depends on the state of game content. For instance, my roadmap may have EA last less than 1 year, but if some brilliant ideas emerge from the community and we all feel it is good to add them, then I will add them to the roadmap, which will make it last a bit longer.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 8 months | 66% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Reborn: The Evil BeingReborn: The Evil Being | The current plan is for Reborn: The Evil Being to remain in Early Access for around 3-4 months before the Version 1.0 release. This may slightly change depending on feedback, balancing, optimization, and overall polish during development.read 8 Sep 2026 | 3–4 months | 3 months | 66% | On the clock1 month left | |
| Mineral Mining SimulatorMineral Mining Simulator | We currently expect the game to remain in Early Access for around 4 to 6 months. However, this estimate may change depending on development progress, testing results, and feedback from the community. During Early Access, our focus is not only to finish the planned content, but also to evaluate several experimental features. We want to make sure these features feel enjoyable, work well with the overall gameplay, and are realistic for us to complete with the resources available.read 8 Sep 2026 | 4–6 months | 4 months | 65% | On the clock2 months left | |
| Finch & ArchieFinch & Archie | Finch & Archie will be in early access for about 1 year.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 8 months | 65% | On the clock4 months left | |
| As We DescendAs We Descend | We will likely be in Early Access between a year and two, but that could change depending on how the design develops with player feedback. Originally we intended for just around a year, but due to the scale of changes we made due to feedback, we needed at least an extra 6 months to incorporate those changes.read 6 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 15 months | 64% | On the clock9 months left | |
| Open Mod 2025Open Mod 2025 | Open Mod will be in Early Access until we feel we scaled it enough. Even though it currently has enough content to even be considered a full game, what we plan for this game is much more than what it currently is. The time we will be in Early Access could mean one year or 5 years, depending on the budget. We have plans of updating this game long term therefore there isn't really a point where we can say "look, it's done". Thats because we will always look for ways to improve and scale.read 7 Sep 2026 | 12–60 months | 3 years 2 months | 64% | On the clock22 months left | |
| AethermancerAethermancer | Approximately 1.5 years.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 18 months | 12 months | 64% | On the clock6 months left | |
| MycoRelicMycoRelic | 12 to 18 months, but this range of time could vary based on the completion of our development goals as well as financial constraints.read 8 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 12 months | 64% | On the clock6 months left | |
| LORTLORT | Our best estimate is about 1 year or less.read 5 Sep 2026 | 0–12 months | 8 months | 63% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Lunar EclipseLunar Eclipse | At the moment, the game is supported and developed by a team of two people. We plan to release the full version of the game within two years, but an early version will be available as soon as possible. However, these timelines are preliminary and may be adjusted based on feedback from our community and other key factors that may arise during development.read 6 Sep 2026 | 0–24 months | 15 months | 63% | On the clock9 months left | |
| Kittens GameKittens Game | The game should be released as a full version once Steam version is considered sufficiently stable and mature. There is currently no ETA, but it should be done somewhere in 2026.read 7 Sep 2026 | 11 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 7 months | 63% | On the clock4 months left | |
| MistboundMistbound | The final episode of Mistbound is planned for release in 2026.read 7 Sep 2026 | 9 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 6 months | 63% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Nin OnlineNin Online | As long as it takes. We take feedback seriously and want to make sure we’re proud of the game. We understand the complexity that goes with releasing an MMORPG title especially with just 2 developers. Because of this we want to ensure that nothing is rushed and our goals are reached before calling the game a full release. We will release once your feedback is confirming that the game is ready. Realistically, we hope to get all the features we want for a full version within the next 2 years.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 2 years | 15 months | 62% | On the clock9 months left | |
| OPERATOROPERATOR | 3-5 years after early access release, there are still plenty of planned features and the polish that comes with that as well as the unexpected hurdles to be overcome.read 9 Sep 2026 | 36–60 months | 3 years 1 month | 62% | On the clock23 months left | |
| R.I.P. - Reincarnation Insurance ProgramR.I.P. - Reincarnation Insurance Program | The Early Access period is expected to last between six and twelve months. The exact duration will depend largely on player feedback and on whether we have fully met the community’s expectations for the game.read 7 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 7 months | 62% | On the clock5 months left | |
| AdaptoryAdaptory | Right now I’m planning about one year to complete and polish the full version (see the roadmap), but this could change if the scope increases or if we have to revisit any major systems. The plan is to deliver at least three major content updates during this time so you’ll be able to test new systems and share your feedback.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 7 months | 62% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Really Fast RatReally Fast Rat | Less than one yearread 9 Sep 2026 | 0–12 months | 7 months | 62% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Rebel DuetRebel Duet | With a total of 7 story arcs currently planned, I estimate the Early Access phase will last approximately two to three years. However, it's possible it might take longer depending on feedback.read 7 Sep 2026 | 24–36 months | 22 months | 62% | On the clock14 months left | |
| Moonshiner SimulatorMoonshiner Simulator | Around 6 months.the store says it leaves Early Access on 21 Oct 2026 | about 6 months | 4 months | 62% | On the clock2 months left | |
| COLLAPSE COMPANYCOLLAPSE COMPANY | We currently expect the Early Access period to last approximately 8 to 12 months. However, this timeframe may change depending on the scale of the systems we plan to implement and the amount of feedback we receive from players.read 9 Sep 2026 | 8–12 months | 7 months | 61% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Mini DungeonMini Dungeon | It is hard to say when the game will be ready for full release, but most likely it will at least 2 or 3 years away.read 8 Sep 2026 | 24–36 months | 22 months | 61% | On the clock14 months left | |
| Half SwordHalf Sword | We plan to remain in Early Access for 6 to 12 months.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 7 months | 61% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Vampires: Bloodlord RisingVampires: Bloodlord Rising | Our plan is to stay in Early Access for roughly 12 months to implement all the features we have on our roadmap. This also allows us to incorporate the community feedback and finalize all elements before the full release. Depending on issues like performance optimization or bugfixing beyond the expected allocated time for that, the timing might be changed, though.read 5 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 7 months | 61% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Touhou Blooming SoulTouhou Blooming Soul | est. 6-12 monthsread 8 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 7 months | 61% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Ranch Store SimulatorRanch Store Simulator | Early Access phase is estimated to last about a year, although this timeline may be adjusted based on player feedback.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 7 months | 61% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Moonlight DialogueMoonlight Dialogue | 3 Months.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 3 months | 2 months | 61% | On the clock1 month left | |
| Meat TrainMeat Train | 6-12 months. Maybe less if all goes well.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 7 months | 61% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Incursion Red RiverIncursion Red River | Our target is for Incursion Red River to be in Early Access for 3-4 years. This target was estimated with our current rate of progress, estimated budget, and team size. We hope going into Early Access may accelerate the timeline through financial support.read 9 Sep 2026 | 36–48 months | 2 years 5 months | 60% | On the clock19 months left | |
| Project SilverfishProject Silverfish | Hopefully the full game will be ready to release within 2 years after Early Access launch, give or take.read 5 Sep 2026 | 0–24 months | 14 months | 60% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Battle HanafudaBattle Hanafuda | We are aiming for a full release within 2026, although the exact timing may be adjusted to prioritize quality based on community feedback and ongoing development progress.read 8 Sep 2026 | 10 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 6 months | 60% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Megastore SimulatorMegastore Simulator | We expect the game to remain in Early Access for approximately 12 months, depending on community feedback and development priorities. Our goal is to use this period to expand content and features with the community's help, while also improving polish, balance, and overall stability before the full release.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 7 months | 60% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Beyond SolarBeyond Solar | About 6 to 9 months, depending on feedback, feature completion, and polish. We’ll keep timelines visible through regular Steam and Discord updates.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–9 months | 5 months | 60% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Traitor's KitchenTraitor's Kitchen | We currently plan to remain in Early Access until the full release, which is targeted for sometime in 2026. This timeline may evolve as development continues and based on community feedback.read 6 Sep 2026 | 9 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 5 months | 60% | On the clock4 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.