How long did they say Early Access would take, and how long has it been? · 2,848 in Early Access · 3,950 promises read · 1,295 announced, not started
| Year | Games | In Early Access now | Graduated | Median time in EA | Promise read | Overdue | Promise kept |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1,234 | 1,208 | 262% | 2 months | 1,18196% | 45of 1,064 parsed | — |
| 2025 | 505 | 505 | 00% | 13 months | 47594% | 179of 407 parsed | — |
| 2024 | 262 | 262 | 00% | 2 years 1 month | 24895% | 149of 200 parsed | — |
| 2023 | 143 | 143 | 00% | 3 years 2 months | 13393% | 86of 110 parsed | — |
| 2022 | 93 | 93 | 00% | 4 years 2 months | 8692% | 55of 66 parsed | — |
| 2021 | 76 | 76 | 00% | 5 years 2 months | 6991% | 44of 54 parsed | — |
| 2020 | 62 | 62 | 00% | 6 years 2 months | 6198% | 33of 40 parsed | — |
| 2019 | 55 | 55 | 00% | 7 years 3 months | 55100% | 29of 32 parsed | — |
| 2018 | 40 | 40 | 00% | 8 years 3 months | 3895% | 29of 30 parsed | — |
| 2017 | 54 | 54 | 00% | 9 years 3 months | 5398% | 30of 32 parsed | — |
| Game | Promise | Promised | Elapsed | Clock | Verdict | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 weeks | 12% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Colossus - Eternal BlightColossus - Eternal Blight | We want to provide the best experience possible with Colossus, and aim to release the final version in its best state. As such, we expect Early Access to continue until around the end of 2027. This gives us time to develop features, whilst also letting our community play and provide feedback for us to incorporate.read 10 Sep 2026 | 17 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2027 | 2 months | 11% | On the clock15 months left | |
| A Nibble TaleA Nibble Tale | We expect A Nibble Tale to remain in Early Access for around 6 to 12 months. This may change depending on player feedback and the amount of polish and content needed before the full release.read 12 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 month | 10% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Dead Air CountyDead Air County | We currently expect Dead Air County to remain in Early Access for approximately 6 to 12 months. That timeline may change depending on player feedback, bug fixing, balancing, performance work, and the amount of additional content needed before the full release. The goal is not to rush out of Early Access, but to use the period to improve stability, expand contracts, add more room variety, refine enemy behavior, improve atmosphere, and make the extraction loop more replayable. If major systems or content additions take longer than expected, we may extend Early Access to make sure the final release is stronger.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 month | 10% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Snack InvadersSnack Invaders | As a solo developer, I estimate Snack Invaders will remain in Early Access for 5-7 months. This gives me time to iterate on player feedback for balancing weapons, level design, difficulty curves, bosses, unlockables, all while adding polish and any new content that emerges from community input. I'll post regular updates via Steam News and Discord, aiming for full release once the game feels complete and feedback-driven improvements are in place. The exact timeline may shift slightly based on the volume and nature of suggestions, but I'm committed to steady progress.read 8 Sep 2026 | 5–7 months | 3 weeks | 10% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Rior's ArenaRior's Arena | Probably only a month or two?read 10 Sep 2026 | 1–2 months | 6 days | 10% | On the clock2 months left | |
| The One FishThe One Fish | Less than a year of early access.read 7 Sep 2026 | 0–12 months | 1 month | 9% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Space PunkSpace Punk | We expect months, not years roughly through early-to-mid 2027, not a locked calendar day. Space Punk will leave Early Access when the career feels complete enough to drop that label: the haul, worlds, events, and rank loop are stable, and we are no longer making large changes to the mountain. We will not promise an exact 1.0 date. If that target moves, we will say so on the store page and in Steam News. You should buy the game for how it plays now. Time in Early Access is for listening and polishing, not for holding back the product you already have.read 14 Sep 2026 | 10 monthsuntil 30 Jun 2027 | 4 weeks | 9% | On the clock9 months left | |
| Dot ClickerDot Clicker | Since the Early Access period for Dot Clicker will be mostly based on the demands and requests of the aiming community, we can't tell how long this is going to take since for similar games this took years before. Though, with Dot Clicker, we aim to fully listen to the community and also learn from similar games in order to make the Early Access period go as smoothly and as fast as possible. We currently expect Dot Clicker to remain in Early Access for approximately 9-12 months.read 11 Sep 2026 | 9–12 months | 1 month | 9% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Driftscape: VoidDriftscape: Void | We currently expect Early Access to last between 6 months and 1 year, though development timelines may change based on community feedback and the needs of the project.read 5 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 month | 9% | On the clock11 months left | |
| ZeroPointZeroPoint | ZERO POINT is expected to remain in Early Access for approximately six months. However, this schedule may change depending on development progress and the number of issues discovered during Early Access. Our current plan is to remain in Early Access while we continue evaluating the overall stability and completeness of the experience. The timing of the full release may change depending on development progress and player feedback.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 2 weeks | 9% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Memo to the UnderlordMemo to the Underlord | Memo to the Underlord has a finite plan for what content will be in 1.0, and we expect it to be in Early Access for approximately 12 months to reach that state.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 1 month | 8% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Guild LegendsGuild Legends | I expect it to leave early access in Summer of 2027.read 11 Sep 2026 | 12 monthsuntil 31 Aug 2027 | 4 weeks | 8% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Chaos Football Club (CFC)Chaos Football Club (CFC) | We expect PITCH RIOT to be in Early Access for roughly 9–12 months, targeting release around mid-2027. The remaining work covers the full club and stadium roster, additional game modes, story mode chapters, expanded special powers, and a final balance and polish pass across ball physics and controller feel. Development timelines can shift, particularly based on what players prioritise during Early Access, and we will update our roadmap and post an announcement if that estimate changes significantly.read 6 Sep 2026 | 9–12 months | 4 weeks | 8% | On the clock11 months left | |
| [WoG] War of Genesis: Idle Loot[WoG] War of Genesis: Idle Loot | We anticipate roughly up to two months, depending on circumstances. This period may be flexibly adjusted based on how content development and community feedback progress. Our goal is not to hit a fixed date, but to deliver a sufficiently complete experience.read 14 Sep 2026 | 0–2 months | 5 days | 8% | On the clock2 months left | |
| BeastLinkBeastLink | Our Early Access content roadmap puts 1.0 launch around Summer 2027. But if new, too good to pass up, content needs to be made based on some amazing discoveries we make with the community, our full game launch timeline may shift.read 12 Sep 2026 | 12 monthsuntil 31 Aug 2027 | 4 weeks | 8% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Neon TyrantNeon Tyrant | We expect around 6 to 12 months. The game is content-complete as a core experience today; how long we stay in Early Access depends on how much the community's feedback reshapes balance, content and features. We would rather leave Early Access with a game the community signed off on than rush a date.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 4 weeks | 8% | 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 13 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 4 weeks | 8% | On the clock11 months left | |
| NOXONNOXON | Approximately 6 to 12 months. We would rather leave Early Access when the balance and the online experience are truly right than commit to an exact date.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 4 weeks | 8% | 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 | 8% | On the clock11 months left | |
| White DwarfWhite Dwarf | We currently expect Early Access to last somewhere between six months and a year, depending on how the content and balance work develops. That timeframe is an estimate, not a deadline. The whole point of Early Access is being able to respond to what players actually experience, and some problems only become obvious once enough people are playing. If the game needs more time to get the balance right, we would rather take that time than leave Early Access on schedule with a game that is not ready.read 11 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 4 weeks | 7% | On the clock11 months left | |
| DeadEye: A Roguelike ShooterDeadEye: A Roguelike Shooter | DeadEye is currently expected to remain in Early Access for approximately one year. This is an estimate rather than a fixed deadline and may change depending on development progress, technical circumstances, and the direction of the project.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 4 weeks | 7% | On the clock11 months left | |
| FEAR OF FAITHFEAR OF FAITH | Approximately one year, although this timeline may change depending on player feedback and the development process.read 13 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 4 weeks | 7% | On the clock11 months left | |
| C.U.B.EC.U.B.E | I currently expect CUBE to remain in Early Access for approximately 6-12 months. Development timelines can change depending on the complexity of new features, bug fixes, and community feedback. Rather than rushing toward a specific release date, my focus is on continuously improving the game and adding meaningful content throughout the Early Access period.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 4 weeks | 7% | On the clock11 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 13 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 4 weeks | 7% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Nazi ZombiesNazi Zombies | This game will be in early access for approximately 1-2 years.read 13 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 2 months | 6% | On the clock22 months left | |
| Void DiscipleVoid Disciple | Around 3 to 6 months (depending on the amount of feedback received). The game is already feature-complete, so this isn't about building missing content, it's about iterating on feedback. If the feedback settles quickly and the balance holds up, it will be closer to three months. I'd rather leave Early Access when the game genuinely feels finished than setting an arbitrary date.read 6 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 2 weeks | 6% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Raven ErrantRaven Errant | About 6 months for the planned features to be finalized, this is mostly new warband factions and additional weapons, armor and equipment. Depending on the level of player feedback and feature/gameplay requests this could be longer.read 12 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 2 weeks | 6% | On the clock6 months left | |
| TUBx TacticalTUBx Tactical | We plan to keep the game in Early Access for roughly 6 to 12 months. This timeline gives us enough room to develop our planned content updates while remaining flexible to player feedback and community requests.read 13 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 3 weeks | 6% | On the clock11 months left | |
| D.E.C.A.Y.D.E.C.A.Y. | It will take roughly about one year to implement everything I have planned.read 13 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 3 weeks | 5% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Sniper Camouflage Orange Spy Warrior I Buried Two Bodies in the Garden and the Police Haven't Figured Out Yet That They're Missing Because They Were a Lonely Old Couple Who Had No Relatives Simulator 2026Sniper Camouflage Orange Spy Warrior I Buried Two Bodies in the Garden and the Police Haven't Figured Out Yet That They're Missing Because They Were a Lonely Old Couple Who Had No Relatives Simulator 2026 | half a year, max one yearread 13 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 3 weeks | 5% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Cartoon CrimeCartoon Crime | We currently expect Cartoon Crime to remain in Early Access for around 6 to 12 months. This is only an estimate and may change depending on development progress and player feedback. Our main goal is to take the time needed to improve the game rather than rush toward a specific date.read 14 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 3 weeks | 5% | On the clock11 months left | |
| The Rise Of The Slime KingThe Rise Of The Slime King | I currently expect Rise of the Slime King to remain in Early Access for approximately six months to one year. This estimate may change depending on player feedback, development progress, and the amount of testing required for planned systems and content.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 3 weeks | 5% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Alehundred - Full Game UnlockAlehundred - Full Game Unlock | Approximately 1 year, depending on community feedback.read 13 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 3 weeks | 5% | On the clock11 months left | |
| EndlessRainEndlessRain | I plan to be in Early Access for roughly 6 to 12 months. The core game is already complete and can be played from beginning to end, so this time is meant for balancing, adding content, and responding to feedback rather than for building missing systems. If players want more time for additional content, I would rather extend that window than leave Early Access early.read 5 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 3 weeks | 5% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Closing ShiftClosing Shift | Around 1-1.5 years.read 6 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 4 weeks | 5% | On the clock17 months left | |
| Junkyard Saints: ScrapstormJunkyard Saints: Scrapstorm | The current plan is to remain in Early Access for approximately 12–24 months, depending on community feedback and development progress.read 6 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 1 month | 5% | On the clock23 months left | |
| Sluggy Nom NomSluggy Nom Nom | Tentatively the full release of Sluggy Nom Nom will come sometime in 2028. Make sure to follow me on my social media and here on Steam for updates on my game's progress.read 6 Sep 2026 | 2 years 5 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2028 | 1 month | 4% | On the clock2 years 4 months left | |
| Rune Robin's DreamscapeRune Robin's Dreamscape | We roughly aim to finish it sometime next year, August of '27 at the latest. Any support we receive from purchases will go directly into finishing the project even earlier as well.read 6 Sep 2026 | 16 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2027 | 3 weeks | 4% | On the clock15 months left | |
| Bounty Hunters: The 4th DimensionBounty Hunters: The 4th Dimension | We currently expect the game to remain in Early Access for around two years. However, this timeline could be shorter depending on the level of community support and the feedback we receive. Our goal is to use Early Access to continuously improve the game, add new content, refine existing systems, and deliver the best possible experience before the full release.read 5 Sep 2026 | about 2 years | 1 month | 4% | On the clock23 months left | |
| 冒险者公会冒险者公会 | It lasts approximately 2 to 3 months.read 14 Sep 2026 | 2–3 months | 4 days | 4% | On the clock3 months left | |
| 钟馗幸存者钟馗幸存者 | We currently plan for Early Access to last approximately three months. This estimate may change based on development progress and community feedback.read 12 Sep 2026 | about 3 months | 4 days | 4% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Survival DimensionSurvival Dimension | We plan to keep our game in early access for one year.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 weeks | 4% | On the clock12 months left | |
| NetherhuntNetherhunt | We currently expect Netherhunt to remain in Early Access for approximately 12 months. This timeframe may change as we evaluate player feedback and the scope of improvements needed to deliver the best possible experience.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 weeks | 4% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Dungeons And AnimalsDungeons And Animals | We expect the game to remain in Early Access for approximately one year. During this time, we plan to continue improving the game and make it a better experience for our players.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 weeks | 4% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Dash'n'DropsDash'n'Drops | Between one and two years. I would rather aim wide than promise a date and let people down, but my goal is to reach version 1.0 within that window, taking whatever time is needed to make sure the result is worth it.read 13 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 4 weeks | 4% | On the clock23 months left | |
| Withering RealmsWithering Realms | The game is planned to leave Early Access approximately in May 2027, alongside a release on consoles.read 14 Sep 2026 | 9 monthsuntil 31 May 2027 | 2 weeks | 4% | On the clock9 months left | |
| The Windzen LegendThe Windzen Legend | We have a one year roadmap before the game has all of the content that we envision for it. Ten floors of Ruins, four Sub-Gates, nine Pirate battles on the surface, three sets of NPC quest lines, and many other bits and bobs that will hopefully give The Windzen Legend a similar level of charm to the The Other Legend that it takes after. Game creation is a troublesome process so it's difficult to say if one year will be enough, but we work fast and we can iterate on our work even faster. It's possible that our schedule slips or our plans change, particularly as feedback starts coming in from gamers, but we don't believe it will take much more than a year to complete the game at the pace that we've been able to develop it thus far.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 weeks | 4% | On the clock12 months left | |
| UltradimensionalUltradimensional | We expect Early Access to last around 1–2 years.read 11 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 4 weeks | 4% | On the clock23 months left | |
| TyrTyr | We anticipate being in Early Access for about 12 months before moving to full release. However, we're committed to taking the time necessary to deliver a polished, complete experience rather than rushing to meet an arbitrary deadline, so we’ll adapt and communicate changes as we gather feedback.read 12 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 weeks | 4% | On the clock12 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.