How long did they say Early Access would take, and how long has it been? · 1,994 in Early Access · 2,422 promises read · 812 announced, not started
| Year | Games | In Early Access now | Graduated | Median time in EA | Promise read | Overdue | Promise kept |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1,014 | 1,002 | 121% | 1 month | 92191% | 29of 839 parsed | — |
| 2025 | 376 | 375 | 10% | 13 months | 32586% | 121of 280 parsed | — |
| 2024 | 179 | 179 | 00% | 2 years 1 month | 15788% | 93of 126 parsed | — |
| 2023 | 103 | 103 | 00% | 3 years 2 months | 8986% | 51of 71 parsed | — |
| 2022 | 73 | 73 | 00% | 4 years 2 months | 6488% | 40of 48 parsed | — |
| 2021 | 50 | 50 | 00% | 5 years 1 month | 4182% | 23of 31 parsed | — |
| 2020 | 43 | 43 | 00% | 6 years 1 month | 3888% | 18of 22 parsed | — |
| 2019 | 37 | 37 | 00% | 7 years 3 months | 37100% | 18of 21 parsed | — |
| 2018 | 21 | 21 | 00% | 8 years 1 month | 1990% | 10of 11 parsed | — |
| 2017 | 17 | 17 | 00% | 9 years 3 months | 1694% | 7of 9 parsed | — |
| Game | Promise | Promised | Elapsed | Clock | Verdict | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Call - The Firefighting Simulation 3Emergency Call - The Firefighting Simulation 3 | We are planning an early access phase of approximately twelve months.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 1 month | 10% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Storm SeasStorm Seas | Our goal is to keep Storm Seas in Early Access for 6 to 12 months, depending on player feedback and the time needed to implement new features and content. We are committed to releasing a full version only when the game is polished and meets both our expectations and the community's.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 month | 10% | On the clock11 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 | |
| Rancher: A new lifeRancher: A new life | ~1 yearread 9 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 1 month | 10% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Desktop GremlinsDesktop Gremlins | We plan to stay in Early Access for approximately 6 to 12 months. The timeline depends on community feedback and how many new characters and features we're able to add. Once we feel the content is complete and stable, we'll move to full release.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 month | 10% | On the clock11 months left | |
| THE REF - Football Referee SimulatorTHE REF - Football Referee Simulator | I expect roughly 6 to 12 months. The exit from Early Access is driven by milestones rather than a date: rock-solid online co-op across many real-world connections, a career mode the community considers well-balanced, and a polish pass informed by player feedback.read 10 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 month | 10% | On the clock11 months left | |
| ACRODRIFT: FPV Drone SimulatorACRODRIFT: FPV Drone Simulator | We expect Acrodrift to stay in Early Access for roughly 6 to 12 months.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 month | 9% | On the clock11 months left | |
| MEOWMIMEOWMI | Expect the game to remain in Early Access for approximately 6–12 months, depending on feedback and development progress.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 month | 9% | On the clock11 months left | |
| FlatVRFlatVR | We plan to keep FlatVR in Early Access for approximately 6 to 12 months. This timeframe will give us enough opportunity to expand the AI model, refine compatibility with new DirectX versions, and integrate feedback directly from the community.read 9 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 month | 9% | On the clock11 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 | 9% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Penko Vox: JapanesePenko Vox: Japanese | We plan to remain in Early Access for approximately 6 to 12 months. This window allows us to iterate on the AI’s conversational logic and expand the content library based on user learning patterns.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 month | 9% | On the clock11 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 | 8% | On the clock9 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 | |
| RegularsRegulars | We plan to be in Early Access for approximately 6 to 12 months, depending on the scope of feedback we receive and how development progresses.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 month | 8% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Family Office SimulatorFamily Office Simulator | We currently expect Family Office Simulator to remain in Early Access for approximately 12 to 18 months. This may change depending on player feedback, balance needs, and the amount of polish and expansion needed before the full release.read 10 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 1 month | 8% | On the clock17 months left | |
| Airport Manager Simulator 2026Airport Manager Simulator 2026 | We plan around six to twelve months. This gives us time to expand terminals, add aircraft and equipment, and polish core systems based on player feedback.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 4 weeks | 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 | |
| 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 | 1 week | 8% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Drink Factory SimulatorDrink Factory Simulator | We plan for the Early Access period to last roughly 6 to 12 months. This may change depending on community feedback and how quickly new content is developed. Our goal is to get the game ready for full release without rushing it.read 9 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 4 weeks | 8% | On the clock11 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 6 Sep 2026 | 9–12 months | 4 weeks | 8% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Nicotine Merchant Simulator™Nicotine Merchant Simulator™ | I expect Early Access to last about a year, but the exact timeline will depend on player feedback and the needs of the community.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 4 weeks | 8% | On the clock11 months left | |
| GG LifeGG Life | We plan to be in Early Access for approximately 3-6 months, depending on community feedback and how much additional content we add along the way.read 6 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 2 weeks | 7% | On the clock6 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 | 7% | On the clock6 months left | |
| UpgradiaUpgradia | Scheduled release 2027.read 7 Sep 2026 | 17 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2027 | 1 month | 7% | On the clock16 months left | |
| plexumplexum | We expect plexum to remain in Early Access for up to 12 months, depending on the pace of development and community feedback.read 6 Sep 2026 | 0–12 months | 4 weeks | 7% | On the clock11 months left | |
| LittleRacerLittleRacer | Three monthsread 6 Sep 2026 | about 3 months | 1 week | 7% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Home Store SimulatorHome Store Simulator | We plan to complete the full version of the game in approximately 12 months. This timeframe will allow us to implement all the features we have envisioned and bring the game to a level that meets our own quality standards.read 10 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 | |
| Fantasy ShopFantasy Shop | We aim to finish all content before 2027 Q3read 7 Sep 2026 | 14 monthsuntil 30 Sep 2027 | 4 weeks | 7% | On the clock13 months left | |
| 星を編んで空を描く星を編んで空を描く | About one yearread 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 3 weeks | 6% | 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 | 2 weeks | 6% | On the clock8 months left | |
| Idle PolygonIdle Polygon | We estimate that the game will remain in Early Access for approximately one year.read 7 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 3 weeks | 6% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Patisserie SimulatorPatisserie Simulator | We aim to launch the full version within a few months, depending on player feedback and development progress.read 6 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 2 weeks | 6% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Rip N Ship SimulatorRip N Ship Simulator | We expect Rip N Ship to be in Early Access for about 6 to 12 months. That timeline may change depending on player feedback, how much content we add, and how much balancing and polish the game needs before it feels ready for a full release.read 10 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 3 weeks | 6% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Clickbait TycoonClickbait Tycoon | Approximately 6-12 months. We'd rather ship the full version right than rush a release date.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 3 weeks | 6% | On the clock11 months left | |
| SCP Foundation: Universe HorrorSCP Foundation: Universe Horror | We currently plan to remain in Early Access for approximately six to twelve months. This time will allow us to polish core systems, improve AI behavior, expand content, and balance the overall survival experience based on community feedback.read 6 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 | 1 week | 5% | 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 | 1 week | 5% | On the clock6 months left | |
| FIRE STATEFIRE STATE | We anticipate FIRE STATE will be in Early Access for approximately 12 to 24 months. The exact duration will depend on development progress and community feedback, as our goal is to achieve an ideal level of completeness and quality for the full release.read 9 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 1 month | 5% | On the clock23 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 | |
| 东方采矿计划 ~ Rebuild the Scarlet Devil Mansion东方采矿计划 ~ Rebuild the Scarlet Devil Mansion | We expect the Early Access phase to last approximately 6 months. However, the exact timeframe will depend on community feedback and the amount of new content I decide to add during development.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 1 week | 5% | 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 9 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 weeks | 5% | On the clock11 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 | |
| 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 9 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 weeks | 4% | On the clock11 months left | |
| 不劳则死不劳则死 | I plan to advance development toward the full release through approximately 14 medium-sized updates. Based on the current update cadence (roughly one every 40 days), the Early Access phase is expected to last about 18 months.read 6 Sep 2026 | 1–18 months | 3 weeks | 4% | On the clock17 months left | |
| FD 27: Direct Your Football ClubFD 27: Direct Your Football Club | Approximately one to two years maximum from the launch of version 0.1.read 6 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 4 weeks | 4% | On the clock23 months left | |
| Agent Higgs 2Agent Higgs 2 | I imagine it'll be about a year before the whole game has been posted.read 5 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 weeks | 4% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Watchstander: CORTAWatchstander: CORTA | I expect COLREGS Trainer to remain in Early Access for 3–6 months while I expand the question bank, improve analytics, and refine the interface. Since it shares core systems with the full Watchstander simulator, updates will track closely with that project but remain independently stable.read 6 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 1 week | 4% | On the clock6 months left | |
| King-Sized RoommateKing-Sized Roommate | We estimate the game will remain in Early Access for approximately one to two years, but it may change based on the player feedback.read 6 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 3 weeks | 3% | On the clock23 months left | |
| Real backroomsReal backrooms | We expect the game to be in early access for approximately one or two years. I prefer to take the time to develop the game to version 1.0 in order to minimize bugs and other issues, and thus offer a more stable and complete experience to players.read 5 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 3 weeks | 3% | On the clock23 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.