How long did they say Early Access would take, and how long has it been? · 1,784 in Early Access · 2,041 promises read · 698 announced, not started
| Year | Games | In Early Access now | Graduated | Median time in EA | Promise read | Overdue | Promise kept |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 952 | 943 | 91% | 1 month | 84489% | 24of 771 parsed | — |
| 2025 | 310 | 310 | 00% | 13 months | 25382% | 86of 210 parsed | — |
| 2024 | 161 | 161 | 00% | 2 years 1 month | 13886% | 78of 111 parsed | — |
| 2023 | 97 | 97 | 00% | 3 years 2 months | 8386% | 47of 66 parsed | — |
| 2022 | 65 | 65 | 00% | 4 years 2 months | 5686% | 35of 42 parsed | — |
| 2021 | 48 | 48 | 00% | 5 years 1 month | 3879% | 22of 30 parsed | — |
| 2020 | 41 | 41 | 00% | 6 years 1 month | 3688% | 16of 20 parsed | — |
| 2019 | 32 | 32 | 00% | 7 years 3 months | 32100% | 14of 17 parsed | — |
| 2018 | 17 | 17 | 00% | 8 years 1 month | 1588% | 7of 8 parsed | — |
| 2017 | 14 | 14 | 00% | 9 years 3 months | 1393% | 5of 7 parsed | — |
| Game | Promise | Promised | Elapsed | Clock | Verdict | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| Touhou Blooming SoulTouhou Blooming Soul | est. 6-12 monthsread 8 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 7 months | 61% | On the clock5 months left | |
| MEAT TRAINMEAT TRAIN | 6-12 months. Maybe less if all goes well.read 9 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 末日危城-希望末日危城-希望 | We estimate the Early Access phase will last approximately 6 to 12 months, depending on community feedback and the scope of new features we decide to implement during the development process.read 9 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 7 months | 60% | On the clock5 months left | |
| First Person Data ExplorerFirst Person Data Explorer | I expect the game to remain in Early Access for one to two years.read 6 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 14 months | 60% | On the clock10 months left | |
| 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 8 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 7 months | 60% | On the clock5 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 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 7 months | 59% | On the clock5 months left | |
| SkyShard: City BattlerSkyShard: City Battler | Our Early Access period should last no longer than 6 months, and could be notably quicker if our artists are able to continue producing art at a high rate of speed. We have a well defined roadmap and ample funds to finish, so we think this is a very reasonable goal.read 7 Sep 2026 | 0–6 months | 4 months | 59% | On the clock2 months left | |
| To Be Altered: ACT 1To Be Altered: ACT 1 | Until all acts are complete--it's difficult to get an estimate time, but Act 1 has taken me approximately 1.5 years to develop from the ground up. Taking that into consideration, each act may take around a year or a year and a half to create: the most realistic estimate time would be 2-3 more years, but I plan to release each act when they're ready rather than dropping it all at once.read 7 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 11 months | 59% | On the clock7 months left | |
| BubblyBubbly | The plan is to stay in Early Access for around 1–4 months, depending on how the game evolves and how much iteration it needs.read 8 Sep 2026 | 1–4 months | 2 months | 59% | On the clock2 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 | 59% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Ground of AcesGround of Aces | We are planning for 1.5 to 2 years of Early Access. As a small indie team, changes and adjustments to the plan are possible.read 5 Sep 2026 | 18–24 months | 14 months | 58% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Toaster ArenaToaster Arena | The game has a deadline for November 2027 however, playtesting and user experience comes first and if the game needs time for improvements, polish and bug fixes. The release date will be pushed back if the quality of our product does not meet player expectations.read 9 Sep 2026 | 2 years 10 monthsuntil 30 Nov 2027 | 20 months | 58% | On the clock14 months left | |
| Team Principal: A Racing ManagerTeam Principal: A Racing Manager | 6 months - 1 yearread 8 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 7 months | 57% | On the clock5 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 | 57% | 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 | 57% | 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 | 57% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Dino Ramen ExpressDino Ramen Express | 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 8 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 7 months | 57% | On the clock5 months left | |
| GrimshireGrimshire | We are estimating that Grimshire will be in early access for at least 1-2 years.read 6 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 14 months | 57% | On the clock10 months left | |
| 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 9 Sep 2026 | 6–7 months | 4 months | 57% | On the clock3 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 | 56% | 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 | 56% | On the clock5 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 9 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 7 months | 56% | On the clock5 months left | |
| DJ Life Simulator: Learn to DJ for RealDJ Life Simulator: Learn to DJ for Real | 3 Monthsread 9 Sep 2026 | about 3 months | 2 months | 56% | On the clock1 month left | |
| Civics ScribbleCivics Scribble | About two months, which gives us time to incorporate feedback into the final version.the store says it leaves Early Access on 17 Sep 2026 | about 2 months | 1 month | 55% | On the clockDue this month | |
| 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 6 Sep 2026 | about 8 months | 4 months | 55% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Starforged LegacyStarforged Legacy | We expect to continue iterating on Starforged Legacy for 3-6 months after its Early Access launch.read 8 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 3 months | 55% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Annihilate The SpanceAnnihilate The Spance | Until the end of 2027read 8 Sep 2026 | 3 yearsuntil 31 Dec 2027 | 20 months | 55% | On the clock16 months left | |
| Assetto Corsa RallyAssetto Corsa Rally | We're aiming to have the full 1.0 release ready within less than 18 months from the start of Early Access. We believe this timeframe strikes the right balance between gathering crucial community feedback and delivering a polished, complete experience. Of course, game development is a dynamic process, and we'll keep you informed every step of the way if any adjustments to the timeline become necessary.read 5 Sep 2026 | 0–18 months | 10 months | 55% | On the clock8 months left | |
| Web Host SimulatorWeb Host Simulator | We plan to keep the game in Early Access for approximately 24 months. This period will be used to expand content, test new systems, and refine the experience with the help of the community.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 2 years | 13 months | 55% | On the clock11 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 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 7 months | 55% | On the clock5 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 6 Sep 2026 | about 9 months | 5 months | 55% | On the clock4 months left | |
| GenderShiftGenderShift | 2-3 months.read 9 Sep 2026 | 2–3 months | 2 months | 54% | 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 | 6 months | 54% | On the clock6 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 | 54% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Space Engineers 2Space Engineers 2 | Our plan for keeping the Space Engineers 2 in Early Access is approximately three years (end of 2027).read 6 Sep 2026 | about 3 years | 19 months | 54% | On the clock17 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 8 Sep 2026 | 6–9 months | 5 months | 54% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Untamed KingdomUntamed Kingdom | Untamed Kingdom" plans to remain in Early Access for 1 yearread 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 6 months | 53% | On the clock6 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 | 6 months | 53% | 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 7 Sep 2026 | 14 monthsuntil 31 Mar 2027 | 7 months | 52% | On the clock7 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 9 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 6 months | 52% | 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 7 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 6 months | 52% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Obscure Chronicle of DynastiaObscure 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 | 52% | 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.