How long did they say Early Access would take, and how long has it been? · 3,349 in Early Access · 4,707 promises read · 1,480 announced, not started
| Year | Games | In Early Access now | Graduated | Median time in EA | Promise read | Overdue | Promise kept |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1,379 | 1,336 | 433% | 2 months | 1,33897% | 58of 1,196 parsed | — |
| 2025 | 572 | 572 | 00% | 14 months | 54896% | 220of 474 parsed | — |
| 2024 | 293 | 293 | 00% | 2 years 1 month | 28397% | 173of 228 parsed | — |
| 2023 | 158 | 158 | 00% | 3 years 2 months | 15196% | 96of 125 parsed | — |
| 2022 | 110 | 110 | 00% | 4 years 2 months | 10595% | 65of 79 parsed | — |
| 2021 | 87 | 87 | 00% | 5 years 2 months | 8193% | 54of 64 parsed | — |
| 2020 | 73 | 73 | 00% | 6 years 2 months | 7299% | 43of 51 parsed | — |
| 2019 | 65 | 65 | 00% | 7 years 3 months | 65100% | 38of 42 parsed | — |
| 2018 | 55 | 55 | 00% | 8 years 3 months | 5396% | 40of 41 parsed | — |
| 2017 | 111 | 111 | 00% | 9 years 4 months | 11099% | 74of 77 parsed | — |
| Game | Promise | Promised | Elapsed | Clock | Verdict | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Three Kingdoms:YiThree Kingdoms:Yi | We expect Early Access to last 3 to 6 months, with the exact timeline adjusted based on content completeness and player feedback. Our goal is to fully deliver the eight provinces' unique content, the complete hero roster, and the full awakening paths for custom heroes. Once the core content is live and properly balanced, we'll move into full release.read 16 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 3 months | 47% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Sixth ForceSixth Force | Our current expectation is that Sixth Force will stay in Early Access for around 3 to 6 months. This may change depending on development progress, player feedback, testing, and the amount of additional content and polish needed before we feel the game is ready for a full release.read 16 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 3 months | 47% | On the clock3 months left | |
| CinderiaCinderia | Approximately 12 months. We move as fast as quality allows.read 16 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 6 months | 47% | On the clock6 months left | |
| HYPHAEHYPHAE | 1 yearread 12 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 6 months | 46% | On the clock6 months left | |
| PortalbornPortalborn | I currently expect Portalborn to remain in Early Access until approximately December 2026, although that timeline may change depending on community feedback and the pace of development. Before full release, my primary goals are to continue improving the new-player experience, expand quality-of-life features, refine combat and progression balance, add additional content and systems, and further improve the Portal Workshop and creator tools.read 16 Sep 2026 | 6 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 3 months | 46% | On the clock3 months left | |
| UNIT 42: Adrift in SpaceUNIT 42: Adrift in Space | The game will be in Early Access for roughly 6 months, given its current state and the planned improvements. This may be extended to one year if the game requires it to reach a satisfactory level for me and players.read 12 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 6 months | 46% | On the clock6 months left | |
| DEPLETEDDEPLETED | We expect DEPLETED to remain in Early Access for roughly 6–12 months, depending on community feedback and development progress. Our goal is to expand the game’s content, improve balance, and polish the overall experience before a full release.read 15 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 5 months | 45% | On the clock7 months left | |
| NEODRIVENEODRIVE | Six months, based on my current pace of track creation and its rate of acceleration as my internal tooling improves. I will spend most of that time finishing the campaign level set. Any remaining time will be spent implementing community feature requests.read 15 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 3 months | 45% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Morbid MetalMorbid Metal | We already have a Year One roadmap, but we’re keeping the timeline flexible so we can integrate community feedback along the way.read 16 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 5 months | 44% | On the clock7 months left | |
| Super Alloy CrushSuper Alloy Crush | Early Access is expected to last around 12 months, but this may change depending on development progress and community feedback. Our top priority is to make sure the game’s quality meets both player expectations and our own standards, so the timeline will remain flexible.read 7 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 5 months | 44% | On the clock7 months left | |
| Snow Resort SimulatorSnow Resort Simulator | Approximately 6-12 months.read 14 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 5 months | 44% | On the clock7 months left | |
| Solar ExpanseSolar Expanse | We are planning to stay in Early Access for approximately a year, depending on the development.read 15 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 5 months | 44% | On the clock7 months left | |
| Mad Television TycoonMad Television Tycoon | It is planned to leave the game in Early Access for 6-12 months. That's enough time to improve the game with the help of the community.read 13 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 5 months | 44% | On the clock7 months left | |
| BatakBatak | We plan to be in Early Access for up to one year.read 15 Sep 2026 | 0–12 months | 5 months | 44% | On the clock7 months left | |
| Gravity Assist: InitiativeGravity Assist: Initiative | At the moment, I am looking at 1 year, but likely (and hopefully) much less.read 13 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 5 months | 44% | On the clock7 months left | |
| Cafe Business ManagerCafe Business Manager | We plan to keep Cafe Business Manager in Early Access for around 8–12 months. However, this may vary depending on community feedback and the amount of new content we add. Our focus is quality over speed — we’ll move to the full release only when we’re confident the experience feels complete and satisfying.read 14 Sep 2026 | 8–12 months | 5 months | 44% | On the clock7 months left | |
| Light the FireLight the Fire | I expect the game to remain in Early Access for approximately 9 to 12 months, depending on development progress and community feedback.read 6 Sep 2026 | 9–12 months | 5 months | 44% | On the clock7 months left | |
| Out of ActionOut of Action | Roughly 12–18 months. That may change depending on development progress and feedback.read 14 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 8 months | 43% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Captain HardcoreCaptain Hardcore | Approximately 12 - 18 months, depending on player feedback and how much content I decide to add.read 15 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 8 months | 43% | On the clock10 months left | |
| The Gold River ProjectThe Gold River Project | We expect The Gold River Project to remain in Early Access for 12–18 months. Our focus is quality over speed; building each season, system, and biome to the standard players deserve. The game will leave Early Access when all planned seasons, storylines, and major gameplay systems are complete.read 15 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 8 months | 43% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Radar IdentifiedRadar Identified | We anticipate Early Access lasting approximately 9–12 months, though this may change depending on the scope of feedback and features we decide to pursue.read 16 Sep 2026 | 9–12 months | 5 months | 43% | On the clock7 months left | |
| Moves Of The Diamond HandMoves Of The Diamond Hand | We plan to have this in early access for nine to twelve months.read 11 Sep 2026 | 9–12 months | 5 months | 43% | On the clock7 months left | |
| OceaneersOceaneers | We've entered Early Access highly polished and with a lot of content already. We expect it to be in Early Access for roughly one year, with some flexibility depending on how much we add based on your feedback.read 16 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 5 months | 43% | On the clock7 months left | |
| Relic AbyssRelic Abyss | 1 yearread 15 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 5 months | 43% | On the clock7 months left | |
| ModernFireModernFire | The game will be available in Early Access for approximately one year — until the main stages of the project’s development are completed. During this period, active work is planned on fixing bugs and improving key mechanics, including unit balance, commander abilities, and more. We also plan to expand the selection of units and special abilities that may reflect the military potential of several countries. In addition, we are considering adding new maps with different atmospheres and designs to make battles more diverse. Possible options include maps with desert cities, open terrain, and densely built urban areas, which may create additional conditions for tactics and strategic decision-making.read 10 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 5 months | 43% | On the clock7 months left | |
| Idle IktahIdle Iktah | I expect the game to be in Early Access for somewhere around 6-12 months.read 15 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 5 months | 43% | On the clock7 months left | |
| BurnoutBurnout | By the end of 2026, though I hope to finish much earlier. I’m putting my full dedication into this project!read 10 Sep 2026 | 6 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 3 months | 43% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Shards of the HeartShards of the Heart | I expect Shards of the Heart to remain in Early Access while additional chapters and features are completed. Development is ongoing, and the length of Early Access will depend on scope, testing, and feedback. My goal is to continue improving and expanding the game at a steady, sustainable pace, but I am aiming to have the majority of the game and story complete at the end of 2026.read 13 Sep 2026 | 6 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 3 months | 43% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Task Force AdmiralTask Force Admiral | The current plan for Task Force Admiral is to be in Early Access for 12 to 18 months.read 12 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 8 months | 42% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Don't Lose AggroDon't Lose Aggro | I'm targeting 12 months. That's enough time to add the content, companions and systems that will make the tanking experience feel complete and respect players time.read 15 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 5 months | 42% | On the clock7 months left | |
| Whisper of the SwallowsWhisper of the Swallows | About 18 months.read 15 Sep 2026 | about 18 months | 8 months | 42% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Express Car Wash SimulatorExpress Car Wash Simulator | We anticipate the Early Access period to last approximately 12 months. This timeframe allows us to implement planned features, polish existing content, and ensure a stable and enjoyable full release.read 13 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 5 months | 42% | On the clock7 months left | |
| Fathom's EndFathom's End | Approximately 6 months to 1 yearread 13 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 5 months | 42% | On the clock7 months left | |
| 粒子战争 Particle Wars粒子战争 Particle Wars | We plan to remain in Early Access for 6 to 12 months. The exact duration depends on the following factors: The scale and complexity of community feedback The development progress of new game modes We will regularly update the community on our progress through update logs, and provide a more accurate release date announcement 3 months before the full versionread 10 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 5 months | 42% | On the clock7 months left | |
| RollrageRollrage | 8 to 12 months.read 10 Sep 2026 | 8–12 months | 5 months | 42% | On the clock7 months left | |
| Super Golden Odyssey: 3D Platformer WorldSuper Golden Odyssey: 3D Platformer World | We estimate that the game will be in Early Access for about one and a half years. This timeframe will allow us to gather feedback, implement new features, and polish the game based on player input.read 14 Sep 2026 | about 18 months | 8 months | 42% | On the clock10 months left | |
| CloudDwellersCloudDwellers | The length of our Early Access period will ultimately depend on the feedback we receive from players — your input will help shape how the game evolves. That said, based on our current roadmap, we expect Cloud Dwellers to remain in Early Access for about a year, with the full release planned for mid-2027. We’re fully committed to making sure the game is worth your time and support. Our goal is to keep delivering meaningful updates and genuine enjoyment throughout the development process and beyond.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 5 months | 42% | On the clock7 months left | |
| Unhallowed SurvivorsUnhallowed Survivors | We currently expect Unhallowed Survivors to remain in Early Access for approximately 1 month. This timeframe may change depending on player feedback, balancing needs and the development of the remaining stages, heroes and systems.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 1 month | 2 weeks | 42% | On the clockDue this month | |
| EONIA RevelationsEONIA Revelations | We expect EONIA REVELATIONS to remain in Early Access for roughly twelve to fifteen months. Updates will arrive almost daily to keep the world growing, breathing, and steadily moving forward.read 9 Sep 2026 | 12–15 months | 6 months | 42% | On the clock9 months left | |
| Mandate of Galactic EmpiresMandate of Galactic Empires | I'm estimating somewhere around four to six months, though the exact length depends on what comes out of player feedback. The core game should reach a complete state within the first few months. The remaining time is for the additional content and polish I have planned, and for figuring out which of those are worth building based on what players actually engage with once they're in the game. If things come together sooner, I'd rather leave Early Access early than stretch it out to fill the window.read 13 Sep 2026 | 4–6 months | 2 months | 41% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Weed Shop 4: HighlandWeed Shop 4: Highland | We expect the game to remain in Early Access for around 6–12 months, depending on development progress and community feedback.read 16 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 5 months | 41% | On the clock7 months left | |
| Kiss of Sin: Rewinding FlameKiss of Sin: Rewinding Flame | We expect to leave Early Access and reach full release within a year. We plan to release regular updates during development. Our team has already successfully taken two projects through Early Access to a full release stateread 14 Sep 2026 | 0–12 months | 5 months | 41% | On the clock7 months left | |
| Space Drilling StationSpace Drilling Station | Space Drilling Station will be available in Early Access for about a year. The schedule may evolve based on your feedback and the direction taken during development.read 15 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 5 months | 41% | On the clock7 months left | |
| MusicHellMusicHell | 12-16 months should be enough time to finish the features for full release.read 15 Sep 2026 | 12–16 months | 6 months | 41% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Masters of AlbionMasters of Albion | We currently expect Masters of Albion to remain in Early Access for around 12 months. However, development will continue based on player feedback and the needs of the game, so the timeline may shift as we refine and expand the experience. We’ll keep you all updated on plans via our Discord and Steam page.read 15 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 5 months | 40% | On the clock7 months left | |
| AifuAifu | We estimate that Aifu will be in Early Access for approximately 3 to 6 months. This timeframe will depend directly on the feedback we receive from the community and how long it takes us to implement and polish the new features, customization tools, and content expansions that we choose to prioritize together before the official full release.read 15 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 2 months | 40% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Cyber PlinkoCyber Plinko | 3 months at mostread 6 Sep 2026 | 0–3 months | 1 month | 40% | On the clock2 months left | |
| SimplePlanes 2SimplePlanes 2 | We plan for the game to be in Early Access for approximately one year.read 14 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 5 months | 40% | On the clock7 months left | |
| SUPROTYVSUPROTYV | We plan for the game to remain in Early Access for approximately 6–12 months, depending on development progress and community feedback.read 15 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 5 months | 40% | On the clock7 months left | |
| The Last Night:Zombie AttackThe Last Night:Zombie Attack | I currently expect the game to remain in Early Access for roughly 12–18 months. This estimate is based on the scope of the project and the time needed to refine systems, address feedback, and improve overall stability. This timeframe may change as development continues, but it reflects the current development plan.read 16 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 7 months | 40% | On the clock11 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.