How long did they say Early Access would take, and how long has it been? · 1,772 in Early Access · 2,020 promises read · 693 announced, not started
| Year | Games | In Early Access now | Graduated | Median time in EA | Promise read | Overdue | Promise kept |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 947 | 939 | 81% | 1 month | 83888% | 23of 765 parsed | — |
| 2025 | 309 | 309 | 00% | 13 months | 25282% | 86of 209 parsed | — |
| 2024 | 161 | 161 | 00% | 2 years 1 month | 13886% | 78of 111 parsed | — |
| 2023 | 96 | 96 | 00% | 3 years 2 months | 8285% | 46of 65 parsed | — |
| 2022 | 64 | 64 | 00% | 4 years 2 months | 5586% | 34of 41 parsed | — |
| 2021 | 47 | 47 | 00% | 5 years 2 months | 3779% | 22of 29 parsed | — |
| 2020 | 41 | 41 | 00% | 6 years 1 month | 3688% | 16of 20 parsed | — |
| 2019 | 31 | 31 | 00% | 7 years 3 months | 31100% | 13of 16 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bigfoot HuntingBigfoot Hunting | We plan to remain in Early Access for roughly six to nine months to polish mechanics, expand forest zones, introduce new traps, and balance combat and survival systems.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–9 months | 5 months | 52% | On the clock4 months left | |
| CrystantCrystant | We expect that several more months will be required for overall optimization and content expansion. The actual timeline will be dynamically adjusted based on player feedback and overall experience evaluations. Once the game’s content and quality meet our established standards and final preparations are complete, the full release will be launched, and we will continue to invest in ongoing updates and optimizations to ensure a stable and high-quality gameplay experience.the store says it leaves Early Access on 21 Sep 2026 | 3–9 months | 5 months | 52% | On the clock4 months left | |
| DYSPLACEDDYSPLACED | We estimate the early-access period lasts between 9-12 months starting in March 2026.read 7 Sep 2026 | 9–12 months | 6 months | 52% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Genome Guardian 2Genome Guardian 2 | 4-12 months.the store says it leaves Early Access on 11 Oct 2026 | 4–12 months | 6 months | 52% | On the clock6 months left | |
| BRUTALISTICK VRBRUTALISTICK VR | Currently there are no clear goals for when the full version should release except for reaching a certain level of polish and streamlining everything. The approximate release date for version 1.0 is 2027-2028.read 8 Sep 2026 | 4 years 9 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2028 | 2 years 5 months | 51% | On the clock2 years 4 months left | |
| The Interdependent View-Dimension: ZenaThe Interdependent View-Dimension: Zena | Probably around six months or so.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 3 months | 51% | On the clock3 months left | |
| MineMogulMineMogul | About 6 to 18 months.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–18 months | 9 months | 51% | On the clock9 months left | |
| Hive BlightHive Blight | About a year.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 6 months | 51% | On the clock6 months left | |
| YondelYondel | We currently expect Early Access to last around 12–18 months, depending on development progress and community feedback.read 8 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 9 months | 50% | On the clock9 months left | |
| Ranger’s Path: National Park SimulatorRanger’s Path: National Park Simulator | We are currently planning on staying in Early Access for about a year. However, development will continue as long as it’s needed to deliver the experience we and the community envision.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 6 months | 50% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Solasta IISolasta II | We intend to stay in Early Access for about a year to adjust and polish the content of Solasta II for the 1.0 release - although the exact duration will depend on the amount of community requests we intend to tackle!read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 6 months | 50% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Master of LunaMaster of Luna | Up to two years.read 8 Sep 2026 | 0–24 months | 12 months | 50% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Corner MarketCorner Market | I expect the Early Access period to last no longer than 3 months.read 9 Sep 2026 | 0–3 months | 1 month | 49% | On the clock2 months left | |
| Goblin CleanupGoblin Cleanup | We plan to finish the game within the next 24 months. With that in mind, it will remain in Early Access until we are satisfied. It depends on the community's reaction and how we feel about the game’s progressread 5 Sep 2026 | about 2 years | 12 months | 49% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Drive Beyond HorizonsDrive Beyond Horizons | We currently expect Drive Beyond Horizons to remain in Early Access for approximately 2 to 3 years. This timeframe will allow us to add the major planned features, expand the game’s content, improve performance, and refine the overall experience based on community feedback. As with any active development project, this timeline may evolve depending on the needs of the game, player feedback, and new opportunities that arise during development.read 9 Sep 2026 | 24–36 months | 18 months | 49% | On the clock18 months left | |
| Octavia’s AlienzzleOctavia’s Alienzzle | We currently expect Octavia’s Alienzzle to remain in Early Access for approximately 1–2 months. The exact duration will depend on community feedback and the progress of planned content and polish. Our priority is to deliver a complete, polished experience rather than release on a fixed date.read 6 Sep 2026 | 1–2 months | 4 weeks | 49% | On the clock1 month left | |
| Bow-wow BattleBow-wow Battle | Approximately 6-9 months. We plan to transition to full release once we feel the game has enough content and features based on player feedback.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–9 months | 4 months | 48% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Thor - God of ThunderThor - God of Thunder | We expect the game to remain in Early Access for approximately 9–12 months. This timeline allows us to expand enemy variety, polish combat systems, add additional armor sets and customization options, and complete the full ascent campaign to the Frost King summit.read 8 Sep 2026 | 9–12 months | 6 months | 48% | On the clock6 months left | |
| RosalieRosalie | We expect Early Access to last about 6 to 12 months, depending on player feedback and any exciting new ideas that emerge during development.read 9 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 6 months | 47% | On the clock6 months left | |
| ARB: Alien Races BattleARB: Alien Races Battle | The current plan is to leave Early Access sometime in 2026. The biggest variable isn’t building new features—it’s multiplayer testing. If the community grows and players keep finding bugs, balancing issues, and edge cases, I’ll be able to polish the game much faster. The goal isn’t to rush out of Early Access. The goal is to leave only when multiplayer feels rock solid.read 7 Sep 2026 | 7 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 3 months | 47% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Ascend From Nine MountainsAscend From Nine Mountains | Until the ninth realm is complete, and the game can be played from start to end. We roughly estimate this will take two years at current development pace.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 2 years | 11 months | 47% | On the clock13 months left | |
| GomboGombo | We're planning for Gombo to be in Early Access for roughly 6 to 7 months, with our current target for a 1.0 release toward the end of the year. That timeline could shift depending on player feedback and how much we want to expand or refine along the way. We'd rather take a little longer and get it right than rush out of Early Access.read 7 Sep 2026 | 6–7 months | 3 months | 46% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Nova RomaNova Roma | We plan to remain in Early Access for a year, but that could change depending on how the design develops with player feedback.read 5 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 6 months | 46% | On the clock6 months left | |
| S.A.M. - Stasis Asset ManagementS.A.M. - Stasis Asset Management | We're planning on under roughly 1-3 months. That said, this timeframe may be adjusted depending on community feedback and how stabilization progresses.read 8 Sep 2026 | 1–3 months | 1 month | 46% | On the clock2 months left | |
| ERA ONEERA ONE | Era One will remain in Early Access until the first quarter of 2027.read 6 Sep 2026 | 2 years 5 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2027 | 13 months | 45% | On the clock16 months left | |
| Z-IslandZ-Island | We therefore expect to complete the game by the end of 2026.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 3 months | 45% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Faire TradeFaire Trade | We anticipate the game will be in Early Access for approximately 1.5 to 2 years. However, our priority is to ensure the game reaches the level of quality and depth we envision, so this timeline may adjust based on development progress and community feedback.read 8 Sep 2026 | 18–24 months | 11 months | 45% | On the clock13 months left | |
| CinderiaCinderia | Approximately 12 months. We move as fast as quality allows.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 5 months | 45% | On the clock7 months left | |
| Blik BallBlik Ball | It is difficult to set an exact date; the players' desired suggestions and criticisms should be taken into account, and Blik Ball should run as flawlessly as possible. The plan is for 6 months.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 3 months | 44% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Species: UnknownSpecies: Unknown | Our goal is about 2 years of Early Access before reaching version 1.0. The exact timing will depend on feedback from the community and how much content we’re able to add along the way.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 2 years | 11 months | 44% | On the clock13 months left | |
| Finnish Cottage SimulatorFinnish Cottage Simulator | The current plan is to get the game's full version out in 2028.read 5 Sep 2026 | 4 years 2 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2028 | 22 months | 44% | On the clock2 years 4 months left | |
| Monster Adventure StudioMonster Adventure Studio | 6-10 Months, with a final release planned for late 2026.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–10 months | 4 months | 44% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Desert StalkerDesert Stalker | We estimate that Desert Stalker will require three or four more years to conclude properly.read 8 Sep 2026 | 36–48 months | 21 months | 44% | On the clock2 years 3 months left | |
| Bside: Desktop MateBside: Desktop Mate | We expect Bside to remain in Early Access for roughly 18 to 24 months. Our goal during this period is to keep refining the foundation and expanding the world step by step. Bside is designed as an evolving world that grows with its community, so development will continue beyond the initial Early Access phase. While we can’t predict an exact end point, we’ll keep sharing updates, adding new experiences, and working closely with players as the world of Biibits continues to take shape.read 7 Sep 2026 | 18–24 months | 10 months | 43% | On the clock14 months left | |
| SaveSyncSaveSync | We anticipate SaveSync will leave Early Access around Q4 2027, once we’ve expanded support to a broad range of co-op titles, refined performance, and incorporated community feedback.read 8 Sep 2026 | 2 years 3 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2027 | 12 months | 43% | On the clock15 months left | |
| 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 8 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 3 months | 43% | On the clock3 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 9 Sep 2026 | 6 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 3 months | 43% | 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 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 5 months | 42% | 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 | 42% | On the clock7 months left | |
| Snow Resort SimulatorSnow Resort Simulator | Approximately 6-12 months.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 5 months | 42% | 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 9 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 5 months | 42% | On the clock7 months left | |
| Captain HardcoreCaptain Hardcore | Approximately 12 - 18 months, depending on player feedback and how much content I decide to add.read 9 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 8 months | 42% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Out of ActionOut of Action | Roughly 12–18 months. That may change depending on development progress and feedback.read 8 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 8 months | 42% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Solar ExpanseSolar Expanse | We are planning to stay in Early Access for approximately a year, depending on the development.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 5 months | 42% | 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 7 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 5 months | 42% | On the clock7 months left | |
| BatakBatak | We plan to be in Early Access for up to one year.read 7 Sep 2026 | 0–12 months | 5 months | 42% | On the clock7 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 9 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 8 months | 42% | On the clock10 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 | 42% | 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 9 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 2 months | 41% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Innkeeper VRInnkeeper VR | Our best estimate is 18-24 months, but we’ll stay in Early Access until the core vision feels complete.read 7 Sep 2026 | 18–24 months | 10 months | 41% | On the clock14 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.