How long did they say Early Access would take, and how long has it been? · 3,233 in Early Access · 4,520 promises read · 1,428 announced, not started
| Year | Games | In Early Access now | Graduated | Median time in EA | Promise read | Overdue | Promise kept |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1,353 | 1,316 | 373% | 2 months | 1,31197% | 57of 1,175 parsed | — |
| 2025 | 551 | 551 | 00% | 14 months | 52595% | 208of 453 parsed | — |
| 2024 | 287 | 287 | 00% | 2 years 1 month | 27696% | 170of 224 parsed | — |
| 2023 | 153 | 153 | 00% | 3 years 2 months | 14595% | 94of 121 parsed | — |
| 2022 | 105 | 105 | 00% | 4 years 2 months | 10095% | 62of 75 parsed | — |
| 2021 | 84 | 84 | 00% | 5 years 2 months | 7792% | 52of 62 parsed | — |
| 2020 | 68 | 68 | 00% | 6 years 2 months | 6799% | 39of 46 parsed | — |
| 2019 | 61 | 61 | 00% | 7 years 3 months | 61100% | 34of 38 parsed | — |
| 2018 | 53 | 53 | 00% | 8 years 3 months | 5196% | 38of 39 parsed | — |
| 2017 | 93 | 93 | 00% | 9 years 3 months | 9299% | 60of 63 parsed | — |
| Game | Promise | Promised | Elapsed | Clock | Verdict | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat LifeCat Life | The Early Access phase is coming to an end. Version 1.0 is scheduled for release on October 17, 2026.the store says it leaves Early Access on 17 Oct 2026 | 3 years 9 monthsuntil 17 Oct 2026 | 3 years 8 months | 99% | On the clockDue this month | |
| SPACERIFT: Arcanum SystemSPACERIFT: Arcanum System | Over several years in Early Access, we've already completed about 70% of the core gameplay development. I believe we won't be able to implement the remaining 30% before the end of 2026. The timeline might extend even further.read 12 Sep 2026 | 6 yearsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 5 years 9 months | 96% | On the clock3 months left | |
| [Neolithic]To the End[Neolithic]To the End | It may take 5 years. (And likely more) Please be aware: 1, As the sole developer of the game, there are things in my life that may happen to delay the game development significantly. This is just an approximate estimation. 2, The end of early access does not change much. The game will keep updating to the end.read 15 Sep 2026 | about 5 years | 4 years 9 months | 95% | On the clock3 months left | |
| ElinElin | We are planning an early access period of approximately one year, two years at the most.read 16 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 22 months | 94% | On the clock2 months left | |
| Salty HoundsSalty Hounds | Salty Hounds" is scheduled to come out of Early Access in 2026.read 13 Sep 2026 | 3 years 6 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 3 years 3 months | 92% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Soulash 2Soulash 2 | The 1.0 release is planned in 2026, it may take longer if there's an opportunity to expand the game beyond the planned scope.read 5 Sep 2026 | 3 years 1 monthuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 2 years 9 months | 90% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Stay OutStay Out | We hope to get out of the early access phase for the winter of 2027, as soon as the game is brought in the form that suits both us and the players. We know what we want to achieve and doing everything possible to release the game in the version that we plan.read 10 Sep 2026 | 8 years 1 monthuntil 31 Dec 2027 | 6 years 10 months | 84% | On the clock15 months left | |
| Shattered MindsShattered Minds | Although I'm trying to finish the game as soon as possible, I can't give an exact date. As a rough estimate, I plan to leave Early Access in 2026.read 10 Sep 2026 | 21 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 17 months | 83% | On the clock4 months left | |
| 异星家园 (XenoHaven)异星家园 (XenoHaven) | We expect the Early Access period to last around one year. However, the exact timeline may be adjusted based on development progress and player feedback. As new content is added and the community provides suggestions, the direction and pace of the game’s development may evolve. Throughout this process, we will continue to communicate closely with our players.the store says it leaves Early Access on 28 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 10 months | 82% | On the clock2 months left | |
| Pathless WoodsPathless Woods | The Early Access stage will last about three years, but it can be subject to a variety of factors, so please be patient as development continues.read 16 Sep 2026 | about 3 years | 2 years 5 months | 82% | On the clock7 months left | |
| BellwrightBellwright | With the scale of the game and major plans for upcoming updates, along with your feedback regarding what you want to see in the game, we're estimating to reach full release within the next 3 years.read 15 Sep 2026 | about 3 years | 2 years 5 months | 80% | On the clock7 months left | |
| The Doors of TrithiusThe Doors of Trithius | Estimated v1.0 release: ~2027 We've made steady, consistent progress with the game now at v0.5. However, since the launch of Early Access I've realized the previous timeline was overly ambitious, leading to an updated estimate. Post-launch, you can still expect ongoing development, but updates will be larger and less frequent as we focus on substantial content and feature additions.read 13 Sep 2026 | 6 years 5 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2027 | 5 years 1 month | 79% | On the clock16 months left | |
| Tornado: Research and RescueTornado: Research and Rescue | Time estimates are incredibly difficult to give, and I have since completely rebuilt the game since the initial release in 2023. I aim for multiplayer in the next year, hopefully reaching 1.0 by Summer 2027.read 14 Sep 2026 | 4 years 3 monthsuntil 31 Aug 2027 | 3 years 4 months | 78% | On the clock11 months left | |
| The Boss Gangster: Criminal EmpireThe Boss Gangster: Criminal Empire | We currently plan to remain in Early Access until late 2026. The exact timeline may change depending on development progress and community feedback, but we are committed to releasing regular major content updates throughout Early Access.the store says it leaves Early Access on 27 Oct 2026 | 14 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 11 months | 75% | On the clock3 months left | |
| PIONERPIONER | One year approximately.read 5 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 9 months | 75% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Project: MistProject: Mist | We expect Project Mist to remain in Early Access for approximately 6 months, though this may change depending on player feedback and development progress.read 15 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 4 months | 66% | On the clock2 months left | |
| 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 15 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 8 months | 63% | On the clock4 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 15 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 6 months | 54% | On the clock6 months left | |
| DYSPLACEDDYSPLACED | We estimate the early-access period lasts between 9-12 months starting in March 2026.read 15 Sep 2026 | 9–12 months | 6 months | 53% | On the clock6 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 15 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 6 months | 52% | On the clock6 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 | |
| Pastor's Lake: The GamePastor's Lake: The Game | It could take up to several years. It is planned to carry out development as soon as possible, but the period may be extended. Please check the roadmap in the store page description.read 6 Sep 2026 | 36–72 months | 2 years 2 months | 36% | On the clock3 years 10 months left | |
| Besetmere ForestBesetmere Forest | We're hoping to only remain in early access for a month or two, although we are entirely uncertain.read 10 Sep 2026 | 1–2 months | 3 weeks | 35% | On the clock1 month left | |
| Hillshade FarmHillshade Farm | We estimate around 1 year in Early Access before the full release. We will take the time needed to ensure the game reaches its full potential. The priority is quality, depth, and player satisfaction rather than rushing to a 1.0 launch.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 4 months | 32% | On the clock8 months left | |
| G-RebelsG-Rebels | We expect to stay in Early Access for roughly six months. That gives us time to gather meaningful feedback, iterate on core systems like performance, controls, combat, and make sure everything, from dogfights to VR, feels tight and polished.read 12 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 2 months | 32% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Caravanners: Co-op Open World CampingCaravanners: Co-op Open World Camping | There is no fixed release date for the full version of the game. We plan to reach the full release through gradual updates based on player feedback and requests. Therefore, we currently estimate that the full version will be released sometime between 2027 and 2028.read 14 Sep 2026 | 3 years 2 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2028 | 11 months | 28% | On the clock2 years 3 months left | |
| DreamWorld: Sandbox MMODreamWorld: Sandbox MMO | We expect Early Access to last around two years, depending on feedback, development progress, and stability.read 11 Sep 2026 | about 2 years | 6 months | 26% | On the clock18 months left | |
| InfiniumInfinium | It is difficult to accurately predict how long Early Access will last. Based on the progress so far, we expect it to take roughly 12 months. We have a a few more goals we are working towards. We are focusing on delivering quality at a reasonable pace. There is no higher goal than completing Infinium and making it the best game possible.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 3 months | 25% | On the clock9 months left | |
| 幻兽纪元幻兽纪元 | It lasts approximately 2 to 3 months.read 15 Sep 2026 | 2–3 months | 3 weeks | 21% | On the clock2 months left | |
| PLAYNESE: Master JapanesePLAYNESE: Master Japanese | Version 1.0 is planned for release by the end of 2030 December, but that’s just the beginning. PLAYNESE will keep growing into a massive world aiming to cover all Japanese!read 15 Sep 2026 | 5 years 5 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2030 | 14 months | 21% | On the clock4 years 3 months left | |
| TerrafactorTerrafactor | Any specific timeline would just be a guess, so here's my thought process instead - I'm going to push the game's design and content as far as I'm able to, with the help of player feedback. Once the game is in a state where I'm happy with it, then it'll 1.0 - that could mean anywhere from a few months to a year or two. It all depends on player feedback and how far I can push the game's design.read 14 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 5 months | 19% | On the clock19 months left | |
| VEINVEIN | We plan to develop VEIN under Early Access until it’s feature-complete. That means we plan to add NPCs, raiders, settlements, quests, lore, and the full 14x14 kilometer map, alongside hundreds of other features and gameplay and graphical improvements. We estimate that, with full-time work, we can achieve this within roughly 5 years. We intend to work on VEIN indefinitely.read 16 Sep 2026 | about 5 years | 11 months | 18% | On the clock4 years 1 month left | |
| TaivalTaival | We plan to have Taival in early access for 6-12 months.read 16 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 months | 18% | On the clock10 months left | |
| NotmadsNotmads | The current plan is for Notmads to remain in Early Access for around 2 years. This is only an estimate and may change depending on how development progresses. I would rather give the game the time it needs than rush it toward a full release before it is readyread 8 Sep 2026 | about 2 years | 4 months | 17% | On the clock20 months left | |
| Killer BeanKiller Bean | This game will probably be in Early Access for 2 years. That would give me time to add key features like online co-op and a vast variety of content. I am planning to release major content updates every 2 months during Early Access.read 10 Sep 2026 | 2–24 months | 3 months | 14% | On the clock21 months left | |
| ZombusZombus | ZombUs is my passion project. Even though it’s just me and my dog, I’m committed to its evolution over the next three years—the estimated time for the game to leave Early Access—refining the gameplay and expanding the world to create the best possible experience.read 15 Sep 2026 | about 3 years | 5 months | 13% | On the clock2 years 7 months left | |
| MAK: SurvivalMAK: Survival | Approximately 2 years, due to its a two person operation who drives MAK:Survival, and for that we also have other things to attend to, but our souls are in this game and we work on it everyday.read 14 Sep 2026 | about 2 years | 3 months | 12% | On the clock21 months left | |
| MEOWMIMEOWMI | Expect the game to remain in Early Access for approximately 6–12 months, depending on feedback and development progress.read 14 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 month | 11% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Province: SurosteProvince: Suroste | The game is planned to remain in Early Access for about one year. However, the exact duration may change depending on development progress and community feedback. The full release is currently planned for Summer 2027.read 14 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 1 month | 10% | On the clock11 months left | |
| SandustrySandustry | We plan to remain in Early Access for a year, but that could change depending on how the design develops with player feedback.read 15 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 1 month | 9% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Calling in the ShadowsCalling in the Shadows | 1-2 yearsread 8 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 2 months | 9% | On the clock22 months left | |
| Alien ApocalypseAlien Apocalypse | The game will remain in Early Access for 6 to 12 months, until we consider it has reached the level of quality and content we envisioned for the official launch. We are committed to continuously improving the game through regular updates and community feedback until it is ready for version 1.0.read 13 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 4 weeks | 7% | 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 | 6% | 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 15 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 3 weeks | 6% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Morhval: RavenglaireMorhval: Ravenglaire | We currently expect Morhval to remain in Early Access for approximately 18 to 24 months. This is an estimate rather than a guaranteed deadline. Morhval is a solo-developed, systems-heavy RPG, and the duration may change depending on technical challenges, community feedback and the scope of the features developed during Early Access.read 9 Sep 2026 | 18–24 months | 1 month | 6% | On the clock23 months left | |
| Midwinter Fan RemasterMidwinter Fan Remaster | Around 6 months. The goal is 1.0 once the full campaign is complete and stable across the whole island and at various difficulty levels.read 13 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 1 week | 5% | On the clock6 months left | |
| The Last Disease ZThe Last Disease Z | I expect Early Access to last around 12–18 months. However, this timeframe may change depending on the amount of new features, community feedback, and the actual pace of development. It’s important for me to bring the game to the quality level it deserves.read 14 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 4 weeks | 5% | On the clock17 months left | |
| Victor Space ProgramVictor Space Program | I plan to remain in Early Access for around a year, but that could change depending on how the design develops with player feedback.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 weeks | 5% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Last DropLast Drop | Our estimation is 1-2 years. This is if we do the current storyline and add few new mechanics. We need to add rest of the cutscenes and quest structures to Main story of the game. We should also add some more places to map, side stories, vehicles and npc-characters. Ofcourse player input and comments affect where do we go with the game also.read 12 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 4 weeks | 4% | On the clock23 months left | |
| Town DiggersTown Diggers | Town Diggers will be in early access for approximately 18 months.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 18 months | 2 weeks | 2% | On the clock18 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.