How long did they say Early Access would take, and how long has it been? · 2,237 in Early Access · 2,931 promises read · 995 announced, not started
| Year | Games | In Early Access now | Graduated | Median time in EA | Promise read | Overdue | Promise kept |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1,096 | 1,076 | 202% | 1 month | 1,01893% | 34of 917 parsed | — |
| 2025 | 404 | 404 | 00% | 13 months | 36089% | 130of 312 parsed | — |
| 2024 | 207 | 207 | 00% | 2 years 1 month | 18790% | 109of 150 parsed | — |
| 2023 | 115 | 115 | 00% | 3 years 2 months | 10490% | 62of 83 parsed | — |
| 2022 | 78 | 78 | 00% | 4 years 2 months | 6988% | 45of 53 parsed | — |
| 2021 | 54 | 54 | 00% | 5 years 1 month | 4787% | 27of 36 parsed | — |
| 2020 | 46 | 46 | 00% | 6 years 1 month | 4189% | 20of 25 parsed | — |
| 2019 | 42 | 42 | 00% | 7 years 3 months | 42100% | 20of 23 parsed | — |
| 2018 | 23 | 23 | 00% | 8 years 1 month | 2191% | 12of 13 parsed | — |
| 2017 | 21 | 21 | 00% | 9 years 2 months | 2095% | 10of 12 parsed | — |
| Game | Promise | Promised | Elapsed | Clock | Verdict | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Blacksmith Tycoon ~The Appraiser-Shopkeeper Conquers the Blacksmith Trade~Ultimate Blacksmith Tycoon ~The Appraiser-Shopkeeper Conquers the Blacksmith Trade~ | We estimate Early Access will last approximately 3 months as a baseline. This duration is not fixed - it will flexibly adjust based on the volume and nature of community feedback, the priorities for additional features, and the need for balance tuning. If the community wants us to "spend more time refining in this direction" or "wait for a specific feature before going to 1.0", we will prioritize those voices. Progress updates and roadmap changes will be shared transparently through monthly devlogs on Steam News.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 3 months | 3 months | 100% | On the clockDue this month | |
| Fata Deum - The God SimFata Deum - The God Sim | We plan to remain in EA for a year, but this may change based on player feedback and the available budget. That means if Fata Deum is more successful, we will stay in EA longer and try to invest more and more in the game.read 11 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 12 months | 99% | On the clockDue this month | |
| Mars AttractsMars Attracts | 9-12 Months.the store says it leaves Early Access on 24 Sep 2026 | 9–12 months | 12 months | 99% | On the clockDue this month | |
| ENDLESS Legend™ 2ENDLESS Legend™ 2 | We will exit Early Access and release v1.0 on September 17, 2026.the store says it leaves Early Access on 17 Sep 2026 | 12 monthsuntil 17 Sep 2026 | 12 months | 97% | On the clockDue this month | |
| BlocksworldBlocksworld | We plan to take until the fouth quarter 2026 at the latest, essentially until we've finished implementing the redesigned UI elements for PC. We also plan to continue development and support of Blocksworld past the Early Access phase. Stay tuned for a public roadmap!read 8 Sep 2026 | 9 years 3 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 9 years | 97% | On the clock3 months left | |
| PlutocracyPlutocracy | We are planning to complete the development in the 2026.read 5 Sep 2026 | 7 years 1 monthuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 6 years 10 months | 96% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Car Dealership Simulator 2Car Dealership Simulator 2 | We are aiming to bring it to completion in one year. But that time frame can vary based on the players' feedback and possible modifications for improving the game.read 5 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 12 months | 96% | On the clockDue this month | |
| Graffism VR - Graffiti SimulatorGraffism VR - Graffiti Simulator | We expect to need around 6 months, up to a maximum of 12 months, to add all the content and features we have planned.read 11 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 12 months | 96% | On the clockDue this month | |
| Turing CompleteTuring Complete | The game will exit early access in 2026read 8 Sep 2026 | 5 years 3 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 4 years 11 months | 94% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Project GunshipProject Gunship | The current goal is to have a 1.0 full release sometime this year, 2026.read 10 Sep 2026 | 4 years 4 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 4 years | 93% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Way of the Hunter 2Way of the Hunter 2 | We currently expect Early Access to last half a year. Because development time heavily depends on the community feedback we receive, the real duration can vary.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 6 months | 93% | On the clockDue this month | |
| STONKS-9800: Stock Market SimulatorSTONKS-9800: Stock Market Simulator | I plan to release the full version of the game in 2026.read 5 Sep 2026 | 3 years 5 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 3 years 2 months | 92% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Unnamed Space IdleUnnamed Space Idle | The game should be ready for full release after an engine upgrade and UI rework. Plus a bit more content. That should be completed hopefully in 2026, but thats hard to pinpoint.read 6 Sep 2026 | 3 years 5 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 3 years 2 months | 92% | On the clock3 months left | |
| I Know a Guy: Shady Life SimulatorI Know a Guy: Shady Life Simulator | Our plan is to stay in Early Access for about 3 to 6 months. During that time, we’ll expand the open world, add new NPCs and missions, upgrade gameplay mechanics, and polish the humor and voice acting. The goal is to make sure every feature feels exactly as ridiculous - and completed - as intended.the store says it leaves Early Access on 25 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 5 months | 90% | On the clockDue this month | |
| Farmer's Dynasty 2Farmer's Dynasty 2 | The plan is to have a short Early Access period of up to 6 months. We already have a strong understanding of player desires and expectations from the previous game that we want to deliver on, while also assessing and integrating additional community feedback.read 8 Sep 2026 | 0–6 months | 5 months | 89% | On the clockDue this month | |
| OHVOHV | My current plan is to get the game's full version out by 2026. The plan might change depending on community feedback.read 11 Sep 2026 | 2 yearsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 21 months | 87% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Tavern Keeper 🍻Tavern Keeper 🍻 | We plan to be in Early Access for roughly a year, though this could change based on player feedback.read 5 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 10 months | 86% | On the clock2 months left | |
| Mall SimulatorMall Simulator | We anticipate the full game will be available in about 12 months. This timeframe allows us to implement all the features we have planned and refine the game to meet our standards.read 5 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 10 months | 86% | On the clock2 months left | |
| Car Factory EmpireCar Factory Empire | The game's release date from early access will depend on the players' condition. In a positive scenario, we expect to bring the product to final assembly within a year.read 11 Sep 2026 | 0–12 months | 10 months | 86% | On the clock2 months left | |
| Sea PowerSea Power | We are currently targeting a 1.0 release in Q4 2026. This timeline reflects the remaining work across AI, performance optimization, Dynamic Campaign features, modding support, and quality of life features. As with any Early Access title, timelines may evolve.read 11 Sep 2026 | 2 years 2 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 22 months | 85% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Campus Legends College BasketballCampus Legends College Basketball | The game launched into Early Access in January of 2025, with the goal of a full release sometime in 2026.read 7 Sep 2026 | 23 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 19 months | 84% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Believr Pro WrestlingBelievr Pro Wrestling | BPW will likely remain in Early Access for roughly 9 months as we refine gameplay systems, add additional content, and respond to community feedback. This timeframe may adjust based on development needs.read 11 Sep 2026 | about 9 months | 7 months | 82% | On the clock2 months left | |
| Hollywood AnimalHollywood Animal | We plan to take the game out of Early Access in 2026.read 5 Sep 2026 | 21 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 17 months | 81% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Backrooms Cleanup CrewBackrooms Cleanup Crew | We will be in Early Access until we have completed the main story levels, which will be 3 chapters of 8 levels each in total. At our current update rate, we estimate full release in 2026.read 11 Sep 2026 | 21 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 17 months | 80% | On the clock4 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 10 Sep 2026 | 6 years 5 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2027 | 5 years 1 month | 79% | On the clock16 months left | |
| 3D Skills Start Here3D Skills Start Here | We anticipate being in Early Access until around December 2026, depending on feedback and development needs. This period gives us time to integrate player suggestions, expand content, and polish the full experience. If more time is needed, we’ll keep the community updated and involved.read 11 Sep 2026 | 17 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 13 months | 79% | On the clock4 months left | |
| SKYSAVIOR Helicopter ServicesSKYSAVIOR Helicopter Services | The exact duration of this period will depend on feedback from our players regarding what adjustments should be made to the core game mechanics and whether we can create new game modes based on our community's wishes. Our current plan is to remain in Early Access for 3 to 12 months.read 10 Sep 2026 | 3–12 months | 9 months | 78% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Off World RacingOff World Racing | We plan for Off World Racing to be in Early access for 8 - 12 Months. We have 3 Major milestones in our last 20% of development. 1 - Launch stable build with 5 worlds, full physics engine, and 10 vehicle. Collect telemetry & player feedback. 2 - Implement feedback, add new tracks, Visual Damage, and implement Steam leaderboards, polish UI & visuals, and expand multiplayer stability. 3 - Final content integration, Multiple Language Support, console certification prep, marketing & press push.read 11 Sep 2026 | 8–12 months | 9 months | 78% | On the clock3 months left | |
| みんなで Physical TRAIN ~チャムランド国営鉄道~みんなで Physical TRAIN ~チャムランド国営鉄道~ | We expect to continue worldbuilding and refinement through Early Access for up to a year, and to improve the content of the game. In the future, we will decide whether to extend Early Access or release the game officially depending on the progress of development.read 11 Sep 2026 | 0–12 months | 9 months | 78% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Biltur SimulatorBiltur Simulator | Our plan is to release the full version within a year. But we want to make sure the full version is all it can be before we do so. Our goal is to ensure that all planned features, including more complex weather systems, additional environments, and the mechanics for unlocking content within the simulator, are thoroughly tested and bug-free before the full version is released.read 10 Sep 2026 | 0–12 months | 9 months | 77% | On the clock3 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 11 Sep 2026 | 4 years 3 monthsuntil 31 Aug 2027 | 3 years 3 months | 77% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Prehistoric KingdomPrehistoric Kingdom | During the Early Access release in April 2022, the team felt that around 20 content updates would be necessary to make Prehistoric Kingdom feel polished and feature-complete. As of the time of writing in 2026, the team is hard at work on Update 18 and is aiming to fully release the game with Update 19, which is currently scheduled for 2027.read 5 Sep 2026 | 5 years 8 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2027 | 4 years 5 months | 77% | On the clock15 months left | |
| Card Survival: Fantasy ForestCard Survival: Fantasy Forest | We expect the game to remain in Early Access for approximately two years. During that time you can expect frequent updates as we've done with our previous releases.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 2 years | 18 months | 77% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Stocks: Main Force SimulatorStocks: Main Force Simulator | Expected to last 6 to 12 months. The period may be extended if new features are added to ensure content quality.read 9 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 9 months | 76% | On the clock3 months left | |
| My Car My LifeMy Car My Life | 1 yearread 9 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 9 months | 75% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Seafarer: The Ship SimSeafarer: The Ship Sim | We are currently planning for a full release sometime in 2026.read 11 Sep 2026 | 15 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 11 months | 74% | On the clock4 months left | |
| TobianoTobiano | Tobiano is planned for full release around the fall of 2026.read 6 Sep 2026 | 9 monthsuntil 30 Nov 2026 | 7 months | 74% | On the clock2 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 | 10 months | 74% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Schedule ISchedule I | Schedule I will be in early access for approximately 2 years.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 2 years | 18 months | 74% | On the clock6 months left | |
| PlentifulPlentiful | The plan is to be in Early Access for 6 months or so.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 4 months | 71% | On the clock2 months left | |
| Virtual SkateVirtual Skate | Depending on how the game evolves with community feedback and how many features make the cut for 1.0, we anticipate 12 to 18 months in Early Access. While we have a roadmap, we want to be flexible to allow players to voice their thoughts and help make the best skate game we can.read 9 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 13 months | 71% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Maximilian SpeeMaximilian Spee | I have plan to remain in Early Access for approximately 6–9 months. This timeframe allows me to expand content, refine balance, and incorporate player feedback while ensuring the quality and stability of the full release.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–9 months | 6 months | 70% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Basketball SimulatorBasketball Simulator | 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 10 Sep 2026 | about 18 months | 12 months | 69% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Real Estate Tycoon!Real Estate Tycoon! | 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 10 Sep 2026 | about 18 months | 12 months | 69% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Medieval Archer SimulatorMedieval Archer Simulator | 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 10 Sep 2026 | about 18 months | 12 months | 69% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Nuclear OptionNuclear Option | Nuclear Option will be in Early Access well into 2027, and perhaps beyond. To us, Early Access is not an excuse to ship a sub-par game, but a commitment to continue improving the game for as long as we're able.read 10 Sep 2026 | 4 years 3 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2027 | 2 years 11 months | 68% | On the clock16 months left | |
| Drunkard SimulatorDrunkard Simulator | I'm aiming to release 1.0 version in 2026, but I'll prioritize a properly aged brew over some rushed garbage.read 6 Sep 2026 | 11 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 8 months | 68% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Teddy's HavenTeddy's Haven | I'm currently expecting the full release to happen by late 2026 to early 2027. The development velocity has been substantial, and while the game is already in an incredibly stable state, we want to take the time needed to fully realize my final vision. My estimated time in Early Access is about 18 - 24 months. Even after the full release, I plan to continue offering updates and new content to keep the experience fresh and engaging.read 5 Sep 2026 | 18–24 months | 16 months | 68% | On the clock8 months left | |
| Golf Pro SimulatorGolf Pro Simulator | 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 10 Sep 2026 | about 18 months | 12 months | 67% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Fishing Pro SimulatorFishing Pro Simulator | 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 10 Sep 2026 | about 18 months | 12 months | 67% | 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.