How long did they say Early Access would take, and how long has it been? · 1,980 in Early Access · 2,394 promises read · 799 announced, not started
| Year | Games | In Early Access now | Graduated | Median time in EA | Promise read | Overdue | Promise kept |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1,013 | 1,001 | 121% | 1 month | 92091% | 29of 838 parsed | — |
| 2025 | 369 | 369 | 00% | 13 months | 31886% | 121of 275 parsed | — |
| 2024 | 177 | 177 | 00% | 2 years 1 month | 15588% | 91of 124 parsed | — |
| 2023 | 103 | 103 | 00% | 3 years 2 months | 8986% | 51of 71 parsed | — |
| 2022 | 73 | 73 | 00% | 4 years 2 months | 6488% | 40of 48 parsed | — |
| 2021 | 50 | 50 | 00% | 5 years 1 month | 4182% | 23of 31 parsed | — |
| 2020 | 43 | 43 | 00% | 6 years 1 month | 3888% | 18of 22 parsed | — |
| 2019 | 37 | 37 | 00% | 7 years 3 months | 37100% | 18of 21 parsed | — |
| 2018 | 21 | 21 | 00% | 8 years 1 month | 1990% | 10of 11 parsed | — |
| 2017 | 17 | 17 | 00% | 9 years 3 months | 1694% | 7of 9 parsed | — |
| Game | Promise | Promised | Elapsed | Clock | Verdict | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dragon: The GameDragon: The Game | Early Access will continue to our retail launch in the winter of 2017. We will follow an aggressive development road map with major updates every three to seven weeks.read 9 Sep 2026 | 1–2 months | 11 years 10 months | 8882% | Overdueby 11 years 9 months | |
| Anarchy ArcadeAnarchy Arcade | AArcade's development is nearly complete and will be coming out of Early Access WITHIN A COUPLE MONTHS. The April 20th release date has been pushed back as we eagerly await news on a VR update to the Source engine.read 8 Sep 2026 | 2–3 months | 12 years | 4808% | Overdueby 11 years 9 months | |
| Infect and DestroyInfect and Destroy | While we are not yet sure how long Early Access will take we can safely say that Infect and Destroy will stay in Early Access until a set of important features such as Special Infected, Campaign, Buildings and more are implemented. Our estimate would be that Early Access will take approximately 3 months.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 3 months | 11 years 7 months | 4646% | Overdueby 11 years 4 months | |
| Zone 22Zone 22 | I've planned that the game will be there for hopefully not more than 4 months. Updates will be released every 2 weeks with some exceptions of course.read 10 Sep 2026 | 1–4 months | 11 years 1 month | 3334% | Overdueby 10 years 9 months | |
| Infinite Scuba®Infinite Scuba® | We expect to be in Early Access about 18 weeks.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 4 months | 9 years 8 months | 2827% | Overdueby 9 years 4 months | |
| Beat Aim - Rhythm FPS TrainerBeat Aim - Rhythm FPS Trainer | Depends on how well game is going to be perceived and supported but don't worry I like the game and the concept behind it so much that I'm going to work on it forever :). With that being said BeatAim will be getting better infinitely but I plan to release it out of Early Access after progression system being fully done (1-3 months) or multiplayer (~5 months).read 10 Sep 2026 | 1–3 months | 6 years 10 months | 2744% | Overdueby 6 years 7 months | |
| F-Drones SimulatorF-Drones Simulator | We plan to stay in early access until the end of 2024. During this time, we want to ensure a high level of game quality by implementing all the necessary updates and features based on your feedback. We are confident this will allow us to prepare a full release that meets the community's expectations.read 6 Sep 2026 | 1 monthuntil 31 Dec 2024 | 21 months | 2137% | Overdueby 20 months | |
| Ancient Gladiators ( SPQG )Ancient Gladiators ( SPQG ) | Probably 1-3 months.read 6 Sep 2026 | 1–3 months | 4 years 8 months | 1858% | Overdueby 4 years 5 months | |
| Enchanted BlacksmithEnchanted Blacksmith | The current plan is to release the game in 2027, but this may change depending on how many additional features are requested by the community during the early access period. New content updates are expected to be released on average every 2 months during the early access period until the game is completed, but this may vary depending on the size and complexity of the content.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 2 months | 3 years | 1823% | Overdueby 2 years 10 months | |
| Idle ResearchIdle Research | Roughly two to three months.read 5 Sep 2026 | 2–3 months | 4 years 1 month | 1644% | Overdueby 3 years 10 months | |
| Tech Executive TycoonTech Executive Tycoon | We have moved to a specific feature release schedule that allows us much more forecasting capabilities. We fully intend to have a release candidate anywhere between June 2019 to September 2019. However, at this time, we want to give ourselves another calendar year to meet our highest expectations for the final release candidate.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6 monthsuntil 30 Jun 2019 | 7 years 9 months | 1544% | Overdueby 7 years 3 months | |
| Idle GuyIdle Guy | Depends on the amount of feedback and edits. Approximately up to 1 monthread 6 Sep 2026 | 0–1 months | 14 months | 1434% | Overdueby 13 months | |
| Master Of PotteryMaster Of Pottery | With the new content I've designed, it depends on the feedback and function requests I plan to get during the 3-6-month preemptive experience period.read 8 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 6 years 10 months | 1366% | Overdueby 6 years 4 months | |
| ImmunityImmunity | Less than 6 months.read 6 Sep 2026 | 0–6 months | 6 years 9 months | 1356% | Overdueby 6 years 3 months | |
| CodeSpellsCodeSpells | Originally, we had planned to release the full game in Summer of 2016. However, while we were working and listening to our beta testers, we realized that our in-game systems for explaining coding and motivating people to create spells were lacking. Tutorials were a feature we had subconsciously relegated to the unreached NPC Stretch Goal of our Kickstarter campaign, but we have realized since then that in order to create a truly accessible and enjoyable experience, we should have a more interactive coding window, and perhaps even a small guided campaign where players could test their skills. However, the campaign mode is a dream goal, and last on our list. Our primary concern is to make the best procedurally-generated spell-crafting sandbox game the world has ever known. We are so grateful for everyone’s help in making CodeSpells as magical as we all want it to be. We hope you will continue to give us feedback as we bear down on the final product.read 10 Sep 2026 | 11 monthsuntil 31 Aug 2016 | 11 years | 1198% | Overdueby 10 years 1 month | |
| Crash'em DerbyCrash'em Derby | We estimate that Crash'em Derby will be in Early Access for roughly six months.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 6 years | 1192% | Overdueby 5 years 6 months | |
| Alnico SmitheryAlnico Smithery | It's always hard to estimate how long things like this will take. While theoretically I imagine the game could be finished in a month or two's time, realistically things like new ideas, bugs, suggestions, and real life always end up greatly affecting that time-frame. So with that in mind, I *think* Alnico won't spend more than a year in Early Access, but I make no promises.read 7 Sep 2026 | 1–2 months | 23 months | 1126% | Overdueby 21 months | |
| Playground VRPlayground VR | We don't want to have it in early access for a long time. It's hard to predict it accurately at the moment. Our task is to add more funny and playable elements. Thanks to them we want the player not to get bored and to come back to the game. We also want to encourage them to explore new features! In our opinion, we should finish the game in 6 months.the store says it leaves Early Access on 30 Oct 2026 | about 6 months | 5 years 6 months | 1107% | Overdueby 5 years | |
| Infinite Game Works Episode 1Infinite Game Works Episode 1 | Approximately a quarter of a year.read 10 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 10 years 11 months | 1088% | Overdueby 9 years 11 months | |
| Feed and Grow: FishFeed and Grow: Fish | One year. During this time we want to test the specific new additions and focus on improving them.read 5 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 10 years 8 months | 1067% | Overdueby 9 years 8 months | |
| Snooker Nation ChampionshipSnooker Nation Championship | We're hoping to be in early access for no longer than a year. We will follow the communities lead on when we feel its ready for a full releaseread 9 Sep 2026 | 0–12 months | 10 years 4 months | 1037% | Overdueby 9 years 4 months | |
| Fat BabyFat Baby | It depends on what our community wants to add to the game. I would guess anywhere from 3-6 months.read 9 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 4 years 9 months | 943% | Overdueby 4 years 3 months | |
| UndholmUndholm | Although there's no strict timeline, it's likely that this game will be in early access until around December 2019. This is subject to change as the game evolves over time.read 9 Sep 2026 | 12 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2019 | 7 years 8 months | 768% | Overdueby 6 years 8 months | |
| SLEEPOVERSLEEPOVER | With the progress made so far I think the game will be in Early Access for roughly a year. The focus is on getting an enjoyable game loop down first, before expanding into bigger features and content. Early Access will be used to solidify the core gameplay loop.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 7 years 8 months | 765% | Overdueby 6 years 8 months | |
| SailwindSailwind | A very optimistic release target is Christmas 2021. More realistic date would be the first half of 2022.read 10 Sep 2026 | 8 monthsuntil 30 Jun 2022 | 4 years 11 months | 735% | Overdueby 4 years 3 months | |
| The Political ProcessThe Political Process | I will probably keep the game in early access as long as new features are regularly being added to the game. My estimate is approximately one year in early access, but that could change depending on how many suggestions I receive from the community.read 10 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 6 years 10 months | 680% | Overdueby 5 years 10 months | |
| WGT GolfWGT Golf | We expect to be in Early Access for approximately 12 months as we continue working on improving the game. That said, our time in Early Access could extend beyond that until we feel we've got it right. You'll be the first to know about updates to our timeline -- whether that means we're ready sooner than expected, or need a little more time.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 6 years 5 months | 641% | Overdueby 5 years 5 months | |
| TrackDayRTrackDayR | We think that our game will be in Early Access al least for 12 months to complete the core and all the game mechanics.read 5 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 5 years 6 months | 549% | Overdueby 4 years 6 months | |
| FPV Kamikaze DroneFPV Kamikaze Drone | The time the game will remain in Early Access will depend on community feedback and our commitment to achieving a high level of quality. We intend to regularly update the game, adding new content and features, with a tentative goal to release from Early Access by mid-2024. Our main objective is to deliver a fully polished version of the game that meets player expectations.read 10 Sep 2026 | 7 monthsuntil 30 Jun 2024 | 2 years 9 months | 470% | Overdueby 2 years 2 months | |
| Spaceflight SimulatorSpaceflight Simulator | We estimate the Early Access period to roughly last from 9 to 12 months.read 5 Sep 2026 | 9–12 months | 4 years 7 months | 456% | Overdueby 3 years 7 months | |
| 69 Summon Succubus69 Summon Succubus | It depends on how much content the players want. We offer the game for another 12 months fixing bugs and adding new content.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 4 years 4 months | 432% | Overdueby 3 years 4 months | |
| SailSail | 8 - 12 months. But we will take as much time as necessary to make SAIL the VR pirate game it needs to be.read 7 Sep 2026 | 8–12 months | 4 years 1 month | 409% | Overdueby 3 years 1 month | |
| Idle WeaponshopIdle Weaponshop | It will approximately take another 6 to 8 months to finish the planned content trees and polish up the game and ensure there are no known serious issues remaining.read 7 Sep 2026 | 6–8 months | 2 years 6 months | 380% | Overdueby 22 months | |
| Helicopter Gunship DEXHelicopter Gunship DEX | This game will be in Early Access for probably another 12 months. Currently the game has 10 flyable helicopters and their associated weapon systems, 3 terrain types to fly over, a wide range of enemy and allied ground units and a comprehensive random mission generator. The current beta is focused on single "challenge" missions as well as tutorial missions and a complete U.I. re-fresh. I believe in constant updates and engaging with the community via the Steam Forums. I try to publish weekly updates and keep everyone informed about what is happening behind the scenes.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 3 years 9 months | 378% | Overdueby 2 years 9 months | |
| Sleeve ShockSleeve Shock | Until the story content is completed, looking to finish approximately mid 2024, with regular content updates each month.read 7 Sep 2026 | 10 monthsuntil 30 Jun 2024 | 3 years 1 month | 368% | Overdueby 2 years 3 months | |
| Ages of Conflict: World War SimulatorAges of Conflict: World War Simulator | Early Access period will end once the game is in a state where it doesn't necessarily "need" any more updates. There is no concrete date yet, but likely within a yearread 5 Sep 2026 | 0–12 months | 3 years 7 months | 356% | Overdueby 2 years 7 months | |
| Space Simulation ToolkitSpace Simulation Toolkit | The game will remain in Early Access for about 2 years.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 2 years | 6 years 3 months | 313% | Overdueby 4 years 3 months | |
| The Zone - FPV Drone SimulatorThe Zone - FPV Drone Simulator | 3-6 monthsread 9 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 18 months | 303% | Overdueby 12 months | |
| The EggThe Egg | We assume that the Early Access will remain for about 1 year. That would be 2024, but it could be earlier or later.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 years 10 months | 283% | Overdueby 22 months | |
| Casino SimulatorCasino Simulator | We plan to keep our game in Early Access for 8 months.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 8 months | 22 months | 276% | Overdueby 14 months | |
| DeadOSDeadOS | This is a long term project but I estimate to come out of Early Access roughly within the next two years.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 2 years | 5 years 4 months | 268% | Overdueby 3 years 4 months | |
| B-17 Flying Fortress : The Mighty 8th ReduxB-17 Flying Fortress : The Mighty 8th Redux | 6 months to 1 year.read 9 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 years 7 months | 262% | Overdueby 19 months | |
| Power Network TycoonPower Network Tycoon | I plan to stay in Early Access until Power Network Tycoon reaches its full potential. While I don't have a fixed timeline, my goal is to launch the full version when I feel confident that it provides a comprehensive, engaging, and polished experience. It will not include every possible Power Engineering simulation known to man, but through the updates and community feedback, new features and enhancements will be considered and integrated until Power Network Tycoon becomes the game it was meant to be. My early estimate is one year of Early Access based off my current understanding of the game, however it should be noted I also work as a Power Engineer have a high standard for this Power Engineering game.the store says it leaves Early Access on 30 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 years 7 months | 258% | Overdueby 19 months | |
| Feed the CupsFeed the Cups | About 8-12 months, depending on how much changes or additions we need to make to the game system before the final completion.read 9 Sep 2026 | 8–12 months | 2 years 7 months | 256% | Overdueby 19 months | |
| Derail ValleyDerail Valley | We've set a really high bar for what we want the complete Derail Valley to be - the best train simulator game in the world. We're working towards completing it in a couple of years, if all goes well.read 5 Sep 2026 | 24–36 months | 7 years 8 months | 254% | Overdueby 4 years 8 months | |
| WorldBox - God SimulatorWorldBox - God Simulator | There are many ideas that we want to add to the game before coming out from Early Access. We plan to be in Early Access roughly for 2 years.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 2 years | 4 years 9 months | 239% | Overdueby 2 years 9 months | |
| Motor Town: Behind The WheelMotor Town: Behind The Wheel | We think it would be 1 ~ 2 Years to finish. With regular updates within every month.read 6 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 4 years 9 months | 237% | Overdueby 2 years 9 months | |
| Black One Blood BrothersBlack One Blood Brothers | Hopefully, 18–24 months, with regular updates.read 9 Sep 2026 | 18–24 months | 4 years 8 months | 233% | Overdueby 2 years 8 months | |
| Ship Simulator RealisticShip Simulator Realistic | The Early Access is expected to last from 1 to 2 years.read 7 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 4 years 8 months | 233% | Overdueby 2 years 8 months | |
| Night Club SimulatorNight Club Simulator | We anticipate the Early Access phase to last approximately 3 to 6 months. During this time, the game will receive regular updates with new content, improvements, and tweaks based on player feedback.read 7 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 13 months | 223% | Overdueby 7 months |
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.