How long did they say Early Access would take, and how long has it been? · 2,679 in Early Access · 3,699 promises read · 1,228 announced, not started
| Year | Games | In Early Access now | Graduated | Median time in EA | Promise read | Overdue | Promise kept |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1,199 | 1,174 | 252% | 2 months | 1,14395% | 43of 1,029 parsed | — |
| 2025 | 477 | 477 | 00% | 13 months | 44393% | 166of 379 parsed | — |
| 2024 | 253 | 253 | 00% | 2 years 1 month | 23894% | 142of 192 parsed | — |
| 2023 | 131 | 131 | 00% | 3 years 2 months | 12192% | 76of 99 parsed | — |
| 2022 | 88 | 88 | 00% | 4 years 2 months | 8192% | 52of 62 parsed | — |
| 2021 | 71 | 71 | 00% | 5 years 2 months | 6490% | 40of 49 parsed | — |
| 2020 | 56 | 56 | 00% | 6 years 2 months | 5598% | 29of 36 parsed | — |
| 2019 | 53 | 53 | 00% | 7 years 3 months | 53100% | 27of 30 parsed | — |
| 2018 | 34 | 34 | 00% | 8 years 2 months | 3294% | 24of 25 parsed | — |
| 2017 | 44 | 44 | 00% | 9 years 3 months | 4398% | 22of 24 parsed | — |
| Game | Promise | Promised | Elapsed | Clock | Verdict | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GraffismGraffism | 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 | 97% | On the clockDue this month | |
| RotfrontRotfront | 2-4 Month'sread 9 Sep 2026 | 2–4 months | 4 months | 95% | On the clockDue this month | |
| Beyond Enemy Lines - VietnamBeyond Enemy Lines - Vietnam | We’re aiming for around 2 to 4 months in Early Access. This may change depending on player feedback and how development progresses.read 8 Sep 2026 | 2–4 months | 4 months | 94% | On the clockDue this month | |
| SANCTIONSANCTION | The game will stay in Early Access until Q4 2026 at the earliest.read 8 Sep 2026 | 4 years 7 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 4 years 3 months | 93% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Reclaiming the LostReclaiming the Lost | The game is currently divided into 7 planned chapters, and we have completed 3 of them so far. We expect the game to be in Early Access until approximately November 2026. This timeframe will allow us to gather feedback, refine the existing content, and complete the remaining chapters to deliver a polished final product.read 12 Sep 2026 | 2 yearsuntil 30 Nov 2026 | 22 months | 91% | On the clock2 months left | |
| CRYOCRYO | CRYO will remain in Early Access until we determine the game is fully prepared for official release. Our plans for the Early Access period include expanding the game's core foundation by introducing multiple maps and a variety of monsters. During this phase, we are committed to addressing any major bugs, resolving issues, and thoroughly balancing the gameplay to ensure a high-quality experience. We expect to have the game ready for full release within a year of early access. This would put it roughly at Q4 of 2026.read 13 Sep 2026 | 0–12 months | 11 months | 89% | On the clock1 month left | |
| Beneath the Cardboard: Be HappyBeneath the Cardboard: Be Happy | We don't want to set specific deadlines, and we will work at the pace that we consider optimal for us and for our players, but we hope that the version 1.0.0 will be complete by Winter 2026read 10 Sep 2026 | 2 years 7 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 2 years 3 months | 89% | On the clock4 months left | |
| OHVOHV | My current plan is to get the game's full version out by 2026. The plan might change depending on community feedback.read 13 Sep 2026 | 2 yearsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 21 months | 87% | On the clock3 months left | |
| The Other SideThe Other Side | Our goal is to reach a full release sometime in late 2026, but we’re not rushing it. We want to make sure every update feels meaningful and polished, so that timeline could shift as we expand features and respond to feedback along the way.read 5 Sep 2026 | 22 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 18 months | 83% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Sorter (Early Access)Sorter (Early Access) | I'm getting close to finishing the storyline and adding all levels to the game. I'm not sure how much longer it will take. Ideally I would love to shoot for a fall/winter 2026 release.read 13 Sep 2026 | 19 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 16 months | 83% | On the clock3 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 | |
| Chronicle Archive - JapanChronicle Archive - Japan | Our goal is to fully release *Chronicle Archive - Japan* by the **next year sometime**, but we’re committed to delivering the best experience possible and will strive to complete it even earlier if feasible. Your feedback during Early Access will play a crucial role in helping us refine the game and reach this milestone.read 11 Sep 2026 | 21 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 17 months | 82% | On the clock4 months left | |
| HexboticaHexbotica | Hopefully before Q4 2026read 13 Sep 2026 | 18 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 15 months | 82% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Flipper FrenzyFlipper Frenzy | The current goal is to leave Early Access within the next year. There's still plenty I want to add—more tracks, game modes, features, polish, and quality-of-life improvements—but the finish line is finally in sight. The goal has never been to stay in Early Access forever. I want Flipper Frenzy to become a complete, polished game that people can keep coming back to. If it takes a little longer, it'll be because I'm adding meaningful improvements—not because I'm trying to stretch out development.read 11 Sep 2026 | 20 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 16 months | 80% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Kings of HellKings of Hell | Each Chapter of my game takes roughly a year to complete. The initial Steam release of this game will have the game be at Chapter 4, with the Final game having 6 Chapters in Total.read 7 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 10 months | 80% | On the clock2 months left | |
| 无名勇者见闻录无名勇者见闻录 | It will take 4-5 years to experience the freshness. After going online, we will gradually develop the complete content and modify the unreasonable aspects according to the feedback: Phase I: Perfect the whole script; Redo UI; Complete main city and its supporting facilities; Add the current main line NPC and the corresponding plot flow; Reasonable trading system prototype; Corresponding dungeons; Phase II: A new map and matching plot; Perfect the trading system; New monsters; New dungeon; Modify the action system; Modify monster Ai; Add new equipment; The third stage: A new map and matching plot; New monsters; Add new interactive items; More intelligent Ai; New dungeon; Phase IV: (possibly) add language; Redo the ending; Open MOD; Support to the community.read 13 Sep 2026 | 48–60 months | 3 years 11 months | 79% | On the clock13 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 | 79% | 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 13 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 | |
| AtomixAtomix | Roughly 6 months.read 13 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 4 months | 72% | On the clock2 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 | 68% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Rebel DuetRebel Duet | With a total of 7 story arcs currently planned, I estimate the Early Access phase will last approximately two to three years. However, it's possible it might take longer depending on feedback.read 7 Sep 2026 | 24–36 months | 22 months | 62% | On the clock14 months left | |
| Toaster ArenaToaster Arena | The game has a deadline for November 2027 however, playtesting and user experience comes first and if the game needs time for improvements, polish and bug fixes. The release date will be pushed back if the quality of our product does not meet player expectations.read 12 Sep 2026 | 2 years 10 monthsuntil 30 Nov 2027 | 20 months | 58% | On the clock14 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 | 1 month | 56% | On the clockDue this month | |
| ASTRALASTRAL | ASTRAL intends to remain in Early Access until we’re confident it meets our quality standards and delivers a complete experience. Depending on progress, we intend to aim for full release around Q4 2026 / Q1 2027. This remains contingent on community feedback and our velocity in refining gameplay, adding content, and polishing the title.read 7 Sep 2026 | 14 monthsuntil 31 Mar 2027 | 7 months | 53% | On the clock7 months left | |
| Five FeetFive Feet | 6-12 months, depending on community feedback and development progress. I'll keep players updated on the roadmap through regular dev updates.read 11 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 6 months | 53% | On the clock6 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 | 48% | On the clock3 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 | |
| RollrageRollrage | 8 to 12 months.read 10 Sep 2026 | 8–12 months | 5 months | 41% | On the clock7 months left | |
| TorquonomicsTorquonomics | 10 monthsread 11 Sep 2026 | about 10 months | 4 months | 36% | On the clock6 months left | |
| CarX Drift Racing Online 2CarX Drift Racing Online 2 | We’re planning to enter Early Access around Q2 2026 and a full launch scheduled for May 2027.the store says it leaves Early Access on 27 May 2027 | 13 monthsuntil 31 May 2027 | 4 months | 33% | On the clock9 months left | |
| A Diamond DisplayA Diamond Display | We plan to follow the noble tradition of legendary survival games by staying in Early Access for approximately 12 to 18 months. > While the 'heat death of the universe' is our ultimate deadline, we figure we can probably achieve the perfect meta-commentary on the industry by mid-2027. We’ll keep the 'Early Access' tag for as long as it takes to reach that mythical '1.0' status, or until we’ve successfully emulated every Alpha-stage trope known to man. Don't worry; we aren't going anywhere—we're committed to this 'work-in-progress' aesthetic for at least the next year and a half.read 13 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 5 months | 30% | On the clock13 months left | |
| Manifold3DManifold3D | We plan for Manifold to be in Early Access for approximately 8 to 12 months. This window provides us enough time to transition from our current functional core to a polished, production-ready environment.read 11 Sep 2026 | 8–12 months | 4 months | 30% | On the clock8 months left | |
| RustPlowRustPlow | We plan to run Early Access for about 6 months before officially releasing the full game.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 2 months | 30% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Echoes of Creation: OriginEchoes of Creation: Origin | We expect the game to remain in Early Access for approximately 3–12 months. This timeframe allows us to iterate based on player feedback, refine gameplay systems, and deliver a more polished and complete experience.read 13 Sep 2026 | 3–12 months | 4 months | 30% | On the clock8 months left | |
| Coin Slots LiveCoin Slots Live | We expect Coin Slots Live to be in Early Access for around 1–2 years, depending on feedback, feature development, and overall polish. We plan to leave Early Access once the core experience feels complete and stable.read 9 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 7 months | 28% | On the clock17 months left | |
| Bounty Pro PullingBounty Pro Pulling | The game is planned to be in Early Access for approximately a year.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 3 months | 25% | On the clock9 months left | |
| Backrooms Lost UnitBackrooms Lost Unit | We expect Backrooms Lost Unit to remain in Early Access for roughly 12 to 16 months. This timeframe may change depending on development progress, player feedback, and testing results. As the project is primarily developed by a solo developer, timelines may shift as features are tested and refined. Our goal during Early Access is to gradually expand the game’s content and improve stability while shaping the experience alongside the community.read 8 Sep 2026 | 12–16 months | 4 months | 24% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Master of RealmsMaster of Realms | We currently expect Master Of Realms to remain in Early Access for approximately one to two years. During this period, we plan to continue refining core systems, expanding content, and improving overall stability and performance based on community feedback. The exact duration may adjust depending on development progress and users' input.read 11 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 6 months | 24% | On the clock18 months left | |
| Troubled LegacyTroubled Legacy | We plan to keep Troubled Legacy in Early Access until around the end of 2027. The current target date is December 31, 2027. As the project continues to grow, this timeframe may change depending on the scope of future content.read 10 Sep 2026 | 20 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2027 | 4 months | 20% | On the clock16 months left | |
| Global RescueGlobal Rescue | The duration of Early Access largely depends on how the game evolves together with the community and when we feel it has reached a complete and polished state. Based on our current plans, we expect Global Rescue to remain in Early Access for approximately 1 to 2 years. However, this timeframe may change depending on development progress, player feedback, and the overall reception of the game.read 7 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 5 months | 19% | On the clock19 months left | |
| Huff & PuffHuff & Puff | We expect Huff & Puff to be in Early Access for about 3 to 6 months, though that may change depending on player feedback, balance needs, and the amount of polish and content we decide to add before full release.read 6 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 1 month | 17% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Life in TudorofkaLife in Tudorofka | We plan to keep the game in Early Access for approximately 6 to 18 months, depending on development progress and community feedback. The exact duration may vary as we continue to improve and expand the game over time.read 13 Sep 2026 | 6–18 months | 3 months | 17% | On the clock15 months left | |
| Master Stacker: Tower TrialsMaster Stacker: Tower Trials | 2-4 months is my guess. i feel i'm relatively close to release. 2 months if i keep to just adding modes or piece sets and general debugging of the systems we already have. Up to 4 if people give me new good features that fit the game and should be added. also i need to spend time advertising.read 6 Sep 2026 | 2–4 months | 3 weeks | 16% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Tellus: Echo of the VoidTellus: Echo of the Void | About between 24 months 30 months since release of the game as early access.read 12 Sep 2026 | 24–30 months | 5 months | 15% | On the clock2 years 1 month left | |
| Dragonlance: Veil of the Last SanctumDragonlance: Veil of the Last Sanctum | The current plan is to get to a full release in the final of 2026 however this may change depending on features added and how the game will progress through early access.read 12 Sep 2026 | 4 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 2 weeks | 14% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Terrarium.liveTerrarium.live | We expect the game to remain in Early Access while we expand it toward parity with the original Gameshow experience and beyond. Planned additions include new playable roles like the Investor and Janitor, new maps and locales, expanded tools and weapons, deeper customization and progression systems, minigames, and social hub features. Development will continue iteratively with ongoing content, systems, and gameplay improvements based on community feedback. We estimate we will remain in early access for roughly 12-24 months as we bring the experience to the standard we are happy to call released.read 12 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 3 months | 13% | On the clock21 months left | |
| Market Simulation: Rush HourMarket Simulation: Rush Hour | We expect Market Simulation: Rush Hour to stay in Early Access for approximately 12–18 months. During this time, we plan to expand core gameplay systems, improve balance, and add new content based on player feedback. The timeline may change as development continues, but our goal is a polished and complete full release.read 11 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 2 months | 13% | On the clock16 months left | |
| SkillWarzSkillWarz | We expect SkillWarz to remain in Early Access for approximately 12 months. The exact duration will depend on community feedback and the level of polish we want to achieve before considering the Steam edition complete.read 11 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 months | 13% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Lawn OrderLawn Order | A few months, though quality comes before the calendar. If the roadmap needs more time, we'll take it and keep the community posted.read 6 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 3 weeks | 11% | On the clock5 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.