How long did they say Early Access would take, and how long has it been? · 1,675 in Early Access · 1,826 promises read · 620 announced, not started
| Year | Games | In Early Access now | Graduated | Median time in EA | Promise read | Overdue | Promise kept |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 907 | 899 | 81% | 1 month | 78987% | 17of 719 parsed | — |
| 2025 | 292 | 292 | 00% | 13 months | 23480% | 80of 194 parsed | — |
| 2024 | 153 | 153 | 00% | 2 years | 12984% | 72of 104 parsed | — |
| 2023 | 91 | 91 | 00% | 3 years 1 month | 7785% | 43of 61 parsed | — |
| 2022 | 58 | 58 | 00% | 4 years 2 months | 4781% | 30of 37 parsed | — |
| 2021 | 42 | 42 | 00% | 5 years 3 months | 3071% | 18of 22 parsed | — |
| 2020 | 39 | 39 | 00% | 6 years 2 months | 3487% | 14of 18 parsed | — |
| 2019 | 28 | 28 | 00% | 7 years 3 months | 28100% | 12of 15 parsed | — |
| 2018 | 16 | 16 | 00% | 8 years 1 month | 1488% | 7of 8 parsed | — |
| 2017 | 13 | 13 | 00% | 9 years 3 months | 1292% | 5of 7 parsed | — |
| Game | Promise | Promised | Elapsed | Clock | Verdict | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UnclesUncles | 2 weeks from release dateread 8 Sep 2026 | about 2 weeks | 2 weeks | 99% | On the clockDue this month | |
| Rune ColiseumRune Coliseum | The early access period is planned for 1-2 years, with adjustments based on actual development progress.read 8 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 2 years | 98% | On the clockDue this month | |
| Don't Die, Collect LootDon't Die, Collect Loot | Approximately a year. It will take some time to add the rest of the content I’d like to see in the game.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 12 months | 97% | On the clockDue this month | |
| 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 | 96% | On the clockDue this month | |
| InfernaInferna | Inferna will remain in Early Access until the planned Level 120 expansion and expanded endgame systems are fully implemented and stable. Our current target is to transition out of Early Access in 2026. As a growing MMORPG, the timeline depends on polish, balancing, and community feedback.read 5 Sep 2026 | 7 yearsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 6 years 9 months | 96% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Renryuu: AscensionRenryuu: Ascension | Renryuu will leave Early Access when the main story is done. The biggest part of the story is done, and is advanced in a so called "time skip" phase, which advances the time in the world by several years through multiple acts. After the time skip, the big final of the story will take place, and finish the story. The goal is to finish the main story by the end of 2026.read 6 Sep 2026 | 5 years 1 monthuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 4 years 9 months | 94% | On the clock4 months left | |
| ErenshorErenshor | The plan is for Early Access to go on for approximately 18 months. This will give me enough time to create the new planned content, while allowing time to react to any user feedback during this phase of development.read 5 Sep 2026 | about 18 months | 17 months | 94% | On the clock1 month left | |
| Dungeon AlchemistDungeon Alchemist | We intend for Dungeon Alchemist to leave Early Access late 2026.read 5 Sep 2026 | 4 years 9 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 4 years 5 months | 94% | On the clock4 months left | |
| ElinElin | We are planning an early access period of approximately one year, two years at the most.read 7 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 22 months | 93% | On the clock2 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 | |
| Path of Exile 2Path of Exile 2 | Path of Exile 2 is leaving Early Access on December 11 2026 PST.the store says it leaves Early Access on 11 Dec 2026 | 2 yearsuntil 11 Dec 2026 | 21 months | 88% | On the clock3 months left | |
| WitchfireWitchfire | As of this update (July 2026 - 0.9), we are 85% content complete and have released seven major content updates during the Early Access period, with plans to launch 1.0 in late Q4 2026. The game is not just a product to us - it’s a labor of love that some of us have been crafting for the better part of a decade. We care about it greatly and prioritize its quality on all fronts, which requires time and attention - we closely follow your feedback while testing the game ourselves, and we’re grateful for your enthusiasm and patience. To deliver something truly special, however, we need time - hence the launch window has been set for Q4 2026.read 7 Sep 2026 | 2 years 3 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 2 years | 87% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Story Engine: No Script Story Engine: No Script | Roughly one month. It depends on the volume of player feedback and how many iteration rounds the prompts need. Prompt tuning has no true endpoint, but once we reach the point where most players are satisfied in most scenarios, we'll ship the full release.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 1 month | 4 weeks | 85% | On the clockDue this month | |
| Corruption of Champions IICorruption of Champions II | We're hoping to release the finished version in 2027. We plan to release updates every month with more content of all kinds. We have a very wide scope for the content in the game, with lots of choices the player can make, and this depth on top of the raw amount of playable content we have planned means it will take some time before everything is finished.read 5 Sep 2026 | 7 years 5 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2027 | 6 years 1 month | 82% | On the clock16 months left | |
| LunavaniaLunavania | Our plans are for this EA stage to be about 2 years long. But that is not written in stone: we will be open to our players’ feedback and ideas from the beginning, so that period can be expanded to meet their expectations until the game is ready for its full release.read 7 Sep 2026 | about 2 years | 20 months | 81% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Project AfterfallProject Afterfall | We’re planning for a period of around six months to a year. Of course, nothing is ever certain, but this timeline has worked well for our past titles, so we hope to stay within that estimate.read 7 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 10 months | 80% | On the clock2 months left | |
| Touhou Blooming SoulTouhou Blooming Soul | est. 6-12 monthsread 8 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 7 months | 61% | On the clock5 months left | |
| To Be Altered: ACT 1To Be Altered: ACT 1 | Until all acts are complete--it's difficult to get an estimate time, but Act 1 has taken me approximately 1.5 years to develop from the ground up. Taking that into consideration, each act may take around a year or a year and a half to create: the most realistic estimate time would be 2-3 more years, but I plan to release each act when they're ready rather than dropping it all at once.read 7 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 11 months | 59% | On the clock7 months left | |
| Dino Ramen ExpressDino Ramen Express | Roughly 6 months to a year…I know that might sound unreliable…But what if those 6 months include at least one small content update every day (bug fixes not counted), and one major story update every week?It’s possible that in just a few weeks, ARKPARK · HURRYUP will already feel like a full 1.0 release.We’ve already worked on it for 5 years—most content is finished; it just doesn’t fit the story order yet… Our ambition goes far beyond that.What really happened in ARKPARK?Where were the humans of Earth in 2102?Why do you play as an alien running a RamenDino with your robot friend?And so many more major “historical changes” coming to ARKPARK… We plan to spend the next 40 years of our lives telling this story across 5 mainline titles—the story of humans, aliens, and AIs in the ANTI Series spanning billions of years.This isn’t just a plan. We’ve already put in 5 years of work. ARKPARK · HURRYUP is the first of these five games: an open-world title combining adventure, management, and roguelike FPS.It needs massive polish and feedback to reach our extremely high standards.That’s why we need your help—and to let you witness this miracle story called “ANTI” together.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 7 months | 57% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Untamed KingdomUntamed Kingdom | Untamed Kingdom" plans to remain in Early Access for 1 yearread 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 6 months | 53% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Obscure Chronicle of DynastiaObscure Chronicle of Dynastia | We plan to complete this project within a minimum of six months and a maximum of approximately one year.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 6 months | 52% | 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 | |
| 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 | 47% | On the clock6 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 7 Sep 2026 | 6 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 3 months | 42% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Idle IktahIdle Iktah | I expect the game to be in Early Access for somewhere around 6-12 months.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 5 months | 41% | On the clock7 months left | |
| AfallonAfallon | While the nature of game development holds some inherent uncertainty regarding timelines, i anticipate that "Afallon" will be in Early Access for approximately between one and two years.read 6 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 9 months | 39% | On the clock15 months left | |
| Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden EraHeroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era | We plan to remain in Early Access for a year, but that could change depending on how the design develops with player feedback.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 4 months | 36% | On the clock8 months left | |
| Peace IslandPeace Island | We anticipate 12-18 months of development remain, with: Regular updates to the Demo Act 1 released on July 4, 2026 Act 2 released on Feb 4 2027 Act 3 released on July 4 2027 We understand that this schedule is a bit longer than both our oudeince (and ourselves) would prefer. However, we are a tiny team of just three people making a game that would usually require a staff of hundreds. Fortunately, our team is very creative, and dedicated to the mission we set out on, in November of 2017.read 8 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 6 months | 35% | On the clock12 months left | |
| FareverFarever | We expect Farever to remain in Early Access for about a year. The exact length will depend on the feedback we receive from our players and how our ideas for Farever progress. Our goal is to ensure that the game reaches a high standard of quality and depth of content before its full release. We are committed to taking the time necessary to make Farever the best it can be.read 5 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 4 months | 35% | On the clock8 months left | |
| BladesongBladesong | We are planning to expand the story and finish all major swordmaking features over the course of 2026 before launching our 1.0 version in 2027.read 5 Sep 2026 | 23 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2027 | 8 months | 33% | On the clock15 months left | |
| ホロダンジョン 博衣こよりとホロウライブ in ホンシャタワーホロダンジョン 博衣こよりとホロウライブ in ホンシャタワー | The specific release date has not yet been determined. We expect the Early Access period to last for 1 to 2 years, and we are currently aiming to release the full version in the first half of 2027.read 6 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 7 months | 30% | On the clock17 months left | |
| DarkStone RestorationDarkStone Restoration | We expect Darkstone Restoration to remain in Early Access for several months. The exact duration may vary depending on development progress, technical requirements, and community feedback. Rather than commit to a fixed final date too early, we want to keep enough flexibility to do the work properly.read 7 Sep 2026 | 3–9 months | 3 months | 28% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Abyss BornAbyss Born | We plan to be in the early access phase for about a year.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 3 months | 26% | On the clock9 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 | 23% | On the clock9 months left | |
| 明月专属传奇明月专属传奇 | Approximately one monthread 7 Sep 2026 | about 1 month | 1 week | 23% | On the clockDue this month | |
| RélyoraRélyora | We currently expect Relyora to remain in Early Access for approximately three months. This estimate may change depending on community feedback and the development needs identified during this period.read 7 Sep 2026 | about 3 months | 3 weeks | 22% | On the clock2 months left | |
| Disc Golf MastersDisc Golf Masters | We estimate the game will be in Early Access after its initial release for about one year.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 3 months | 21% | On the clock9 months left | |
| The Story PageThe Story Page | 2-3 years, depending on the wishes and feedback of the playersread 7 Sep 2026 | 24–36 months | 7 months | 18% | On the clock2 years 5 months left | |
| Dungeons & DonutsDungeons & Donuts | 6 months. We plan to release between November - Dec. 31. 2026read 6 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 1 month | 18% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Cindervale IdleCindervale Idle | I'm aiming for roughly 6 months in Early Access, though the priority is getting it right over hitting a fixed date. If the remaining features and balance come together sooner, it'll leave Early Access sooner; if they need more time, I'll take it. Development is active and ongoing, with regular updates throughout.read 7 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 1 month | 18% | On the clock5 months left | |
| RuneKingdomRuneKingdom | We hope to stay in Early Access until the game is more polished to a point we and the community are happy. We expect this to be until Q2 2027 - Q3 2027read 6 Sep 2026 | 12 monthsuntil 30 Jun 2027 | 2 months | 17% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Fractured RealmsFractured Realms | Roughly 6 months to a year. That gives us time to bring players in, build the major content that is still planned, act on community feedback, and get the game into the shape we want for a full release.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 months | 17% | On the clock10 months left | |
| VERLIES III - ResurrectionVERLIES III - Resurrection | The game is expected to remain in Early Access for approximately 2 to 3 months. During this time, I will finalize the remaining content, improve game balance, fix bugs, and incorporate community feedback before the full 1.0 release.read 8 Sep 2026 | 2–3 months | 2 weeks | 16% | On the clock3 months left | |
| 修仙挂机修仙挂机 | We expect the Early Access period to last approximately 6 to 12 months. The exact duration may change depending on development progress, player feedback, and the overall state of the game content. We will prioritize making sure the core gameplay, balance, and main content experience reach a more stable state before leaving Early Access.read 7 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 months | 16% | On the clock10 months left | |
| SpiritValeSpiritVale | We estimate staying in Early Access for 6–12 months, depending on community feedback and how quickly we can refine the remaining content, systems, and UI polish.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 months | 15% | On the clock10 months left | |
| RomesteadRomestead | While it is difficult to provide an exact timeline, we currently anticipate that Romestead will remain in Early Access for approximately one to two years. This timeframe allows us to continue expanding the game with new content and features while maintaining a sustainable pace of development and acting on community feedback.read 6 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 3 months | 15% | On the clock21 months left | |
| Stellar OdysseyStellar Odyssey | Stellar Odyssey will remain in Early Access for roughly 6 months until the game is polished, balanced, and engaging enough to meet both our expectations and those of our community. Our focus is on ensuring that every aspect of the game from exploration and combat to multiplayer interactions is finely tuned and fully realized. We plan to stay in Early Access for around 6 months and be feature complete by December 2026.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 4 weeks | 14% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Multi-Tactics: 豊葦原星記 -蒸気の章-Multi-Tactics: 豊葦原星記 -蒸気の章- | At this time, we expect the Early Access period to last approximately one year. Since this game is being developed as an individual project, the timing of the full release will not be tied to a fixed date. Instead, it will be determined based on development progress and the work required to respond to player feedback. The transition to the full version will be based on the completion of the full three-act story, implementation of major systems, improvement of the core gameplay experience, and resolution of major issues. For this reason, the Early Access period may change depending on the state of development.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 months | 14% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Spark in the DarkSpark in the Dark | We expect the game to remain in Early Access for approximately 2–3 years, depending on development progress and community feedback. Our goal is to expand the game step by step, adding new levels, content, and improvements over time.read 6 Sep 2026 | 24–36 months | 5 months | 14% | On the clock2 years 7 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.