How long did they say Early Access would take, and how long has it been? · 2,346 in Early Access · 3,136 promises read · 1,055 announced, not started
| Year | Games | In Early Access now | Graduated | Median time in EA | Promise read | Overdue | Promise kept |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1,124 | 1,100 | 242% | 2 months | 1,05394% | 35of 944 parsed | — |
| 2025 | 417 | 417 | 00% | 13 months | 37690% | 136of 324 parsed | — |
| 2024 | 214 | 214 | 00% | 2 years 1 month | 19591% | 113of 157 parsed | — |
| 2023 | 121 | 121 | 00% | 3 years 2 months | 11091% | 67of 89 parsed | — |
| 2022 | 80 | 80 | 00% | 4 years 2 months | 7189% | 47of 55 parsed | — |
| 2021 | 58 | 58 | 00% | 5 years 2 months | 5188% | 29of 38 parsed | — |
| 2020 | 49 | 49 | 00% | 6 years 1 month | 4592% | 22of 28 parsed | — |
| 2019 | 47 | 47 | 00% | 7 years 3 months | 47100% | 24of 27 parsed | — |
| 2018 | 26 | 26 | 00% | 8 years 1 month | 2492% | 15of 16 parsed | — |
| 2017 | 28 | 28 | 00% | 9 years 3 months | 2796% | 14of 16 parsed | — |
| Game | Promise | Promised | Elapsed | Clock | Verdict | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monster TavernMonster Tavern | 3-6 monthsread 9 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 6 months | 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 9 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 12 months | 98% | On the clockDue this month | |
| From The DarkFrom The Dark | The goal is to leave Early Access around September 2026. Most of the foundation is finished, so the focus now is on expanding content with new floors, enemies, gear, and integrating the story. If all goes as planned, there should be a steady flow of updates leading to the full release.read 9 Sep 2026 | 11 monthsuntil 30 Sep 2026 | 11 months | 97% | On the clockDue this month | |
| SYNTHETIK 2SYNTHETIK 2 | The full release is planned to be within 2026. The game is now in a very advanced state and we are confident that we can launch in a good state.read 5 Sep 2026 | 5 years 2 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 4 years 10 months | 94% | On the clock4 months left | |
| CODEX MORTISCODEX MORTIS | Approximately six months — we expect that during this time we will gather enough feedback and ideas to complete the final version.the store says it leaves Early Access on 24 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 6 months | 93% | On the clockDue this month | |
| DeifiedDeified | We expect the game to be in Early Access for approximately 5 months.the store says it leaves Early Access on 21 Sep 2026 | about 5 months | 5 months | 91% | On the clockDue this month | |
| EmberwardEmberward | (Updated 2026/2/8, v0.4.9) Most of the planned gameplay elements are now in the game! I’ve started preparing for the 1.0 launch. I don’t have an exact date yet, but it should be in a few months.the store says it leaves Early Access on 17 Sep 2026 | 2 years 6 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 2 years 3 months | 89% | 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 12 Sep 2026 | 2 years 3 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 2 years | 88% | On the clock3 months left | |
| WindblownWindblown | We're confident that Windblown will be coming out of Early Access at some point in 2026.read 8 Sep 2026 | 2 years 2 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 23 months | 87% | On the clock3 months left | |
| NetherguildNetherguild | 3-4 years, most likely towards the longer end.read 8 Sep 2026 | 36–48 months | 3 years 6 months | 87% | On the clock6 months left | |
| NIMRODSNIMRODS | We've been in Early Access longer than our original one-year estimate. The scope of the game has grown significantly since launch, and we've prioritized getting things right over hitting a date. We're now targeting 1.0 by the end of 2026, with our biggest update currently in open beta. We post regular progress updates, so you'll always know where things stand.read 12 Sep 2026 | 2 years 2 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 22 months | 86% | On the clock4 months left | |
| King StaticKing Static | Hopefully around 8 to 12 months.read 10 Sep 2026 | 8–12 months | 10 months | 85% | On the clock2 months left | |
| S.R.AS.R.A | We estimate that the game will be in Early Access for roughly 6 to 18 months, depending on player feedback and development progress.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–18 months | 14 months | 79% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Requiem For a Lost WorldRequiem For a Lost World | I am expecting to be out of Early Access by the end of 2026 or early 2027 🎉read 8 Sep 2026 | 2 years 5 monthsuntil 31 Mar 2027 | 22 months | 77% | On the clock7 months left | |
| Cloak And CoinCloak And Coin | I anticipate the Early Access period to last between 6 to 12 months. However, if there is significant interest in the game, I may expand its scope and extend the Early Access period to ensure I deliver a polished and satisfying experience.read 11 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 9 months | 77% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Raiders of BlackveilRaiders of Blackveil | We believe we will be in EA around 6 to 12 months.read 11 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 9 months | 74% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Varthos - Heir to the ThroneVarthos - Heir to the Throne | This is of course based on the game's success and how fast we can implement the feedback from our community. For now we're roughly planning with one more year of development in early access.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 9 months | 74% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Emblem of ValorEmblem of Valor | We estimate that Emblem of Valor will remain in Early Access for about one year, but no longer than two years. More specifically, the 1.0 version is planned to be released in Q3 2026.read 9 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 18 months | 74% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Swords And Magic: Path Of ConquestSwords And Magic: Path Of Conquest | I plan to have Early Access for around a year, but it really depends on the state of game content. For instance, my roadmap may have EA last less than 1 year, but if some brilliant ideas emerge from the community and we all feel it is good to add them, then I will add them to the roadmap, which will make it last a bit longer.read 12 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 8 months | 67% | On the clock4 months left | |
| BubblyBubbly | The plan is to stay in Early Access for around 1–4 months, depending on how the game evolves and how much iteration it needs.read 8 Sep 2026 | 1–4 months | 2 months | 61% | On the clock2 months left | |
| UnderMine 2UnderMine 2 | It's hard to say, but it's likely longer than UnderMine, which was a year. We have so much ambition for this game, and we probably have one to two years of ideas we'd like to implement before 1.0, which also won't be the end of continued support.read 11 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 14 months | 57% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Backpack SurvivorsBackpack Survivors | We aim to be in Early Access for about 9 months. The roadmap and plans for Early Access will be communicated on our Discord.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 9 months | 5 months | 56% | On the clock4 months left | |
| PROTON VRPROTON VR | 1.0 Release is planned for Winter 2026 Early Access is the foundation where I build my game on. Player feedback is crucial to refine mechanics, expand content, and ensure every feature meets the quality this game deserves. This is my first game, I will not pretend to know everything about developing and game, so I heavily rely on my players to help me see the things I miss. Together, we’ll build a polished and fun retro VR shooter worthy of its vision.read 12 Sep 2026 | 8 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 4 months | 55% | On the clock4 months left | |
| ChickenautsChickenauts | We expect Chickenauts to stay in Early Access between 6 months and a year. Of course, for how long exactly depends on the features and ideas that you and other community members may bring to the table. We want Early Access to be the time for you to explore the game, see what feels right, and what could use some of that good, old elbow grease, and what additions to the game you’d like to see. It’s also time for us, a time to assess all your suggestions, see what is possible and what is not, implement it, and make sure that everything added to the game is as polished as its foundations.read 9 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 6 months | 53% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Genome Guardian 2Genome Guardian 2 | 4-12 months.the store says it leaves Early Access on 11 Oct 2026 | 4–12 months | 6 months | 52% | On the clock6 months left | |
| CinderiaCinderia | Approximately 12 months. We move as fast as quality allows.read 11 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 5 months | 46% | On the clock7 months left | |
| 三国义三国义 | 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 | 45% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Conquest DarkConquest Dark | We believe this game will be in Early Access until 2028.read 5 Sep 2026 | 3 years 8 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2028 | 16 months | 37% | On the clock2 years 4 months left | |
| Hazard LevelsHazard Levels | We expect Hazard Levels to be in Early Access for around 6–12 months. The exact timing will depend on player feedback and how the game develops over that period.read 12 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 4 months | 37% | On the clock8 months left | |
| Cyber PlinkoCyber Plinko | 3 months at mostread 6 Sep 2026 | 0–3 months | 1 month | 36% | On the clock2 months left | |
| 红或黑 Red or Black红或黑 Red or Black | Expected to maintain 2-3 months of early access, with the latest official version date not exceeding January 2027.read 6 Sep 2026 | 2–3 months | 1 month | 33% | On the clock2 months left | |
| Bob Saves the PrincessBob Saves the Princess | Being a solodev, I intend on continuing production of this game until the list of features I have is in the game. I believe all future features I intend to develop can be done within 1 year, also considering bug fixes and the inclusion of possible suggestions from the community.read 10 Sep 2026 | 0–12 months | 3 months | 29% | On the clock9 months left | |
| TrakoniusTrakonius | Within 1 year we want to go to Full Release.read 10 Sep 2026 | 0–12 months | 3 months | 29% | On the clock9 months left | |
| ProwlProwl | I expect the game to remain in Early Access for roughly 6-12 months, depending on development progress and player feedback.read 11 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 3 months | 28% | On the clock9 months left | |
| Unhallowed SurvivorsUnhallowed Survivors | We currently expect Unhallowed Survivors to remain in Early Access for approximately 1 month. This timeframe may change depending on player feedback, balancing needs and the development of the remaining stages, heroes and systems.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 1 month | 1 week | 28% | On the clockDue this month | |
| Blue Guy Must DieBlue Guy Must Die | We plan for Early Access to last roughly 2-3 months, depending on feedback and how development goes. That timeline may shift as we learn what players care about most.read 6 Sep 2026 | 2–3 months | 3 weeks | 27% | On the clock2 months left | |
| 2 Fights in 2 Tight Spaces2 Fights in 2 Tight Spaces | Because we are going into Early Access earlier than last time around, we are looking at 9-12 months before V1.0read 11 Sep 2026 | 9–12 months | 3 months | 27% | On the clock9 months left | |
| Friendly FireFriendly Fire | Approximately 6 to 12 months. The actual timeline depends on how quickly we can process player feedback and our content update cadence. The window may shorten or extend depending on how much the game needs to be reworked.read 10 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 3 months | 25% | On the clock9 months left | |
| DeckslingerDeckslinger | We expect Decked Out to be in Early Access for around one year. This will give us the opportunity to add additional Classes, Enemies and Challenges to the game - as well as new features, quality of life changes and balance improvements driven by player feedback.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 3 months | 21% | On the clock9 months left | |
| Eternal Sword TombEternal Sword Tomb | The current plan is for the Early Access phase to last 6 to 12 months. The exact duration will depend on content production progress, gameplay polish, and player feedback. If core content and overall completion meet expectations ahead of schedule, Early Access may end sooner; if further supplementation and optimization are needed, it may be appropriately extended.read 10 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 months | 20% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Bug AllianceBug Alliance | Bug Alliance entered Early Access on May 14, 2026, and we currently aim to reach full release during 2027. The exact timeline may change depending on development needs and community feedback. Our priority is to reach 1.0 when the planned story, progression systems, game modes and overall level of polish are ready.read 11 Sep 2026 | 20 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2027 | 4 months | 20% | On the clock16 months left | |
| Wasteland MessengerWasteland Messenger | Early Access will last about 6–9 months.read 11 Sep 2026 | 6–9 months | 2 months | 18% | On the clock7 months left | |
| Ascent Of EternityAscent Of Eternity | The goal is a year or less but it depends on a variety of factors.read 9 Sep 2026 | 0–12 months | 2 months | 18% | On the clock10 months left | |
| BonkCityBonkCity | Early Access is planned for approximately 6–9 months, targeting a 1.0 release in Q1 2027. That timeline could extend if community feedback surfaces a meaningful new direction — we'd rather ship something great than something on schedule. We'll always be transparent about the roadmap in-game and on the Steam community hub.read 9 Sep 2026 | 6–9 months | 2 months | 17% | On the clock7 months left | |
| Three Kingdoms:BONDThree Kingdoms:BOND | We are planning to officially release the game in approximately 6 months to a year. However, our top priority is delivering a game that truly satisfies our players. Depending on the feedback we receive from the community and any requests for new features, there is a possibility that this period may be extended.read 10 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 months | 17% | On the clock10 months left | |
| VAULTRATSVAULTRATS | We anticipate 6-12 months, though this depends on community feedback and development progress. We'd rather take the time to get it right than rush to a 1.0 label.read 7 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 months | 17% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Ashrun SurvivorsAshrun Survivors | We currently expect Ashrun Survivors to remain in Early Access for approximately six months. This estimate may change depending on player feedback, development progress, testing results, and the level of polish required for the full release.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 4 weeks | 16% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Hell MaidenHell Maiden | Approximately an additional year, or more. While it is difficult to predict at this point in time, we will keep updating the community on Steam and other platforms about Hell Maiden's development.read 5 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 months | 16% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue CoreDeep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core | We expect Rogue Core to be in Early Access for 18 to 24 months.read 12 Sep 2026 | 18–24 months | 4 months | 16% | On the clock20 months left | |
| Liminal ProtocolLiminal Protocol | I plan to keep the game in Early Access for about six to twelve months while I refine the netcode and build out the remaining features.read 11 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 months | 14% | On the clock10 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.