How long did they say Early Access would take, and how long has it been? · 1,333 in Early Access · 1,177 promises read · 449 announced, not started
| Year | Games | In Early Access now | Graduated | Median time in EA | Promise read | Overdue | Promise kept |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 752 | 749 | 30% | 4 weeks | 59078% | 8of 544 parsed | — |
| 2025 | 229 | 229 | 00% | 13 months | 15266% | 50of 123 parsed | — |
| 2024 | 116 | 116 | 00% | 2 years | 8876% | 43of 68 parsed | — |
| 2023 | 68 | 68 | 00% | 3 years 1 month | 5074% | 26of 38 parsed | — |
| 2022 | 47 | 47 | 00% | 4 years 2 months | 3574% | 20of 26 parsed | — |
| 2021 | 33 | 33 | 00% | 5 years 2 months | 2164% | 11of 15 parsed | — |
| 2020 | 33 | 33 | 00% | 6 years 1 month | 2885% | 13of 16 parsed | — |
| 2019 | 20 | 20 | 00% | 6 years 11 months | 1995% | 7of 10 parsed | — |
| 2018 | 13 | 13 | 00% | 8 years 1 month | 1185% | 5of 6 parsed | — |
| 2017 | 11 | 11 | 00% | 9 years 3 months | 982% | 5of 6 parsed | — |
| Game | Promise | Promised | Elapsed | Clock | Verdict | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| 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 | 96% | On the clockDue this month | |
| 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 | 11 months | 95% | On the clockDue this month | |
| Turing CompleteTuring Complete | The game will exit early access in 2026read 7 Sep 2026 | 5 years 3 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 4 years 11 months | 94% | On the clock4 months left | |
| 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 1 month | 91% | 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 6 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 5 months | 91% | 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 7 Sep 2026 | 0–6 months | 5 months | 87% | On the clockDue this month | |
| 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 | 84% | 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 | 84% | 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 6 Sep 2026 | 2 years 2 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 22 months | 84% | On the clock4 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 | |
| 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 6 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 4 months | 77% | On the clock16 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 6 Sep 2026 | 8–12 months | 9 months | 76% | On the clock3 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 | 76% | On the clock6 months left | |
| My Car My LifeMy Car My Life | 1 yearread 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 9 months | 74% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Seafarer: The Ship SimSeafarer: The Ship Sim | We are currently planning for a full release sometime in 2026.read 5 Sep 2026 | 15 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 11 months | 73% | 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 | 73% | On the clock2 months left | |
| Schedule ISchedule I | Schedule I will be in early access for approximately 2 years.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 2 years | 17 months | 73% | On the clock7 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 6 Sep 2026 | 4 years 3 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2027 | 2 years 11 months | 68% | On the clock16 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 | 68% | On the clock3 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 | 7 months | 67% | On the clock4 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 | 67% | On the clock8 months left | |
| Moonshiner SimulatorMoonshiner Simulator | Around 6 months.the store says it leaves Early Access on 21 Oct 2026 | about 6 months | 4 months | 60% | On the clock2 months left | |
| Ranch Store SimulatorRanch Store Simulator | Early Access phase is estimated to last about a year, although this timeline may be adjusted based on player feedback.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 7 months | 60% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Megastore SimulatorMegastore Simulator | We expect the game to remain in Early Access for approximately 12 months, depending on community feedback and development priorities. Our goal is to use this period to expand content and features with the community's help, while also improving polish, balance, and overall stability before the full release.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 7 months | 60% | On the clock5 months left | |
| First-Person Data ExplorerFirst-Person Data Explorer | I expect the game to remain in Early Access for one to two years.read 6 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 14 months | 59% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Ground of AcesGround of Aces | We are planning for 1.5 to 2 years of Early Access. As a small indie team, changes and adjustments to the plan are possible.read 5 Sep 2026 | 18–24 months | 14 months | 58% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Monster Lab SimulatorMonster Lab Simulator | We plan to release the full game within 12 months. This timeframe is what we estimate to implement all the planned features and refine the game into its best version.read 6 Sep 2026 | 0–12 months | 7 months | 57% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Rise of PiracyRise of Piracy | The goal is to remain in Early Access for 12 months, but this will depend on the feedback that comes in from players and how the scope may change as a result.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 6 months | 53% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Untamed KingdomUntamed Kingdom | Untamed Kingdom" plans to remain in Early Access for 1 yearread 7 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 6 months | 53% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Landlord SimulatorLandlord Simulator | 3-4 monthsread 6 Sep 2026 | 3–4 months | 2 months | 52% | On the clock2 months left | |
| DrainSimDrainSim | The current development target is around 12 months. This timeframe may adjust depending on progress and how the scope evolves during development.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 6 months | 52% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Goblin CleanupGoblin Cleanup | We plan to finish the game within the next 24 months. With that in mind, it will remain in Early Access until we are satisfied. It depends on the community's reaction and how we feel about the game’s progressread 5 Sep 2026 | about 2 years | 12 months | 49% | On the clock12 months left | |
| Nova RomaNova Roma | We plan to remain in Early Access for a year, but that could change depending on how the design develops with player feedback.read 5 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 5 months | 45% | On the clock7 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 | 43% | On the clock2 years 4 months left | |
| Solar ExpanseSolar Expanse | We are planning to stay in Early Access for approximately a year, depending on the development.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 5 months | 41% | On the clock7 months left | |
| Innkeeper VRInnkeeper VR | Our best estimate is 18-24 months, but we’ll stay in Early Access until the core vision feels complete.read 7 Sep 2026 | 18–24 months | 10 months | 41% | On the clock14 months left | |
| Gray Zone WarfareGray Zone Warfare | Gray Zone Warfare is a long-term project that will continue to evolve until we deliver the ultimate gaming experience. We will release regular updates featuring new content, expanding world-building, adding new weapons and gear, unveiling new quests and environmental storytelling, as well as optimizing and fixing bugs before concluding the Early Access phase. The approximate timeline may span several years, depending on community feedback and the fulfillment of our shared vision.read 7 Sep 2026 | 36–72 months | 2 years 4 months | 39% | On the clock3 years 8 months left | |
| Following SeasFollowing Seas | The aim is to have the game feature complete before the end of 2027, but this is subject to change, particularly if additional features are brought on board during development.read 7 Sep 2026 | 2 years 1 monthuntil 31 Dec 2027 | 10 months | 38% | On the clock15 months left | |
| SimplePlanes 2SimplePlanes 2 | We plan for the game to be in Early Access for approximately one year.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 5 months | 38% | On the clock7 months left | |
| TDM : Task Drill ManiacTDM : Task Drill Maniac | We currently expect Taskbar Mining to remain in Early Access for approximately one months. This schedule may change depending on player feedback, development progress, and the stability of the in-game economy.the store says it leaves Early Access on 1 Oct 2026 | about 1 month | 1 week | 34% | On the clockDue this month | |
| Political Survival - Head of StatePolitical Survival - Head of State | We expect Political Survival to remain in Early Access for approximately 1 to 2 months, depending on community feedback and planned feature development.read 6 Sep 2026 | 1–2 months | 3 weeks | 33% | On the clock1 month 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 | 31% | On the clock9 months left | |
| Save Dad's ShopSave Dad's Shop | Around 3–4 months, depending on community feedback.read 6 Sep 2026 | 3–4 months | 1 month | 28% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Kitsune WaifuKitsune Waifu | We currently expect Kitsune Waifu to remain in Early Access for around 1 to 3 months. This period is intended to give us enough time to collect feedback on the existing 10 puzzle levels, develop the remaining planned levels, and adjust the level order and difficulty curve before the full release.read 6 Sep 2026 | 1–3 months | 4 weeks | 28% | On the clock2 months left | |
| HALFTIME ManagerHALFTIME Manager | Early Access ends on 1 November 2026, when the full version releases. Until then it's about polish and balance, not big new additions. If that date does shift after all, you'll hear it here, not after the fact.the store says it leaves Early Access on 1 Nov 2026 | 3 monthsuntil 1 Nov 2026 | 3 weeks | 27% | On the clock2 months left | |
| IT Specialist SimulatorIT Specialist Simulator | We plan for the game to reach full release after about 2–3 years of Early Access.the store says it leaves Early Access on 10 Feb 2028 | 24–36 months | 10 months | 27% | On the clock2 years 2 months left | |
| Gladiator CommandGladiator Command | We expect to remain in Early Access for approximately 12 to 24 months, depending on the scope of community feedback and feature expansion. The goal is to deliver regular updates and iterate toward a polished, content-rich 1.0 release.read 6 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 6 months | 26% | On the clock18 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.