How long did they say Early Access would take, and how long has it been? · 2,156 in Early Access · 2,765 promises read · 942 announced, not started
| Year | Games | In Early Access now | Graduated | Median time in EA | Promise read | Overdue | Promise kept |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1,080 | 1,062 | 182% | 1 month | 99792% | 32of 901 parsed | — |
| 2025 | 392 | 392 | 00% | 13 months | 34287% | 126of 296 parsed | — |
| 2024 | 197 | 197 | 00% | 2 years 1 month | 17589% | 104of 141 parsed | — |
| 2023 | 112 | 112 | 00% | 3 years 2 months | 9888% | 57of 77 parsed | — |
| 2022 | 76 | 76 | 00% | 4 years 2 months | 6788% | 43of 51 parsed | — |
| 2021 | 51 | 51 | 00% | 5 years 1 month | 4384% | 24of 32 parsed | — |
| 2020 | 45 | 45 | 00% | 6 years 1 month | 4089% | 20of 24 parsed | — |
| 2019 | 39 | 39 | 00% | 7 years 3 months | 39100% | 19of 22 parsed | — |
| 2018 | 21 | 21 | 00% | 8 years 1 month | 1990% | 10of 11 parsed | — |
| 2017 | 19 | 19 | 00% | 9 years 3 months | 1895% | 8of 10 parsed | — |
| Game | Promise | Promised | Elapsed | Clock | Verdict | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Signs of LifeSigns of Life | We're looking to release before the end of 2026.read 8 Sep 2026 | 12 years 11 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 12 years 7 months | 98% | On the clock4 months left | |
| PolyZPolyZ | As we embark on the Early Access phase of 'PolyZ,' we anticipate this exciting journey to extend for approximately one - two years. Our current estimate for the full release of the game is projected around Mid 2025. Please note that this timeline is subject to adjustments based on your valuable feedback and the evolving development needs of the game. Join us now to be a part of shaping 'PolyZ' into an extraordinary gaming experience!read 10 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 23 months | 97% | On the clockDue this month | |
| Lost RiftLost Rift | We anticipate remaining in Early Access for around 12 months. Ultimately, we will release 1.0 when both we, the developers, and you, the community, feel it is ready.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 12 months | 96% | On the clockDue this month | |
| Animalia SurvivalAnimalia Survival | We do not have a confirmed release date for the final version of Animalia yet, but we are working to have it completed by the end of 2026. Until then we hope that you can join us on this journey.read 9 Sep 2026 | 5 years 4 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 5 years | 94% | On the clock4 months left | |
| DeadPolyDeadPoly | DeadPoly is planning to leave Early Access on January 12th, 2027.the store says it leaves Early Access on 12 Jan 2027 | 5 yearsuntil 12 Jan 2027 | 4 years 8 months | 93% | On the clock4 months 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 | 88% | On the clock4 months left | |
| All Quiet in the TrenchesAll Quiet in the Trenches | We plan to release the game in early 2027.read 9 Sep 2026 | 3 years 2 monthsuntil 31 Mar 2027 | 2 years 8 months | 84% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Astral OutcastAstral Outcast | First and foremost, it depends on you and your feedback. My current goal is to take the game out of Early Access within a year. I firmly believe that by then I can offer a game that is worthy of your time, money and will bring you fun for years to come.read 10 Sep 2026 | 0–12 months | 10 months | 83% | On the clock2 months left | |
| 异星家园 (XenoHaven)异星家园 (XenoHaven) | We expect the Early Access period to last around one year. However, the exact timeline may be adjusted based on development progress and player feedback. As new content is added and the community provides suggestions, the direction and pace of the game’s development may evolve. Throughout this process, we will continue to communicate closely with our players.the store says it leaves Early Access on 28 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 10 months | 81% | On the clock2 months left | |
| BellwrightBellwright | With the scale of the game and major plans for upcoming updates, along with your feedback regarding what you want to see in the game, we're estimating to reach full release within the next 3 years.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 3 years | 2 years 5 months | 80% | On the clock7 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 | 77% | On the clock6 months left | |
| No Man's HomeNo Man's Home | I am planning to reach to a full release state in Q4 2026. This date can change.read 10 Sep 2026 | 13 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 9 months | 69% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Dawn of DefianceDawn of Defiance | We anticipate 2-3 years. The major and minor features we would like to see in Early Access will realistically require a couple years to roll-out in intervals. Factoring in time to react to community feedback, the roadmap could expand to three years before we release our 1.0 and remove the early access label. As of February 2026, we are making great progress on our roadmap and feel on-track to reach our full release! Make sure to check out our roadmap on our website for more information.read 11 Sep 2026 | 24–36 months | 2 years 1 month | 69% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Dinosaur WorldDinosaur World | Expected to the state of earlyaccess for about 1-2 yearsread 8 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 17 months | 69% | On the clock7 months left | |
| StarRuptureStarRupture | We plan to make StarRupture stay in Early Access for about a year from its initial release. Our goal is to provide the best quality of the game to our players. We want to use the Early Access stage to cooperate with the Community on the feedback, fine-tune and polish the gameplay experience and - when we’re certain that we’ve achieved the best version of the game possible - leave Early Access.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 8 months | 68% | On the clock4 months left | |
| AwakerootsAwakeroots | I plan for the game to remain in Early Access for approximately 9 months. This timeframe may change depending on development progress and community feedback.read 10 Sep 2026 | about 9 months | 6 months | 65% | On the clock3 months left | |
| 末日危城-希望末日危城-希望 | We estimate the Early Access phase will last approximately 6 to 12 months, depending on community feedback and the scope of new features we decide to implement during the development process.read 9 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 7 months | 60% | On the clock5 months left | |
| GrimshireGrimshire | We are estimating that Grimshire will be in early access for at least 1-2 years.read 6 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 14 months | 57% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Space Engineers 2Space Engineers 2 | Our plan for keeping the Space Engineers 2 in Early Access is approximately three years (end of 2027).read 6 Sep 2026 | about 3 years | 19 months | 54% | On the clock17 months left | |
| CrystantCrystant | We expect that several more months will be required for overall optimization and content expansion. The actual timeline will be dynamically adjusted based on player feedback and overall experience evaluations. Once the game’s content and quality meet our established standards and final preparations are complete, the full release will be launched, and we will continue to invest in ongoing updates and optimizations to ensure a stable and high-quality gameplay experience.the store says it leaves Early Access on 21 Sep 2026 | 3–9 months | 5 months | 52% | On the clock4 months left | |
| DYSPLACEDDYSPLACED | We estimate the early-access period lasts between 9-12 months starting in March 2026.read 7 Sep 2026 | 9–12 months | 6 months | 52% | On the clock6 months left | |
| Drive Beyond HorizonsDrive Beyond Horizons | We currently expect Drive Beyond Horizons to remain in Early Access for approximately 2 to 3 years. This timeframe will allow us to add the major planned features, expand the game’s content, improve performance, and refine the overall experience based on community feedback. As with any active development project, this timeline may evolve depending on the needs of the game, player feedback, and new opportunities that arise during development.read 10 Sep 2026 | 24–36 months | 18 months | 49% | On the clock18 months left | |
| GomboGombo | We're planning for Gombo to be in Early Access for roughly 6 to 7 months, with our current target for a 1.0 release toward the end of the year. That timeline could shift depending on player feedback and how much we want to expand or refine along the way. We'd rather take a little longer and get it right than rush out of Early Access.read 7 Sep 2026 | 6–7 months | 3 months | 47% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Whisper of the SwallowsWhisper of the Swallows | About 18 months.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 18 months | 7 months | 41% | On the clock11 months left | |
| Nightmare DriveNightmare Drive | We estimate Early access to last 1 year before we deem the game to be in a completed state for where our vision is leading.read 10 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 4 months | 37% | On the clock8 months left | |
| Girl IslandGirl Island | Expected to the state of Early Access for about 1-2 yearsread 7 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 8 months | 34% | On the clock16 months left | |
| OxyRailOxyRail | The Early Access phase is expected to last between 12 and 24 months. We adhere to the principle of wanting the full release to deliver astounding content to our players. While maintaining quality, we will develop at full efficiency to create as much engaging content as possible. Conditions permitting, we hope to reach the full release swiftly, but never at the expense of quality.read 10 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 7 months | 28% | On the clock17 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 | 27% | On the clock9 months left | |
| Deadline EscapeDeadline Escape | We estimate the game will remain in Early Access for roughly 1 to 2 years, depending on feedback and development progress.read 7 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 6 months | 25% | On the clock18 months left | |
| SpaceSlogSpaceSlog | It's difficult to specify a precise timeline, but we anticipate to be in Early Access until at least February 2028. We have a long list of features and ideas for the game, all of which require time to develop in order to deliver a high quality product. However, we strongly recommend to only purchase the game based solely on its current features rather than on planned future updates, to avoid any potential disappointment.read 7 Sep 2026 | 22 monthsuntil 29 Feb 2028 | 5 months | 22% | On the clock17 months left | |
| VEINVEIN | We plan to develop VEIN under Early Access until it’s feature-complete. That means we plan to add NPCs, raiders, settlements, quests, lore, and the full 14x14 kilometer map, alongside hundreds of other features and gameplay and graphical improvements. We estimate that, with full-time work, we can achieve this within roughly 5 years. We intend to work on VEIN indefinitely.read 11 Sep 2026 | about 5 years | 11 months | 18% | On the clock4 years 1 month left | |
| NotmadsNotmads | The current plan is for Notmads to remain in Early Access for around 2 years. This is only an estimate and may change depending on how development progresses. I would rather give the game the time it needs than rush it toward a full release before it is readyread 8 Sep 2026 | about 2 years | 4 months | 17% | On the clock20 months left | |
| WindroseWindrose | We believe it will take from 1,5 to 2,5 years to reach the full release version.read 11 Sep 2026 | 18–30 months | 5 months | 16% | On the clock2 years 1 month left | |
| 幻兽纪元幻兽纪元 | It lasts approximately 2 to 3 months.read 11 Sep 2026 | 2–3 months | 2 weeks | 16% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Funnel RunnersFunnel Runners | Approximately 1 year.read 11 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 months | 16% | On the clock10 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 | |
| Dolls: The HuntDolls: The Hunt | The game is expected to remain in Early Access for around 6 to 12 months. The exact duration may vary depending on development progress and player feedback, as the focus is on improving and expanding the game at a steady pace.read 9 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 months | 16% | On the clock10 months left | |
| Dig For Your LivesDig For Your Lives | The game is expected to remain in Early Access anywhere from one month to one year. The exact timeline will depend on player feedback, testing results, and how much additional content and polish is needed before full release.read 11 Sep 2026 | 1–12 months | 2 months | 15% | On the clock10 months left | |
| MistakenMistaken | The current estimate is for Mistaken to remain in Early Access for roughly 1–2 years. As development continues, this timeline may evolve depending on player feedback and the scope of future updates and improvements.read 7 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 4 months | 15% | On the clock20 months left | |
| Human HostHuman Host | Human Host will remain in Early Access until we've built out its full vision. That means: multiplayer, Steam Workshop support, farming, cooking, fishing, animal husbandry, hunting, NPC factions (nations, raiders, survivors), and massive abandoned cities to explore—all of it. We're estimating this will take around 3 years to complete.read 11 Sep 2026 | about 3 years | 5 months | 15% | On the clock2 years 7 months left | |
| Into the End (of the World)Into the End (of the World) | We plan to keep the game in Early Access for approximately 10 months. Our team is small, but we are highly focused. We have a clear development roadmap to transition from the current version to the full release within this estimated timeframe.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 10 months | 1 month | 14% | On the clock9 months left | |
| DreadweaveDreadweave | Dreadweave will remain in Early Access for about one year. This gives us enough time to expand the content, add new features, and improve the game based on player feedback.read 10 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 months | 14% | On the clock10 months left | |
| 守护我的大火箭守护我的大火箭 | We expect the game to remain in Early Access for approximately six months. The exact timeline may change depending on player feedback and the amount of additional content we plan to add during development.read 7 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 3 weeks | 13% | On the clock5 months left | |
| Last BreathLast Breath | The game will remain in Early Access for as long as needed to properly develop its core systems and respond to player feedback. Our estimate is roughly 12–18 months, but I prefer to focus on quality rather than a strict deadline.read 10 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 2 months | 12% | On the clock16 months left | |
| StoneguardStoneguard | After the Early Access release, we hope to finish the game within 6 to 12 months. But this will also depend on the community's feedback. Because if bigger changes are needed, this may take longer.read 10 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 month | 12% | On the clock11 months left | |
| MAK: SurvivalMAK: Survival | Approximately 2 years, due to its a two person operation who drives MAK:Survival, and for that we also have other things to attend to, but our souls are in this game and we work on it everyday.read 10 Sep 2026 | about 2 years | 3 months | 12% | On the clock21 months left | |
| Subnautica 2Subnautica 2 | It is difficult to accurately predict how long Early Access will last. Based on previous Early Access games we have developed, we expect it to take about 2 to 3 years. We have a number of goals that we are adamantly working towards. We are focusing on delivering quality at a reasonable pace. At the end of the day, we're dedicated to completing Subnautica 2 and making it the best game possible.read 11 Sep 2026 | 24–36 months | 4 months | 11% | On the clock2 years 8 months left | |
| Server ShareServer Share | We plan to be in Early Access for roughly 6 to 12 months, depending on how quickly we can expand game support and add the features the community asks for. We'd rather take the time to get it right than rush out of Early Access prematurely.read 10 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 1 month | 11% | On the clock11 months left | |
| SLAMPUNKSSLAMPUNKS | We're aiming for roughly 6 to 9 months, though as a small team we'd rather ship it right than rush it out on a fixed date.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–9 months | 4 weeks | 11% | On the clock8 months left | |
| Road to VostokRoad to Vostok | Road to Vostok is a long-term project, and a rough estimate for how long the game will be in Early Access is approximately 2–4 years. However, this estimate depends on multiple factors that cannot yet be determined. In terms of content, the game will leave Early Access once all planned features are implemented and the game is fully replayable. These planned features are categorized into different builds and updates, which players can track using the in-game roadmap available on the main menu. All planned features and upcoming builds until the full launch will be free and shared roughly quarterly with everyone who has purchased the Early Access version of the game.read 5 Sep 2026 | 24–48 months | 5 months | 11% | On the clock3 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.