How long did they say Early Access would take, and how long has it been? · 1,971 in Early Access · 2,376 promises read · 794 announced, not started
| Year | Games | In Early Access now | Graduated | Median time in EA | Promise read | Overdue | Promise kept |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1,009 | 997 | 121% | 1 month | 91491% | 28of 832 parsed | — |
| 2025 | 367 | 367 | 00% | 13 months | 31686% | 120of 273 parsed | — |
| 2024 | 176 | 176 | 00% | 2 years 1 month | 15488% | 90of 123 parsed | — |
| 2023 | 103 | 103 | 00% | 3 years 2 months | 8986% | 51of 71 parsed | — |
| 2022 | 73 | 73 | 00% | 4 years 2 months | 6488% | 40of 48 parsed | — |
| 2021 | 50 | 50 | 00% | 5 years 1 month | 4182% | 23of 31 parsed | — |
| 2020 | 43 | 43 | 00% | 6 years 1 month | 3888% | 18of 22 parsed | — |
| 2019 | 37 | 37 | 00% | 7 years 3 months | 37100% | 18of 21 parsed | — |
| 2018 | 21 | 21 | 00% | 8 years 1 month | 1990% | 10of 11 parsed | — |
| 2017 | 17 | 17 | 00% | 9 years 3 months | 1694% | 7of 9 parsed | — |
| Game | Promise | Promised | Elapsed | Clock | Verdict | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Craftomation 101Craftomation 101 | We plan to leave Early Access on September 14, 2026.the store says it leaves Early Access on 14 Sep 2026 | 2 years 7 monthsuntil 14 Sep 2026 | 2 years 7 months | 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 9 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 2 years | 98% | On the clockDue this month | |
| 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 6 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 23 months | 97% | On the clockDue this month | |
| The Killing AntidoteThe Killing Antidote | It will take approximately 1-2 years to complete the game. During this time, we will continue to update the game content regularly.read 5 Sep 2026 | 12–24 months | 23 months | 96% | On the clockDue this month | |
| Nuclear NightmareNuclear Nightmare | We would like Nuclear Nightmare to be out of early access 2 years after the initial release date.read 7 Sep 2026 | about 2 years | 23 months | 94% | On the clock1 month 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 | |
| The CrustThe Crust | We plan to complete our roadmap within 24-28 months of early access release, after which we will take on the implementation of large-scale additions.the store says it leaves Early Access on 10 Sep 2026 | 24–28 months | 2 years 2 months | 92% | On the clock2 months left | |
| 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 | 88% | On the clock3 months left | |
| MEsMEs | MEs is a continuously evolving platform. While we haven’t set a strict timeline; however, we estimate we will be in Early Access at least for two years. Our goal is to keep iterating and enhancing the platform, working closely with the community to shape MEs into its fullest potential. We’ll continue in Early Access as long as it takes to achieve a polished and robust experience that meets our vision and user needs.read 9 Sep 2026 | about 2 years | 21 months | 88% | On the clock3 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 | |
| SelacoSelaco | Selaco will remain in Early Access until all three chapters are complete. Chapter 2 is planned for release in 2026, with development on Chapter 3 beginning immediately afterward.read 9 Sep 2026 | 2 years 7 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 2 years 3 months | 88% | 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 | |
| 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 | |
| OnyxOnyx | I'm aiming for 2026 but don't have a fixed date yet because I’m constantly adding new content. Whenever a cool feature comes to mind or a player suggests something fitting, I usually just add it to the game.read 7 Sep 2026 | 2 yearsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 21 months | 86% | On the clock3 months left | |
| Critter CoveCritter Cove | Critter Cove will be launching out of Early Access in Summer 2026. We'll set a specific date early in 2026.read 5 Sep 2026 | 2 years 4 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 2 years | 86% | On the clock4 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 8 Sep 2026 | 2 years 2 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 22 months | 84% | On the clock4 months left | |
| FREEFLOWFREEFLOW | Currently, the game is planned to stay in Early Access until around December of 2026. However this date could change at any point in the future.read 8 Sep 2026 | 2 years 2 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 22 months | 84% | On the clock4 months left | |
| Wild WoodsWild Woods | We expect Early Access to last until approximately winter 2025/2026. The exact duration of Early Access is hard to predict though, since we are a very small team and we plan to significantly let the community’s feedback influence our development from here on.read 5 Sep 2026 | 2 years 1 monthuntil 31 Dec 2026 | 21 months | 84% | 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 | |
| Idle Hero TD - Tower Defense RPGIdle Hero TD - Tower Defense RPG | We anticipate the official production release being in Q1 2027.read 6 Sep 2026 | 2 years 11 monthsuntil 31 Mar 2027 | 2 years 4 months | 81% | On the clock7 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 | 79% | On the clock7 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 | |
| BeastieballBeastieball | We currently expect Beastieball to be in Early Access until early 2027. You can read more about our development plans in our Road to 1.0 post here:read 5 Sep 2026 | 2 years 5 monthsuntil 31 Mar 2027 | 22 months | 76% | On the clock7 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 | |
| Mini DungeonMini Dungeon | It is hard to say when the game will be ready for full release, but most likely it will at least 2 or 3 years away.read 10 Sep 2026 | 24–36 months | 22 months | 61% | On the clock14 months left | |
| Incursion Red RiverIncursion Red River | Our target is for Incursion Red River to be in Early Access for 3-4 years. This target was estimated with our current rate of progress, estimated budget, and team size. We hope going into Early Access may accelerate the timeline through financial support.read 9 Sep 2026 | 36–48 months | 2 years 5 months | 60% | On the clock19 months left | |
| BRUTALISTICK VRBRUTALISTICK VR | Currently there are no clear goals for when the full version should release except for reaching a certain level of polish and streamlining everything. The approximate release date for version 1.0 is 2027-2028.read 8 Sep 2026 | 4 years 9 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2028 | 2 years 5 months | 51% | On the clock2 years 4 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 | |
| Desert StalkerDesert Stalker | We estimate that Desert Stalker will require three or four more years to conclude properly.read 8 Sep 2026 | 36–48 months | 21 months | 44% | On the clock2 years 3 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 9 Sep 2026 | 36–72 months | 2 years 4 months | 39% | On the clock3 years 8 months left | |
| Pastor's Lake: The GamePastor's Lake: The Game | It could take up to several years. It is planned to carry out development as soon as possible, but the period may be extended. Please check the roadmap in the store page description.read 6 Sep 2026 | 36–72 months | 2 years 2 months | 35% | On the clock3 years 10 months left | |
| SHADOWBOX: Mausoleum of Natural HistorySHADOWBOX: Mausoleum of Natural History | We anticipate beta testing of SHADOWBOX will take place over the course of around 5 years.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 5 years | 20 months | 34% | On the clock3 years 4 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.