How long did they say Early Access would take, and how long has it been? · 2,373 in Early Access · 3,190 promises read · 1,076 announced, not started
| Year | Games | In Early Access now | Graduated | Median time in EA | Promise read | Overdue | Promise kept |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1,129 | 1,105 | 242% | 2 months | 1,06094% | 36of 950 parsed | — |
| 2025 | 423 | 423 | 00% | 13 months | 38290% | 139of 329 parsed | — |
| 2024 | 222 | 222 | 00% | 2 years 1 month | 20391% | 118of 163 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 | 59 | 59 | 00% | 5 years 2 months | 5288% | 30of 39 parsed | — |
| 2020 | 50 | 50 | 00% | 6 years 1 month | 4692% | 23of 29 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 | 31 | 31 | 00% | 9 years 3 months | 3097% | 16of 18 parsed | — |
| Game | Promise | Entered | Elapsed | Verdict | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project ZomboidProject Zomboid | Once we feel we have fulfilled everything we outlined at the very start of the project, and the game is sufficiently polished and bug free, we will launch the game as 1.0 and leave Early Access. As underlined above, we avoid ETAs because our goals are ambitious and we want to ensure they are delivered to the best of our abilities.read 12 Sep 2026 | 8 Nov 2013 | 12 years 10 months | Could not read a duration | |
| BeamNG.driveBeamNG.drive | It is difficult to give an exact number, but probably at least 12 months before we could call the game "beta" (feature-complete). Even then, development will probably go on for years, as the potential of our engine is extremely vast.read 12 Sep 2026 | 29 May 2015 | 11 years 4 months | Open promise | |
| VRChatVRChat | VRChat is constantly evolving. We’re working tirelessly on the core platform to expand features and tools that allow for deeper creation and enjoyment of VRChat. Our community is building new worlds and avatars every day. We have big dreams for Social VR and we want to be at the right level of completion before leaving Early Access. We’ve not set a time limit on that yet but as we move forward we’ll keep everyone updated with our progress.read 11 Sep 2026 | 1 Feb 2017 | 9 years 7 months | Could not read a duration | |
| ULTRAKILLULTRAKILL | The game will stay in Early Access until the third and final act is complete and all features have been finalized.read 10 Sep 2026 | 3 Sep 2020 | 6 years | Open promise | |
| The IsleThe Isle | The game will leave Early Access once the core experience has been polished to our high standards. Developing games is not an exact science, so we cannot say for sure how long this will take, but hope you will join us on the journey getting there.read 11 Sep 2026 | 2 Dec 2015 | 10 years 9 months | Open promise | |
| EnshroudedEnshrouded | First and foremost, it depends on you and your feedback. Our goal is to provide you with the best experience, all the time. While we still have milestones to hit before full release, we aim to bring constant improvements and new content with each update.the store says it leaves Early Access on 15 Oct 2026 | 24 Jan 2024 | 2 years 8 months | Open promise | |
| Manor LordsManor Lords | We've gotten great feedback from the community during Early Access that we're using to polish, bugfix, and improve the game. We don't yet have a set date for exiting Early Access, instead we're committed to ensuring we take the time needed to exceed expectations in enhancing and expanding the game.read 6 Sep 2026 | 26 Apr 2024 | 2 years 5 months | Could not read a duration | |
| Project PlaytimeProject Playtime | The development of the game will continue in the early access phase until it reaches a state of completion, ensuring a polished and fully realized experience for players.read 5 Sep 2026 | 12 Dec 2022 | 3 years 9 months | Open promise | |
| BodycamBodycam | We anticipate that Bodycam will remain in Early Access for several years. The duration depends on community feedback and the improvements we plan to introduce.read 11 Sep 2026 | 7 Jun 2024 | 2 years 3 months | Open promise | |
| The Coffin of Andy and LeyleyThe Coffin of Andy and Leyley | The game will exit Early Access somewhere in 202X. Major content updates will be far apart. Each episode takes months to complete, so the majority of updates will be bug and issue fixing patches.read 5 Sep 2026 | 13 Oct 2023 | 2 years 11 months | Could not read a duration | |
| StoneshardStoneshard | For now we’d rather not set a strict date for the full release. Our guiding principle is “quality above all”: when an occasional gameplay element ends up not meeting our standards, we try to take some extra time to tweak or rework it, which doesn’t mesh well with a long predetermined deadline. To get a rough idea of how close the game is to its 1.0 release, check out the section titled “What is the current state of the Early Access version?”.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6 Feb 2020 | 6 years 7 months | Could not read a duration | |
| KurtzPelKurtzPel | We have clear goals we hope to achieve in both quality and content for the official release of the game. Your feedback and the data Early Access will provide, will be very helpful in empowering us to make the best game possible.read 11 Sep 2026 | 30 Apr 2019 | 7 years 4 months | Could not read a duration | |
| inZOIinZOI | We plan to improve the game throughout Early Access for at least a year. However, as we communicate with players and gather feedback on the game's direction, the roadmap may change.read 10 Sep 2026 | 27 Mar 2025 | 18 months | Open promise | |
| Universe SandboxUniverse Sandbox | Building a universe simulator is a job that's never complete, and we plan to continue full development after leaving Early Access. We have a long list of features and improvements that we're very excited about implementing and that will keep us busy for a long time to come.read 12 Sep 2026 | 24 Aug 2015 | 11 years 1 month | Could not read a duration | |
| Kerbal Space Program 2Kerbal Space Program 2 | KSP 2 will stay in Early Access until we feel that the game and its full feature set are at our desired level of quality. Check out our roadmap above for our planned feature releases and make sure to follow our social channels for further information on timing of updates.read 5 Sep 2026 | 24 Feb 2023 | 3 years 7 months | Could not read a duration | |
| GeoGuessr Steam EditionGeoGuessr Steam Edition | We expect to remain in Early Access for at least six months, but this may change as we develop new features and refine gameplay based on player feedback.read 12 Sep 2026 | 8 May 2025 | 16 months | Open promise | |
| Sky: Children of the LightSky: Children of the Light | The game will remain in Early Access until player feedback and refinements can be fully implemented.read 6 Sep 2026 | 10 Apr 2024 | 2 years 5 months | Could not read a duration | |
| The Forever WinterThe Forever Winter | While the timing will ultimately depend on the user response during Early Access, our goal is to take the game out of Early Access after at least a year of iterating with the community. We will provide the player community as well as those in our social and Steam communities with regular updates throughout the Early Access process to give folks a better understanding of when the hardware requirement, volume of content or localization will be in-line with the experience they strive for.read 5 Sep 2026 | 24 Sep 2024 | 2 years | Open promise | |
| Grounded 2Grounded 2 | We aren’t locking ourselves into a hard date just yet; it’ll really depend on how things go and how much we add based on your feedback. We’ll keep you posted along the way!read 12 Sep 2026 | 29 Jul 2025 | 13 months | Could not read a duration | |
| War SelectionWar Selection | The game will be immediately released as soon as the storyline Campaign is ready, the game meets our planned requirements, and our players are satisfied and support the development direction that we have chosen.read 10 Sep 2026 | 8 Oct 2019 | 6 years 11 months | Could not read a duration | |
| 9 Kings9 Kings | We've gotten great feedback from the community during Early Access that we're using to polish, bugfix, and improve the game. We don't yet have a set date for exiting Early Access, instead we're committed to ensuring we take the time needed to exceed expectations in enhancing and expanding the game.read 6 Sep 2026 | 23 May 2025 | 16 months | Could not read a duration | |
| ATLYSSATLYSS | Developing an online action RPG game takes time and is highly unpredictable. Because of this, it's undetermined for how long exactly. A loose time-frame for a proper release would be within a year or more. More information regarding the release of the game will come when the development is at a good point to set the goalpost.read 12 Sep 2026 | 22 Nov 2024 | 22 months | Open promise | |
| Death Must DieDeath Must Die | We've planned out 5 Acts, with new systems and overhauls along the way, so however long it takes to complete that. We'd rather spend more time to do things right, instead of committing to concrete deadlines.read 5 Sep 2026 | 14 Nov 2023 | 2 years 10 months | Open promise | |
| Operation: Harsh DoorstopOperation: Harsh Doorstop | The only answer to this question... is that we will be in early access for as long as we need to be. The more that people spread the word, donate, or contribute to development... the faster we'll release out of early access. However, I have no intention to rush that process.read 9 Sep 2026 | 15 Feb 2023 | 3 years 7 months | Open promise | |
| CraftopiaCraftopia | We're planning to improve the quality of the game by making various improvements through Early Access for one year at least. During Early Access, we will be updating the game based on our development roadmap, adding content, and improving the game system aggressively. We will decide on extending Early Access or releasing the game officially, depending on development progress.read 11 Sep 2026 | 4 Sep 2020 | 6 years | Open promise | |
| My Winter CarMy Winter Car | It is difficult to estimate as community brings up new ideas for content and improvements all the time. When new ideas are brought up and they are then implemented, it always lengthens the original intended schedule. Community has a great power through their feedback on dictating what kind of direction the development takes which then affects the duration of Early Access period.read 5 Sep 2026 | 29 Dec 2025 | 8 months | Open promise | |
| Travellers RestTravellers Rest | We plan on integrating the game’s full map and gameplay cycle prior to launching 1.0. This includes lore, story and social interactions as well as Multiplayer. Once all of these features are complete, we will transition to 1.0.read 10 Sep 2026 | 28 Jul 2020 | 6 years 2 months | Could not read a duration | |
| NightingaleNightingale | We don’t want to stick to a date and underdeliver on the experience. We’ll make sure that Nightingale will only leave Early Access when it’s ready.read 5 Sep 2026 | 20 Feb 2024 | 2 years 7 months | Open promise | |
| Notes of SoulNotes of Soul | no duration answer on the pageread 12 Sep 2026 | 17 Jan 2019 | 7 years 8 months | No duration given | |
| War of RightsWar of Rights | With more than 12 years in development (and having had crowdfunding backers & early access customers help us test the game and develop its mechanics in the 197 alpha updates released over the past years) we have chosen a methodical update release schedule. We are dedicated to bringing as many details and features into this game as possible as long as we have the support to do so. There is no end goal for us and thus no set target for how long we plan for the game to be in Early Access. It is entirely possible that we someday realize our vision has been fulfilled and we therefore have a set release target - but until then we will keep on expanding the scope of the game (and thus the time in Early Access). We hope you will be part of that journey with us.read 12 Sep 2026 | 3 Dec 2018 | 7 years 9 months | Open promise | |
| EcoEco | We intend Eco to be a forever-game, growing in depth and breadth and connections to other future games, a system of unlimited possibilities that aims to go beyond entertainment. That's why we aim for a continuous development of Eco even after leaving Early Access. In it's current state the game already has lots of content available and is in a very playable state, but there is still issues we need to fix, things we need to polish, features from our Eco Tree we want to introduce and feedback from our community that we want to implement. We plan to leave Early Access once the foundation for our vision of Eco Infinite is implemented and our team and community are convinced that the game is ready for this step.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6 Feb 2018 | 8 years 7 months | Could not read a duration | |
| SubsistenceSubsistence | I plan to keep the game in EA up until I'm confident there is a sufficient content and depth to the gameplay. I'm not in a hurry to move out of EA. I feel EA is perfect while I continue to add features and make changes to the game.read 12 Sep 2026 | 25 Oct 2016 | 9 years 11 months | Could not read a duration | |
| The Last CaretakerThe Last Caretaker | We plan to stay in Early Access for at least 12 months. The timeline will depend on development progress and player feedback. Our priority is to build a polished and immersive experience, and we’ll take the time needed to ensure it reaches its full potential.read 12 Sep 2026 | 6 Nov 2025 | 10 months | Open promise | |
| Cosmoteer: Starship Architect & CommanderCosmoteer: Starship Architect & Commander | Cosmoteer has been in active and continued development for many years, and it will remain in Early Access for as long as it takes to complete our Early Access Roadmap (see below). Rest assured, we always have and will continue to be dedicated to stability and keeping the game fun and playable at all times. You won't be getting an inferior product if we decide to push back the official launch to squeeze in more awesome features.read 5 Sep 2026 | 24 Oct 2022 | 3 years 11 months | Open promise | |
| Baldi's Basics PlusBaldi's Basics Plus | I have no estimate to give at this time. Development is now entering a period where updates will be sparse while I work on finishing the project. During this time I may release major early access updates when it makes sense, but I won't be planning these in advance. Mostly I will be working on features and content that I am saving for the 1.0 release. Until then, I will continue posting status updates regularly to let everyone know how development is going.read 11 Sep 2026 | 11 Jun 2020 | 6 years 3 months | Open promise | |
| Ghosts Of TaborGhosts Of Tabor | We plan on staying in EA until all major features are implemented, including the ones the community thinks are crucial.read 11 Sep 2026 | 21 Mar 2023 | 3 years 6 months | Open promise | |
| NorlandNorland | We've gotten great feedback from the community during Early Access that we're using to polish, bugfix, and improve the game. We don't yet have a set date for exiting Early Access, instead we're committed to ensuring we take the time needed to exceed expectations in enhancing and expanding the game.read 12 Sep 2026 | 18 Jul 2024 | 2 years 2 months | Could not read a duration | |
| MIMESISMIMESIS | We'll go through several updates, gather feedback, and then decide on the exact official launch date.read 11 Sep 2026 | 27 Oct 2025 | 11 months | Could not read a duration | |
| Breeders of the NephelymBreeders of the Nephelym | Once development ends, and the final version is released.read 5 Sep 2026 | 18 Oct 2019 | 6 years 11 months | Could not read a duration | |
| SULFURSULFUR | We're aimed for the record of the shortest Early Access period in history - famous last words, right? But seriously, we're targeting a 1.0 release to approach with a reasonable pace. All the future content is designed and scoped out, ready to be implemented and tested. However, since SULFUR is a system-based roguelike adventure, it requires a fair bit of tinkering and fine-tuning to get everything just right. We want to ensure the final product is something special, and getting there with your feedback will be key.read 12 Sep 2026 | 28 Oct 2024 | 22 months | Could not read a duration | |
| Beasts of BermudaBeasts of Bermuda | We have not decided on an official release date for Beasts of Bermuda at this time.read 11 Sep 2026 | 21 Dec 2018 | 7 years 9 months | Could not read a duration | |
| Into the Dead: Our Darkest DaysInto the Dead: Our Darkest Days | We’re planning for at least a year of active Early Access development. However, the exact timeline may shift as we learn from player feedback, balance the gameplay loops, and add and polish new features and content. We want to make Into the Dead: Our Darkest Days the best it can be, and we won’t rush out of Early Access until we’re confident we can deliver a truly compelling survival horror experience.read 11 Sep 2026 | 9 Apr 2025 | 17 months | Open promise | |
| Brighter ShoresBrighter Shores | Until the important features list shown below is completed.read 5 Sep 2026 | 6 Nov 2024 | 22 months | Open promise | |
| World of Sea BattleWorld of Sea Battle | We expect Early Access to last at least a year and a half. We have our own vision and ambitious plans, but community feedback and financial support will strongly influence how quickly we can move forward.read 10 Sep 2026 | 21 Oct 2025 | 11 months | Open promise | |
| GloomwoodGloomwood | Gloomwood will remain in Early Access until it is considered both content complete and polished in a state we consider v1.0. There is no estimated time for how long that will take but given the amount of game left to be built and our Early Access track record with games like DUSK, AMID EVIL and ULTRAKILL it will be several years.read 11 Sep 2026 | 5 Sep 2022 | 4 years | Open promise | |
| We Who Are About To DieWe Who Are About To Die | Progress speed is extremely hard to estimate as a single developer. My aim is deliver a great game - this can take time. Expect frequent meaningful updates with a fully transparent development process.read 5 Sep 2026 | 14 Nov 2022 | 3 years 10 months | Open promise | |
| Gunner, HEAT, PC!Gunner, HEAT, PC! | Once major roadmap goals are complete and some additional items are handled, we will consider the game ready for full release. There is no specific timeline available - it's done when it's done.read 5 Sep 2026 | 6 Sep 2022 | 4 years | Open promise | |
| Day of DragonsDay of Dragons | We don't know, it really depends on how much support we get from the community and how long it takes us to add in all the features leading to full release.read 8 Sep 2026 | 4 Dec 2019 | 6 years 9 months | Open promise | |
| Software Inc.Software Inc. | Software Inc. will be out of Early Access when I feel it is ready. This is not a race and I don’t have investors pressuring me into releasing it early. I have a great opportunity to make this game as good as I possibly can. Hopefully, the backlog of patch notes will be testament to my ongoing efforts developing the game at a reasonable pace, while adding interesting new features.read 5 Sep 2026 | 1 May 2015 | 11 years 4 months | Could not read a duration | |
| OstrivOstriv | I won't lie, it may take years to make this game what it deserves to be. There may be long delays between updates when development meets major design challenges. But that's what it takes to create a masterpiece.read 7 Sep 2026 | 19 Mar 2020 | 6 years 6 months | Could not read a duration |
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.