How long did they say Early Access would take, and how long has it been? · 1,675 in Early Access · 1,827 promises read · 621 announced, not started
| Year | Games | In Early Access now | Graduated | Median time in EA | Promise read | Overdue | Promise kept |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 907 | 899 | 81% | 1 month | 78987% | 17of 719 parsed | — |
| 2025 | 292 | 292 | 00% | 13 months | 23480% | 80of 194 parsed | — |
| 2024 | 153 | 153 | 00% | 2 years | 12984% | 72of 104 parsed | — |
| 2023 | 91 | 91 | 00% | 3 years 1 month | 7785% | 43of 61 parsed | — |
| 2022 | 58 | 58 | 00% | 4 years 2 months | 4781% | 30of 37 parsed | — |
| 2021 | 42 | 42 | 00% | 5 years 3 months | 3071% | 18of 22 parsed | — |
| 2020 | 39 | 39 | 00% | 6 years 2 months | 3487% | 14of 18 parsed | — |
| 2019 | 28 | 28 | 00% | 7 years 3 months | 28100% | 12of 15 parsed | — |
| 2018 | 16 | 16 | 00% | 8 years 1 month | 1488% | 7of 8 parsed | — |
| 2017 | 13 | 13 | 00% | 9 years 3 months | 1292% | 5of 7 parsed | — |
| Game | Promise | Promised | Elapsed | Clock | Verdict | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grappling Hook and Grappling HookGrappling Hook and Grappling Hook | Expected from 2 days to a monthread 6 Sep 2026 | 0–1 months | 2 years | 2389% | Overdueby 23 months | |
| F-Drones SimulatorF-Drones Simulator | We plan to stay in early access until the end of 2024. During this time, we want to ensure a high level of game quality by implementing all the necessary updates and features based on your feedback. We are confident this will allow us to prepare a full release that meets the community's expectations.read 6 Sep 2026 | 1 monthuntil 31 Dec 2024 | 21 months | 2132% | Overdueby 20 months | |
| Hua Mulan: A Chinese Learning AdventureHua Mulan: A Chinese Learning Adventure | While we aim to release a new chapter approximately every month to 45 days, the overall duration of Early Access will depend on the feedback we receive and our aspirations for the game's educational and entertainment value. Our goal is to ensure each chapter delivers on quality and engagement, making the timeline flexible to these commitments.read 7 Sep 2026 | about 2 months | 2 years 7 months | 2072% | Overdueby 2 years 6 months | |
| BloodLightBloodLight | The length of the pre-access will be within a few weeks. We are planning on 1 to 2 months.read 7 Sep 2026 | 1–2 months | 2 years 3 months | 1326% | Overdueby 2 years 1 month | |
| Alnico SmitheryAlnico Smithery | It's always hard to estimate how long things like this will take. While theoretically I imagine the game could be finished in a month or two's time, realistically things like new ideas, bugs, suggestions, and real life always end up greatly affecting that time-frame. So with that in mind, I *think* Alnico won't spend more than a year in Early Access, but I make no promises.read 7 Sep 2026 | 1–2 months | 22 months | 1124% | Overdueby 20 months | |
| CornFieldCornField | We plan that the length of the early access will be several weeks. We plan on 1 to 2 months.read 7 Sep 2026 | 1–2 months | 22 months | 1124% | Overdueby 20 months | |
| Move The ChainsMove The Chains | It's hard to predict just how long it'll be in Early Access. It'll likely be in it until Season 1 is finished up. Which I hope to have done near the end of 2024 before moving onto Season 2.read 7 Sep 2026 | 2 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2024 | 22 months | 1088% | Overdueby 20 months | |
| MeatgrinderMeatgrinder | Our goal is to complete the game within the next three to six months. However, this timeline may be adjusted based on player feedback and any necessary enhancements to enrich the game experience.read 8 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 2 years 5 months | 484% | Overdueby 23 months | |
| Unknown RulesUnknown Rules | About half a year.read 8 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 2 years 3 months | 456% | Overdueby 21 months | |
| PILGRIMPILGRIM | Approximately 5-6 months. The plan is to fine tune the game, add new areas, develop monsters, items and more and then to flesh out end game content.read 5 Sep 2026 | 5–6 months | 2 years 3 months | 455% | Overdueby 21 months | |
| OneKindOneKind | We think Early Access will last 6 months. The exact time may vary depending on the development process, but we will be sure to keep you updated throughout the entire process.read 7 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 2 years | 398% | Overdueby 18 months | |
| Liar's BarLiar's Bar | Liar's Bar will be in Early Access for 6 months. During this time, we'll add new content, optimize gameplay, and refine features based on your feedback.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 6 months | 23 months | 387% | Overdueby 17 months | |
| World of ShootingWorld of Shooting | We have LOTS of weapons and game modes that all need to be well-balanced. So, if we work hard, with your help we’ll get the game to full release in 6 to 8 months. (At that point, the Practical Shooting campaign and the Killhouses campaign will be finalized).read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–8 months | 2 years 7 months | 383% | Overdueby 23 months | |
| Idle WeaponshopIdle Weaponshop | It will approximately take another 6 to 8 months to finish the planned content trees and polish up the game and ensure there are no known serious issues remaining.read 7 Sep 2026 | 6–8 months | 2 years 6 months | 379% | Overdueby 22 months | |
| Epic Auto TowersEpic Auto Towers | Probably around 4 to 6 months, but it will also depend on whether you and I want to make more Tower Packs. If we want to make more than three Pack, it will probably take longer.read 8 Sep 2026 | 4–6 months | 22 months | 364% | Overdueby 16 months | |
| WhiskaraWhiskara | As of 21st of May, 2025, the development of Whiskara has been placed on indefinite holdread 8 Sep 2026 | 6 monthsuntil 21 May 2025 | 22 months | 360% | Overdueby 16 months | |
| SCP: EVENT CLASSIFIEDSCP: EVENT CLASSIFIED | ETA may change but we plan to be out of Early Access somewhere in 2024-read 6 Sep 2026 | 8 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2024 | 2 years 4 months | 356% | Overdueby 20 months | |
| Dustgrave: A Sandbox RPGDustgrave: A Sandbox RPG | Dustgrave will be in Early Access for at least a few months, allowing us to gather feedback and integrate new content accordingly.read 7 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 21 months | 352% | Overdueby 15 months | |
| Shadow PrisonerShadow Prisoner | Early access is scheduled to end in 2024 at the earliest. At the latest, it is scheduled to end around spring 2025.read 7 Sep 2026 | 6 monthsuntil 31 May 2025 | 21 months | 352% | Overdueby 15 months | |
| ZortZort | We aim to release the game from early access within a few months. We plan to make many updates to the game during this period.read 5 Sep 2026 | 3–6 months | 21 months | 351% | Overdueby 15 months | |
| SMITE 2SMITE 2 | We expect SMITE 2 to be in Early Access development at least through early 2025. Given the nature of Early Access development, we don't have a specific end date planned at this time.read 8 Sep 2026 | 7 monthsuntil 31 Mar 2025 | 2 years | 349% | Overdueby 17 months | |
| Road ToadRoad Toad | The anticipated duration of Road Toad's Early Access phase is until the end of 2024. However, this timeframe is flexible and subject to adjustments based on player feedback, suggestions, and the game's development progress during this period. The aim is to refine and enhance the game for a polished and enjoyable experience, with the end of 2024 as the current target.read 8 Sep 2026 | 11 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2024 | 2 years 7 months | 283% | Overdueby 20 months | |
| Casino SimulatorCasino Simulator | We plan to keep our game in Early Access for 8 months.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 8 months | 22 months | 275% | Overdueby 14 months | |
| Cartel SimulatorCartel Simulator | The story side of the game revolves around major missions. Currently the game has 30, the plan is to reach 100 missions. I expect it to be finished by late 2024.read 8 Sep 2026 | 12 monthsuntil 31 Dec 2024 | 2 years 8 months | 267% | Overdueby 20 months | |
| FreelandFreeland | Our primary aim is to continuously refine and polish the game to ensure the best possible experience for all our players. While we understand that game development timelines can be subject to change, we anticipate that Freeland will transition out of Early Access sometime in early to mid-2025. It's important to note that this timeline is approximate, as we prioritize quality over rushing the release. As such, we're committed to providing regular updates and improvements throughout the Early Access phase, working diligently to address feedback and enhance gameplay mechanics. While we can't provide an exact date at this moment, we'll keep you updated on our progress as we move closer to the official launch. Your patience and support during this journey are greatly appreciated, and we're excited to embark on this adventure with you.read 7 Sep 2026 | 9 monthsuntil 30 Jun 2025 | 2 years | 263% | Overdueby 15 months | |
| NettleNettle | If everything goes to plan, at most 8 months.read 7 Sep 2026 | 0–8 months | 21 months | 258% | Overdueby 13 months | |
| Feed The CupsFeed The Cups | About 8-12 months, depending on how much changes or additions we need to make to the game system before the final completion.read 7 Sep 2026 | 8–12 months | 2 years 7 months | 255% | Overdueby 19 months | |
| Infection Free ZoneInfection Free Zone | We would like to release the game after approximately one year of Early Access. This decision may change due to player feedback, which we take very seriously. Depending on the number and size of changes that we consider critical, the time in Early Access may be extended.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 years 5 months | 241% | Overdueby 17 months | |
| NerobiNerobi | We plan to keep the game in Early Access until Q1 2027 to ensure all planned features, including new boss fights and enemies, are fully implemented. We are working daily to bring significant improvements compared to the initial version. The major update on March 3rd, for example, is the result of nearly a year of work; we preferred to take the necessary time to offer a genuine leap in quality.read 7 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 years 4 months | 234% | Overdueby 16 months | |
| Knights WithinKnights Within | Hard to say as it depends on my part-time pace of work. I have a list of things that will consider the game 'ready for 1.0' for me and I'm working towards it. My current best guess is 1 more yearread 8 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 years 4 months | 232% | Overdueby 16 months | |
| Mad IslandMad Island | We plan to have the game in Early Access for between 6 to 12 months, but this is subject to change.read 5 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 years 4 months | 230% | Overdueby 16 months | |
| VoidBoundVoidBound | We plan to stay in Early Access for around 8-12 months. During this time, we will continue posting 3-4 Progress Reports each month. These keep the Community directly involved with our development.read 8 Sep 2026 | 8–12 months | 2 years 4 months | 229% | Overdueby 16 months | |
| Gaggi ClickerGaggi Clicker | I plan for the game to remain in development for approximately a year before leaving Early Access. However, I don't want to commit to a specific date. The game will only be fully released once it meets my high standards for quality and content depth. My goal is to ensure that the gaming experience is compelling on all levels and provides players with a comprehensive, high-quality adventure.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 years 1 month | 212% | Overdueby 13 months | |
| DEVIATORDEVIATOR | First of all, this will depend on the feedback we collect from players. Currently, we plan to release the official version of the game within a year. We firmly believe that our game will never let down the time and money invested by players.read 7 Sep 2026 | 0–12 months | 2 years 1 month | 211% | Overdueby 13 months | |
| Celestial CrownCelestial Crown | We expect Early Access to last approximately one year.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 years | 201% | Overdueby 12 months | |
| Utopia Must FallUtopia Must Fall | We estimate the game will be in Early Access for 6-12 months.read 8 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 2 years | 200% | Overdueby 12 months | |
| TCG Card Shop SimulatorTCG Card Shop Simulator | Early Access phase is estimated to last about a year, although this timeline may be adjusted based on player feedback.the store says it leaves Early Access on 16 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 2 years | 198% | Overdueby 12 months | |
| Zector 7Zector 7 | It depends on your feedback and the level of fun and polish I can put into the game. 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 7 Sep 2026 | 0–12 months | 22 months | 187% | Overdueby 10 months | |
| IfSunSetsIfSunSets | Our current goal is to stay in Early Access for about a year, during which we’ll continue developing planned content. However, this timeline may evolve based on community feedback and player response, as we’re always open to adjusting our roadmap and milestones to ensure the best possible experience.read 6 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 22 months | 184% | Overdueby 10 months | |
| Replikant ChatReplikant Chat | We anticipate Replikant Chat to be in Early Access for approximately 6-12 months. However, the nature of AI development and the potential for new breakthroughs may affect this timeline. We're committed to regular updates and will keep our community informed of any changes to this estimate.read 7 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 22 months | 182% | Overdueby 10 months | |
| Gladio MoriGladio Mori | Approximately one year.the store says it leaves Early Access on 16 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 21 months | 179% | Overdueby 9 months | |
| ボクセル築城ずんだもんキャッスルボクセル築城ずんだもんキャッスル | For about a year.read 7 Sep 2026 | about 12 months | 21 months | 176% | Overdueby 9 months | |
| Fast Food SimulatorFast Food Simulator | We plan to keep our game in early access for approximately 6 months to 1 year. However, this timeframe may not always be exact. Depending on the feedback from the community and the new features we plan to add, this period may vary. Our goal is to make the game as good as possible before moving to the full release.read 6 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 21 months | 175% | Overdueby 9 months | |
| VOINVOIN | My goal is to release the full version within a year, though the exact timeline might change based on the feedback from you, the players.read 7 Sep 2026 | 0–12 months | 21 months | 175% | Overdueby 9 months | |
| AstrometicaAstrometica | The duration of Early Access is subject to player engagement and interest in the project. We're committed to delivering a polished and complete game, and will exit Early Access once the story arc has been fully realized. If the game proves to be successful and well-received, our goal is to transition out of Early Access within a year.read 6 Sep 2026 | 0–12 months | 21 months | 175% | Overdueby 9 months | |
| Fight Crab 2Fight Crab 2 | We expect to spend around 12 to 18 months in Early Access before full release.read 8 Sep 2026 | 12–18 months | 2 years 7 months | 171% | Overdueby 13 months | |
| TDP4: Team BattleTDP4: Team Battle | We plan to stay in Early Access for approximately 6 to 12 months. This timeframe will allow us to implement community feedback, polish the game, and introduce new features based on player suggestions.read 7 Sep 2026 | 6–12 months | 20 months | 169% | Overdueby 8 months | |
| Lightyear FrontierLightyear Frontier | Our timeline continues to evolve according to the game's needs and community feedback. We have decided to extend our original timeline of 18 months of EA in order to make more substantial changes to the core gameplay and planet. Our current estimate sees us exiting Early Access in 2026, but we are willing to extend that further if it means a better game for our players.read 5 Sep 2026 | about 18 months | 2 years 6 months | 165% | Overdueby 12 months | |
| TerraTech WorldsTerraTech Worlds | We could say "until it's done", but Payload games aren't done until players are finished with them! As TerraTech remains to this day, TerraTech Worlds will be actively maintained, extended and evolved for years beyond Early Access. We estimate about 18 months to bring all the core features and content to a state we feel good about calling 1.0. That means the game will feel solid and polished, with hundreds of hours of gameplay ready to go - but with thousands more still to come as we embark on a multi-year, post 1.0 content roadmap.read 5 Sep 2026 | about 18 months | 2 years 6 months | 164% | Overdueby 12 months | |
| From Glory To GooFrom Glory To Goo | The game will remain in Early Access for roughly another 18 months (2027/2028). As I will be adding at least 1 more playable, asymmetric faction and additional campaign chapters. This will allow me to ensure the campaign delivers a compelling and polished experience.read 7 Sep 2026 | about 18 months | 2 years 5 months | 162% | Overdueby 11 months |
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.