Steam Early Access releases up 18% as players treat them as real launches

SteamDB counted 2,924 Early Access launches on Steam in 2026 as of mid-October, up 18% year-over-year and 60% from 2020. Early Access now accounts for 13.7% of all Steam releases, and only 21% of games earn more in their first 30 days after 1.0 than at their Early Access debut.

• 2,924 Steam Early Access launches in 2026, up 18% year-over-year
• Early Access share of Steam releases rose to 13.7% in 2026
• Only 21% of games earn more after 1.0 than at Early Access launch
• Developers say Early Access must be treated like a real launch