Baby Steps Harbours Hilarious Uncharted Sequel Theory

A entertaining theory has taken the gaming community by storm, suggesting that Devolver Digital’s indie platformer Baby Steps might actually be a hidden Uncharted follow-up in disguise. The ungainly, costume-wearing protagonist, known simply as Nate, could very well be Nathan Drake Jr.—the previously unmentioned son of PlayStation’s iconic explorer. Loremasters and dataminers have uncovered compelling evidence, from character models explicitly tagged “Nathan Drake” to a dream scene where the protagonist is called “Nate D.” The theory gained significant traction after the Baby Steps Discord community unearthed references to a character named Cassie and characters named Nathan and Elena, echoing the Fisher-Drake family from the Uncharted franchise. Whilst Sony and Naughty Dog have said nothing on the matter, the evidence has become too compelling for fans to ignore.

The Peculiar Case of Nate and His Ancestry

The most persuasive evidence underpinning the Uncharted connection exists within Baby Steps’ narrative details, which paint a strikingly recognisable family portrait. During gameplay, players gradually learn about Nate’s relatives through spoken exchanges and character engagement. His sister is explicitly named Cassie, his father is Nathan, and his mother is Elena—names that match precisely with the established Uncharted canon. These aren’t vague similarities; they’re precise alignments to the Fisher-Drake family tree found throughout multiple Uncharted titles. The correspondence looks far too precise to be unintentional, causing players to propose that this represents either a detailed hidden reference or a real, though unorthodox, franchise expansion.

What renders this theory especially compelling is the considerable quantity of corroborating evidence scattered throughout Baby Steps’ files and obscured elements. Dataminers have discovered character models explicitly labelled with Nathan Drake’s name, whilst achievement artwork shows an older man bearing striking resemblance to an aged version of Uncharted’s protagonist. A dream sequence even addresses the player character as “Nate D,” a clear abbreviation of Drake. Additionally, a secret 30-minute cutscene —unlocked by bypassing alternate cutscenes in the game—features developers reflecting on their fondness for Uncharted and expressing wishes for the franchise’s return. These interconnected nods suggest purposeful development selections rather than random coincidence.

• Character model clearly identified “Nathan Drake” in game code
• Sister character identified as Cassie aligns with Uncharted 4’s established daughter
• Parents named Nathan and Elena mirror the Fisher-Drake lineage
• Dream sequence addresses protagonist as “Nate D” explicitly

Researchers Reveal Compelling Evidence

Character Design Disclosures

The most damning evidence supporting the Uncharted theory comes directly from Baby Steps’ underlying code, where dataminers have discovered the protagonist’s player character is explicitly named “Nathan Drake” within the source files. This is far more than a subtle nod or an Easter egg buried deep within obscure dialogue—it’s a core identifier embedded in the game’s architecture itself. Such explicit naming conventions usually perform practical functions in game design, making this finding especially important. The circumstance that Devolver Digital and the development studio have permitted such an obvious identifier to stay in the released version prompts inquiry into whether this represents an deliberate nod to the fanbase or something far more substantial.

Beyond the character model designation, further file discoveries have strengthened the Uncharted connection substantially. Achievement artwork has been analysed by eagle-eyed fans, with the “World’s Best Dad” achievement showcasing imagery that bears marked resemblance to an mature Nathan Drake. These imagery pieces, alongside the explicit naming conventions in the code, create a pattern far too uniform to dismiss as coincidence. The developers’ clear unwillingness to address these discoveries directly has only heightened speculation within the community, with many viewing the silence as unspoken recognition rather than explicit rejection of the connection.

• Character model files clearly marked “Nathan Drake” in game code
• Achievement artwork shows older man matching the appearance of aged Nathan Drake
• Dream sequence dialogue refers to protagonist as “Nate D” directly
• Family member names align precisely with Uncharted 4 canonical lore
• Developers decline to comment on Uncharted connection questions

The Mysterious Cutscene That Started It All

The complete theory built substantial momentum in the wake of the uncovering of a hidden 30-minute cutscene that players could unlock by omitting all cutscene in Baby Steps—a meta twist that appears wholly in line with the game’s unique design ethos. Rather than satisfying dedicated players with additional gameplay or narrative payoff, the developers instead created an lengthy scene where the voice actors and development team essentially break character entirely. What transpires is a honest, backstage conversation that seems genuinely unrehearsed, offering glimpses into the development journey that shaped Baby Steps’ unusual nature.

Within this substantial sequence lies the crucial evidence that sent the Baby Steps Discord community into absolute overdrive. At one point during the developers’ casual discussion, one team member utters a ostensibly casual line that would reverberate throughout the broader fanbase: “I miss Uncharted. I wish they would bring it back.” The comment, delivered with obvious seriousness rather than irony, immediately sparked intense speculation about whether Baby Steps might embody something considerably more significant than a self-contained indie title. The creators’ following unwillingness to clarify on the statement has only amplified the mystery, prompting fans to question whether this was genuine nostalgia or a deliberately planned hint about the game’s actual nature.

Creator Remarks Spiralled Out of Control

The existence of such an intricate concealed sequence prompts core inquiries about creative vision and creative expression within commercially-supported ventures. If Baby Steps genuinely represents a secret Uncharted instalment, the creative team may have strategically woven these references and commentary as a means of creative defiance—a way of communicating their ambition to develop the cherished series whilst operating under the pretence of an completely distinct project. The reality that Sony and Naughty Dog have stayed notably quiet on everything concerning these discoveries suggests either strategic ambiguity or authentic astonishment at the fanbase’s investigative efforts. Either way, the developers’ refusal to confirm or deny the connection has converted conjecture into a cultural moment.

What This Signifies for Uncharted’s Coming Years

If Baby Steps actually represents a covert Uncharted project, it could suggest a significant shift in how prominent publishers approach inactive series. Rather than introducing a standard AAA continuation, Sony and Naughty Dog may have selected a more experimental, unconventional approach—embedding the narrative continuation within an independent game developed by Getting Over It’s Bennett Foddy. This strategy would enable the studio to gauge reception with novel artistic approaches whilst maintaining credible denial about the franchise’s revival. The success of Baby Steps, measured both commercially and critically, could conceivably warrant a larger Uncharted reveal in the years ahead.

The Uncharted franchise has stayed conspicuously absent from PlayStation’s major releases since 2017, with only spin-offs and adaptations filling the void. Fans have grown increasingly vocal about their desire for a proper sequel, and the uncovering of these subtle links has rekindled discussion about the series’ future. Whether Baby Steps signals actual progress or an elaborate inside joke, it shows that the hunger for new Uncharted content remains strong within the player base. Sony’s lack of comment is notably significant, suggesting either intentional intrigue or an acknowledgement that something substantial could genuinely be brewing in the background.

Regardless of whether Baby Steps truly operates as a secret Uncharted sequel, the phenomenon itself has reinvigorated conversation around the franchise’s long-term prospects and heritage. The community’s dedication to uncovering hidden lore showcases the engaged audience that awaits any public statement. Whether Naughty Dog chooses to leverage this momentum with a authentic comeback remains uncertain, but the groundswell of interest indicates the timing could scarcely be better for the studio to greenlight a full comeback to Nathan Drake’s world.