Baby Steps Harbours Hilarious Uncharted Sequel Theory

A amusing theory has swept through the gaming community, suggesting that Devolver Digital’s indie platformer Baby Steps might potentially be a clandestine Uncharted continuation in disguise. The ungainly, costume-wearing protagonist, known simply as Nate, might plausibly be Nathan Drake Jr.—the previously unmentioned son of PlayStation’s beloved treasure hunter. Loremasters and dataminers have discovered compelling evidence, including character models explicitly marked “Nathan Drake” to a nightmarish vision where the protagonist is named “Nate D.” The theory achieved considerable momentum after the Baby Steps Discord community unearthed references to a woman called Cassie and characters named Nathan and Elena, echoing the Fisher-Drake family from the Uncharted franchise. Whilst Sony and Naughty Dog have remained silent on the matter, the evidence has proven too tantalising for fans to ignore.

The Intriguing Case of Nate and His Ancestry

The most compelling evidence supporting the Uncharted connection can be found in Baby Steps’ story elements, which paint a strikingly recognisable family portrait. During gameplay, players progressively uncover about Nate’s family members through spoken exchanges and character engagement. His sister is specifically identified as Cassie, his father is Nathan, and his mother is Elena—names that align perfectly with the canonical Uncharted universe. These are not loose parallels; they’re direct matches to the Fisher-Drake lineage found throughout multiple Uncharted titles. The correspondence looks remarkably specific to be unintentional, leading the community to theorise that this constitutes either an elaborate Easter egg or a genuine, if unconventional, franchise continuation.

What makes this theory especially compelling is the sheer volume of supporting details scattered throughout Baby Steps’ files and obscured elements. Dataminers have discovered character models explicitly labelled with Nathan Drake’s name, whilst achievement artwork depicts an aged individual exhibiting notable likeness to an aged version of Uncharted’s protagonist. A dream sequence even refers to the player character as “Nate D,” a clear abbreviation of Drake. Additionally, a secret cutscene lasting thirty minutes —unlocked by bypassing alternate cutscenes in the game—features developers expressing their attachment for Uncharted and expressing wishes for the franchise’s revival. These interconnected nods suggest deliberate design choices rather than mere chance.

• Character model explicitly labelled “Nathan Drake” in source files
• Sister character named Cassie corresponds to Uncharted 4’s known offspring
• Parents named Nathan and Elena reflect the Fisher-Drake family
• Dream sequence refers to protagonist as “Nate D” outright

Dataminers Discover Strong Evidence

Character Framework Insights

The strongest evidence supporting the Uncharted theory comes directly from Baby Steps’ underlying code, where analysts have found the protagonist’s main character model is explicitly named “Nathan Drake” within the game files. This goes beyond a subtle reference or an Easter egg buried deep within obscure dialogue—it’s a fundamental identifier embedded in the game’s architecture itself. Such explicit naming conventions typically serve functional purposes in game development, making this finding especially important. The fact that Devolver Digital and the development team have left such an explicit identifier to remain in the released version prompts inquiry into whether this amounts to an deliberate nod to the fanbase or something considerably more significant.

Beyond the character model designation, extra file discoveries have reinforced the Uncharted connection substantially. Achievement artwork has been scrutinised by dedicated enthusiasts, with the “World’s Best Dad” achievement featuring imagery that bears marked resemblance to an mature Nathan Drake. These imagery pieces, alongside the explicit naming conventions in the code, create a pattern too consistent to dismiss as coincidence. The developers’ clear unwillingness to address these discoveries openly has further fuelled speculation within the community, with many reading the silence as implicit acceptance rather than outright denial of the connection.

• Character model files clearly marked “Nathan Drake” in game code
• Achievement artwork depicts older man bearing resemblance to aged Nathan Drake
• Dream sequence dialogue refers to protagonist as “Nate D” outright
• Family member names perfectly match Uncharted 4 canonical lore
• Developers decline to comment on any Uncharted-related inquiries

The Mysterious Cutscene That Began It All

The whole theory gained considerable momentum following the discovery of a hidden 30-minute cutscene that players could access by bypassing each cutscene in Baby Steps—a meta twist that feels entirely in line with the game’s unique design ethos. Rather than rewarding completionists with supplementary gameplay or narrative satisfaction, the developers instead constructed an extended sequence where the voice actors and development team completely abandon their roles. What transpires is a frank, off-camera conversation that appears authentically spontaneous, offering insights into the artistic approach that shaped Baby Steps’ unusual nature.

Within this lengthy section lies the key revelation that sent the Baby Steps Discord community into utter overdrive. At one point during the developers’ casual exchange, one team member utters a seemingly throwaway line that would reverberate throughout the entire fanbase: “I miss Uncharted. I wish they would bring it back.” The comment, delivered with genuine earnestness rather than irony, immediately sparked intense speculation about whether Baby Steps might constitute something considerably more significant than a standalone indie title. The team’s later unwillingness to clarify on the statement has only heightened the mystery, causing fans to speculate whether this was authentic longing or a carefully orchestrated hint about the game’s real nature.

Creator Remarks Gone Rogue

The existence of such an elaborate hidden sequence raises core inquiries about creative vision and artistic output within commercially-supported ventures. If Baby Steps truly is a hidden Uncharted instalment, the developers may have cleverly embedded these references and commentary as a form of artistic rebellion—a way of expressing their ambition to develop the beloved franchise whilst functioning under the pretence of an completely distinct project. The reality that Sony and Naughty Dog have remained conspicuously silent on everything concerning these discoveries suggests either calculated plausible deniability or authentic astonishment at the community’s detective work. Either way, the developers’ refusal to verify or refute the connection has converted speculation into a cultural moment.

What This Signifies for Uncharted’s Road Ahead

If Baby Steps genuinely represents a secret Uncharted project, it could signal a significant shift in how leading studios approach sleeping franchises. Rather than introducing a traditional AAA sequel, Sony and Naughty Dog may have opted for a more experimental, unconventional approach—embedding the story expansion within an indie project made by Getting Over It’s Bennett Foddy. This approach would enable the company to gauge reception with fresh creative ideas whilst preserving credible denial about the franchise’s revival. The reception 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 side projects and tie-ins filling the void. Fans have grown increasingly vocal about their appetite for a proper sequel, and the discovery of these hidden connections has reignited speculation about the series’ future. Whether Baby Steps signals actual progress or an elaborate inside joke, it shows that the appetite for new Uncharted content remains strong within the gaming community. Sony’s silence on the matter is particularly telling, suggesting either deliberate mystery-building or an recognition that something substantial could genuinely be brewing in the background.

Regardless of whether Baby Steps truly functions as a secret Uncharted sequel, the phenomenon itself has reignited conversation around the franchise’s future direction and legacy. The community’s commitment to discovering hidden lore showcases the engaged audience that awaits any formal reveal. Whether Naughty Dog chooses to leverage this momentum with a genuine revival remains uncertain, but the surge of enthusiasm suggests the timing could scarcely be better for the studio to greenlight a genuine return to Nathan Drake’s world.