Baby Steps Harbours Hilarious Uncharted Sequel Theory

A hilarious 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 awkward, onesie-wearing protagonist, called Nate, might plausibly be Nathan Drake Jr.—the previously unmentioned son of PlayStation’s iconic explorer. Loremasters and dataminers have discovered compelling evidence, featuring character models explicitly labelled “Nathan Drake” to a dream scene where the protagonist is named “Nate D.” The theory achieved considerable momentum after the Baby Steps Discord community unearthed references to a character named Cassie and parents named Nathan and Elena, echoing the Fisher-Drake family from the Uncharted franchise. Whilst Sony and Naughty Dog have offered no comment on the matter, the evidence has proven too enticing for fans to ignore.

The Intriguing Case of Nate and His Family Lineage

The strongest evidence underpinning the Uncharted connection exists within Baby Steps’ story elements, which present a remarkably familiar family portrait. Throughout the game, players slowly discover about Nate’s kin through dialogue and character interactions. His sister is directly called Cassie, his father is Nathan, and his mother is Elena—names that match precisely with the existing Uncharted lore. These represent more than passing resemblances; they’re precise alignments to the Fisher-Drake family tree present in multiple Uncharted titles. The correspondence looks remarkably specific to be unintentional, prompting fans to suggest that this indicates either a sophisticated in-game nod or an actual, though unconventional, series extension.

What creates this theory remarkably fascinating is the considerable quantity of substantive clues dispersed across Baby Steps’ files and hidden content. Dataminers have revealed character models explicitly labelled with Nathan Drake’s name, whilst achievement artwork shows an aged individual displaying remarkable similarity to an aged version of Uncharted’s protagonist. A dream sequence even identifies the player character as “Nate D,” a clear abbreviation of Drake. Additionally, a secret 30-minute cutscene —unlocked by omitting every second cutscene in the game—features developers reflecting on their fondness for Uncharted and expressing wishes for the franchise’s revival. These interconnected nods suggest intentional creative decisions rather than random coincidence.

• Character model directly marked “Nathan Drake” in source files
• Sister character called Cassie aligns with Uncharted 4’s known offspring
• Parents named Nathan and Elena reflect the Fisher-Drake family
• Dream sequence addresses protagonist as “Nate D” directly

Dataminers Uncover Convincing Evidence

Character Design Disclosures

The most compelling evidence supporting the Uncharted theory emerges from Baby Steps’ foundational code, where analysts have found the protagonist’s player character is explicitly named “Nathan Drake” within the source files. This is far more than a subtle nod or an hidden bonus tucked away in obscure dialogue—it’s a fundamental identifier embedded in the game’s architecture itself. Such explicit naming conventions typically serve functional purposes in video game creation, making this discovery particularly significant. The fact that Devolver Digital and the development studio have allowed such a blatant identifier to remain in the final build calls into question whether this represents an deliberate nod to the player base or something far more substantial.

Beyond the character model designation, further file discoveries have reinforced the Uncharted connection considerably. Achievement artwork has been analysed by dedicated enthusiasts, with the “World’s Best Dad” achievement showcasing imagery that bears striking resemblance to an ageing Nathan Drake. These imagery pieces, combined with the direct naming patterns in the code, create a pattern far too uniform to dismiss as coincidence. The developers’ seeming reluctance to address these discoveries directly has further fuelled speculation within the community, with many interpreting the silence as tacit acknowledgement rather than outright denial of the connection.

• Character model files clearly marked “Nathan Drake” in in-game code
• Achievement artwork shows older man bearing resemblance to aged Nathan Drake
• Dream sequence dialogue names protagonist as “Nate D” explicitly
• Family member names correspond exactly to Uncharted 4 canonical lore
• Developers decline to comment on Uncharted connection questions

The Mysterious Cutscene That Started It All

The complete theory gained considerable momentum after the uncovering of a hidden 30-minute cutscene that players could obtain by skipping every single cutscene in Baby Steps—a meta twist that appears wholly in line with the game’s unconventional design philosophy. Rather than appeasing completionists with additional gameplay or narrative payoff, the developers instead constructed an lengthy scene where the voice actors and production team fully step out of character. What unfolds is a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation that appears authentically spontaneous, offering glimpses into the development journey that shaped Baby Steps’ distinctive character.

Within this substantial section lies the smoking gun that sent the Baby Steps Discord group into absolute overdrive. At one point during the team’s informal discussion, one team member utters a seemingly throwaway line that would resound through the broader fanbase: “I miss Uncharted. I wish they would bring it back.” The comment, made with apparent sincerity 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 heightened the mystery, prompting fans to question whether this was authentic longing or a carefully orchestrated hint about the game’s actual nature.

Creator Remarks Gone Rogue

The presence of such an intricate concealed sequence raises fundamental questions about developer intent and artistic output within commercially-supported ventures. If Baby Steps genuinely represents a secret Uncharted instalment, the creative team may have cleverly embedded these allusions and observations as a means of creative defiance—a way of expressing their desire to work on the beloved franchise whilst functioning under the guise of an completely distinct project. The fact 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 creative team’s reluctance to verify or refute the connection has transformed speculation into a cultural moment.

What This Indicates for Uncharted’s Road Ahead

If Baby Steps actually represents a secret Uncharted project, it could signal a substantial shift in how prominent publishers approach dormant franchises. Rather than introducing a traditional AAA sequel, Sony and Naughty Dog may have selected a more daring, experimental direction—weaving the story expansion within an independent game created by Getting Over It’s Bennett Foddy. This approach would allow the studio to test the waters with fresh creative ideas whilst preserving plausible deniability about the franchise’s return. The reception of Baby Steps, evaluated both commercially and in critical reception, could possibly warrant a more substantial Uncharted announcement 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 become more outspoken about their desire for a proper sequel, and the discovery of these hidden connections has reignited speculation about the series’ prospects. Whether Baby Steps signals actual progress or an elaborate inside joke, it demonstrates that the hunger for new Uncharted content remains strong within the gaming community. Sony’s lack of comment is particularly telling, suggesting either intentional intrigue or an recognition that something substantial could genuinely be brewing behind the scenes.

Regardless of whether Baby Steps truly operates as a secret Uncharted sequel, the phenomenon itself has reignited discussion around the franchise’s future direction and legacy. The community’s commitment to discovering hidden lore showcases the passionate fanbase that awaits any formal reveal. Whether Naughty Dog decides to capitalise on this momentum with a genuine revival remains uncertain, but the groundswell of interest suggests the timing could scarcely be better for the studio to greenlight a full comeback to Nathan Drake’s world.