Baby Steps Harbours Hilarious Uncharted Sequel Theory

A amusing theory has swept through the gaming community, proposing that Devolver Digital’s indie platformer Baby Steps might potentially be a hidden Uncharted follow-up in disguise. The ungainly, costume-wearing protagonist, called Nate, could very well be Nathan Drake Jr.—the hitherto unknown son of PlayStation’s iconic explorer. Loremasters and dataminers have uncovered convincing proof, including character models explicitly tagged “Nathan Drake” to a dream scene where the protagonist is called “Nate D.” The theory achieved considerable momentum after the Baby Steps Discord community found references to a character named Cassie and figures called Nathan and Elena, reflecting 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 Fascinating Case of Nate and His Ancestry

The strongest evidence backing the Uncharted connection can be found in Baby Steps’ narrative details, which create a strikingly recognisable family portrait. During gameplay, players gradually learn about Nate’s relatives through conversations and character exchanges. His sister is directly called Cassie, his father is Nathan, and his mother is Elena—names that align perfectly with the existing Uncharted lore. These are not loose parallels; they’re precise alignments to the Fisher-Drake genealogy established across multiple Uncharted titles. The alignment appears far too precise to be accidental, prompting fans to suggest that this constitutes either an elaborate Easter egg or an actual, though unconventional, series extension.

What creates this theory remarkably fascinating is the considerable quantity of supporting details found within Baby Steps’ files and obscured elements. Dataminers have revealed character models clearly marked with Nathan Drake’s name, whilst achievement artwork depicts an mature figure 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 cutscene lasting thirty minutes —unlocked by omitting every second cutscene in the game—features developers discussing their nostalgia for Uncharted and voicing desires for the franchise’s resurgence. These interconnected nods suggest intentional creative decisions rather than mere chance.

• Character model explicitly labelled “Nathan Drake” in source files
• Sister character identified as Cassie aligns with Uncharted 4’s canonical daughter
• Parents called Nathan and Elena reflect the Fisher-Drake family
• Dream sequence identifies protagonist as “Nate D” outright

Researchers Discover Strong Evidence

Character Design Disclosures

The most damning evidence backing the Uncharted theory is found in Baby Steps’ foundational code, where researchers have uncovered the protagonist’s main character model 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 essential designation integrated within the underlying architecture itself. Such explicit naming conventions typically serve functional purposes in game development, making this revelation particularly significant. The fact that Devolver Digital and the development team have left such an explicit identifier to persist in the released version calls into question whether this constitutes an deliberate nod to the player base or something far more substantial.

Beyond the character model designation, additional file discoveries have strengthened the Uncharted connection substantially. Achievement artwork has been scrutinised by eagle-eyed fans, with the “World’s Best Dad” achievement showcasing imagery that bears marked resemblance to an ageing Nathan Drake. These graphical elements, alongside the explicit naming conventions in the code, create a pattern far too consistent to dismiss as coincidence. The developers’ seeming reluctance to address these discoveries explicitly has only heightened speculation within the community, with many interpreting the silence as tacit acknowledgement rather than direct denial of the connection.

• Character model files explicitly labelled “Nathan Drake” in game code
• Achievement artwork shows older man matching the appearance of aged Nathan Drake
• Dream sequence dialogue identifies protagonist as “Nate D” directly
• Family member names correspond exactly to Uncharted 4 canonical lore
• Developers decline to comment on Uncharted connection questions

The Secret Cutscene That Initiated It All

The complete theory gained considerable momentum after the discovery of a hidden 30-minute cutscene that players could unlock by omitting all cutscene in Baby Steps—a meta twist that feels entirely in keeping 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 unfolds is a honest, backstage conversation that feels remarkably unscripted, offering glimpses into the development journey that shaped Baby Steps’ unusual nature.

Within this substantial sequence lies the key revelation that sent the Baby Steps Discord community into complete overdrive. At one point during the creators’ relaxed conversation, one team member utters a seemingly throwaway line that would echo across the whole fanbase: “I miss Uncharted. I wish they would bring it back.” The comment, made with genuine earnestness rather than irony, immediately sparked wild speculation about whether Baby Steps might constitute something far more substantial than a independent standalone title. The developers’ subsequent refusal to elaborate on the statement has only intensified the mystery, leaving fans to wonder whether this was authentic longing or a strategically timed hint about the game’s real nature.

Developer Insights Gone Rogue

The existence of such an elaborate hidden sequence prompts core inquiries about creative vision and artistic output within corporate-backed projects. If Baby Steps truly is a secret Uncharted instalment, the developers may have cleverly embedded these references and commentary as a form of artistic rebellion—a way of expressing their desire to work on the beloved franchise whilst operating under the pretence of an completely distinct project. The reality that Sony and Naughty Dog have remained conspicuously silent on all matters relating to these findings suggests either calculated plausible deniability or authentic astonishment at the fanbase’s investigative efforts. Either way, the developers’ refusal to verify or refute the connection has converted conjecture 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 considerable shift in how major publishers approach dormant franchises. Rather than releasing a conventional AAA follow-up, Sony and Naughty Dog may have opted for a more daring, experimental direction—weaving the plot development within an independent game developed by Getting Over It’s Bennett Foddy. This approach would allow the developer to test the waters with novel artistic approaches whilst preserving reasonable doubt about the series’ resurgence. The success of Baby Steps, assessed in both commercial and critical terms, could conceivably justify a more substantial Uncharted announcement in the years ahead.

The Uncharted franchise has remained notably absent from PlayStation’s flagship titles since 2017, with only spin-offs and adaptations filling the void. Fans have grown increasingly vocal about their appetite for a genuine follow-up, and the discovery of these hidden connections has rekindled discussion about the series’ prospects. Whether Baby Steps represents genuine development or an elaborate inside joke, it demonstrates that the hunger for new Uncharted content remains strong within the player base. Sony’s silence on the matter is particularly telling, suggesting either deliberate mystery-building or an acknowledgement 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 revitalised discussion around the franchise’s long-term prospects and heritage. The community’s drive to unearth hidden lore demonstrates the engaged audience that awaits any official announcement. Whether Naughty Dog chooses to leverage this momentum with a genuine revival remains uncertain, but the groundswell of interest implies the timing could scarcely be better for the studio to greenlight a genuine return to Nathan Drake’s world.