Baby Steps Harbours Hilarious Uncharted Sequel Theory

A amusing theory has taken the gaming community by storm, proposing that Devolver Digital’s indie platformer Baby Steps might potentially be a hidden Uncharted follow-up in disguise. The awkward, onesie-wearing protagonist, referred to as Nate, could very well be Nathan Drake Jr.—the never-before-mentioned son of PlayStation’s iconic explorer. Loremasters and dataminers have uncovered strong evidence, from character models explicitly labelled “Nathan Drake” to a dream scene where the protagonist is named “Nate D.” The theory gathered substantial support after the Baby Steps Discord community found references to a character named Cassie and characters named Nathan and Elena, reflecting the Fisher-Drake family from the Uncharted franchise. Whilst Sony and Naughty Dog have offered no comment on the matter, the evidence has become too compelling for fans to ignore.

The Peculiar Case of Nate and His Family Lineage

The most compelling evidence backing the Uncharted connection can be found in Baby Steps’ narrative details, which present a notably similar family portrait. Throughout the game, players gradually learn about Nate’s family members through conversations and character exchanges. His sister is specifically identified as Cassie, his father is Nathan, and his mother is Elena—names that align perfectly with the established Uncharted canon. These aren’t vague similarities; they’re direct matches to the Fisher-Drake genealogy established across multiple Uncharted titles. The coincidence seems far too precise to be accidental, causing players to propose that this constitutes either a sophisticated in-game nod or a real, though unorthodox, franchise expansion.

What makes this theory remarkably fascinating is the considerable quantity of substantive clues found within Baby Steps’ files and obscured elements. Dataminers have discovered character models explicitly labelled with Nathan Drake’s name, whilst achievement artwork presents an older man exhibiting notable likeness 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 cutscene lasting thirty minutes —unlocked by skipping every other cutscene in the game—features developers expressing their attachment for Uncharted and voicing desires for the franchise’s resurgence. These interconnected nods suggest purposeful development selections rather than mere chance.

• Character model clearly identified “Nathan Drake” in game files
• Sister character identified as Cassie matches Uncharted 4’s known offspring
• Parents identified as Nathan and Elena echo the Fisher-Drake household
• Dream sequence refers to protagonist as “Nate D” outright

Dataminers Reveal Convincing Evidence

Character Model Revelations

The most compelling evidence supporting the Uncharted theory is found in Baby Steps’ source code, where analysts have found the protagonist’s character model is directly identified as “Nathan Drake” within the game files. This isn’t a subtle reference or an hidden bonus tucked away in obscure dialogue—it’s a core identifier integrated within the game structure itself. Such explicit naming conventions usually perform practical functions in game design, making this revelation particularly significant. The reality that Devolver Digital and the development studio have allowed such a blatant identifier to stay in the released version calls into question whether this amounts to an knowing reference to the community or something far more substantial.

Beyond the character model designation, further file discoveries have reinforced the Uncharted connection significantly. Achievement artwork has been scrutinised by eagle-eyed fans, with the “World’s Best Dad” achievement showcasing imagery that bears striking resemblance to an older Nathan Drake. These imagery pieces, paired with the clear naming structures in the code, create a pattern far too consistent to dismiss as coincidence. The developers’ apparent refusal to address these discoveries explicitly has only intensified speculation within the community, with many interpreting the silence as tacit acknowledgement rather than explicit rejection of the connection.

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

The Secret Cutscene That Started It All

The whole theory gained considerable momentum following the finding of a concealed 30-minute cutscene that players could unlock by bypassing each cutscene in Baby Steps—a meta twist that feels entirely in line with the game’s unique design ethos. Rather than appeasing completionists with additional gameplay or narrative payoff, the developers instead crafted an extended sequence where the voice actors and production team completely abandon their roles. What unfolds is a frank, off-camera conversation that feels remarkably unscripted, offering windows into the creative process that went into Baby Steps’ distinctive character.

Within this lengthy passage lies the crucial evidence that sent the Baby Steps Discord fanbase into utter overdrive. At one point during the developers’ casual exchange, one team member utters a apparently offhand line that would resound through the whole 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 represent something far more substantial than a standalone indie title. The team’s later reluctance to expand on the statement has only heightened the mystery, prompting fans to question whether this was real sentiment or a strategically timed hint about the game’s actual nature.

Creator Remarks Turned Problematic

The presence of such an elaborate hidden sequence prompts 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 references and commentary as a form of artistic rebellion—a way of communicating their desire to work on the beloved franchise whilst operating under the pretence of an entirely separate project. The reality that Sony and Naughty Dog have remained conspicuously silent on all matters relating to these discoveries suggests either strategic ambiguity or genuine surprise at the fanbase’s investigative efforts. Either way, the creative team’s reluctance to confirm or deny the link has converted conjecture into a cultural phenomenon.

What This Signifies for Uncharted’s Future

If Baby Steps actually represents a clandestine Uncharted project, it could indicate a significant shift in how major publishers approach dormant franchises. Rather than introducing a traditional AAA sequel, Sony and Naughty Dog may have chosen a more innovative, alternative strategy—embedding the story expansion within an indie title developed by Getting Over It’s Bennett Foddy. This tactic would allow the developer to explore possibilities with fresh creative ideas whilst preserving credible denial about the franchise’s return. The performance of Baby Steps, measured both commercially and critically, could conceivably warrant a more significant Uncharted announcement in the years ahead.

The Uncharted franchise has remained notably absent from PlayStation’s flagship titles 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 rekindled discussion about the series’ future. Whether Baby Steps represents genuine development or an elaborate inside joke, it demonstrates that the hunger for new Uncharted content stays robust within the gaming community. Sony’s lack of comment is particularly telling, suggesting either deliberate mystery-building or an acknowledgement that something significant may indeed be brewing behind the scenes.

Regardless of whether Baby Steps truly represents a secret Uncharted sequel, the phenomenon itself has reignited conversation around the franchise’s long-term prospects and heritage. The community’s drive to unearth hidden lore demonstrates the devoted fan community that awaits any formal reveal. Whether Naughty Dog chooses to leverage this momentum with a true resurgence remains uncertain, but the surge of enthusiasm implies the timing could scarcely be better for the studio to greenlight a full comeback to Nathan Drake’s world.