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 actually be a secret Uncharted sequel in disguise. The ungainly, costume-wearing protagonist, called Nate, might plausibly be Nathan Drake Jr.—the never-before-mentioned son of PlayStation’s iconic explorer. Loremasters and dataminers have revealed convincing proof, from character models explicitly tagged “Nathan Drake” to a nightmarish vision where the protagonist is referred to as “Nate D.” The theory gained significant traction after the Baby Steps Discord community unearthed references to a sister named Cassie and figures called Nathan and Elena, mirroring 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 tantalising for fans to ignore.

The Fascinating Case of Nate and His Family Lineage

The most persuasive evidence supporting the Uncharted connection lies in Baby Steps’ story elements, which paint a remarkably familiar family portrait. Throughout the game, players progressively uncover about Nate’s family members through conversations and character exchanges. His sister is explicitly named Cassie, his father is Nathan, and his mother is Elena—names that match precisely with the canonical Uncharted universe. These represent more than passing resemblances; they’re exact correspondences to the Fisher-Drake family tree found throughout multiple Uncharted titles. The coincidence seems far too precise to be unintentional, leading the community to theorise that this represents either an elaborate Easter egg or a genuine, if unconventional, franchise continuation.

What makes this theory particularly intriguing is the substantial amount of substantive clues found within Baby Steps’ files and hidden content. Dataminers have revealed character models clearly marked with Nathan Drake’s name, whilst achievement artwork presents an mature figure bearing striking resemblance 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 omitting every second cutscene in the game—features developers discussing their nostalgia for Uncharted and articulating hopes for the franchise’s revival. These multifaceted allusions suggest intentional creative decisions rather than mere chance.

• Character model directly marked “Nathan Drake” in game code
• Sister character called Cassie corresponds to Uncharted 4’s established daughter
• Parents identified as Nathan and Elena reflect the Fisher-Drake lineage
• Dream sequence addresses protagonist as “Nate D” outright

Researchers Uncover Strong Evidence

Character Framework Insights

The most compelling evidence supporting the Uncharted theory comes directly from Baby Steps’ underlying code, where researchers have uncovered the protagonist’s player character is explicitly named “Nathan Drake” within the source files. This goes beyond a subtle reference or an hidden bonus tucked away in obscure dialogue—it’s a core identifier integrated within the game’s architecture itself. Such straightforward naming systems typically serve functional purposes in video game creation, making this finding especially important. The reality that Devolver Digital and the development team have permitted such an obvious identifier to remain in the finished product raises questions about whether this represents an deliberate nod to the player base or something far more substantial.

Beyond the character model designation, extra file discoveries have strengthened the Uncharted connection significantly. Achievement artwork has been examined by keen observers, with the “World’s Best Dad” achievement featuring imagery that bears strong similarity to an mature Nathan Drake. These visual representations, combined with the direct naming patterns in the code, create a pattern far too consistent to dismiss as coincidence. The developers’ apparent refusal to address these discoveries explicitly has only heightened speculation within the community, with many reading the silence as implicit acceptance rather than explicit rejection of the connection.

• Character model files explicitly labelled “Nathan Drake” in in-game code
• Achievement artwork features aging male character bearing resemblance to aged Nathan Drake
• Dream sequence dialogue refers to protagonist as “Nate D” directly
• Family member names perfectly match Uncharted 4 canonical lore
• Developers offer no comment on all Uncharted connection inquiries

The Mysterious Cutscene That Initiated It All

The entire theory gained considerable momentum following the uncovering of a hidden 30-minute cutscene that players could unlock by bypassing each cutscene in Baby Steps—a meta twist that seems completely in keeping with the game’s unique design ethos. Rather than appeasing completionists with extra content or story resolution, the developers instead constructed an lengthy scene where the voice actors and development team essentially break character entirely. What unfolds is a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation that seems genuinely unrehearsed, offering glimpses into the creative process that informed Baby Steps’ peculiar existence.

Within this extended section lies the smoking gun that sent the Baby Steps Discord community into absolute overdrive. At one point during the team’s informal conversation, one team member utters a ostensibly casual line that would echo across the whole fanbase: “I miss Uncharted. I wish they’d bring it back.” The comment, expressed with genuine earnestness rather than irony, immediately sparked intense speculation about whether Baby Steps might represent something substantially greater than a self-contained indie title. The developers’ subsequent refusal to elaborate on the statement has only heightened the mystery, leaving fans to wonder whether this was authentic longing or a carefully orchestrated hint about the game’s real nature.

Developer Commentary Turned Problematic

The presence of such an intricate concealed sequence prompts core inquiries about developer intent and creative expression 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 expressing their desire to work on the cherished series 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 findings 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 connection has transformed speculation into a cultural moment.

What This Signifies for Uncharted’s Future

If Baby Steps actually represents a secret Uncharted project, it could suggest a significant shift in how major publishers approach inactive series. Rather than launching a standard AAA continuation, Sony and Naughty Dog may have opted for a more experimental, unconventional approach—weaving the story expansion within an indie project created by Getting Over It’s Bennett Foddy. This tactic would enable the developer to gauge reception with fresh creative ideas whilst preserving reasonable doubt about the franchise’s return. The reception of Baby Steps, assessed in both commercial and critical terms, could potentially justify a more substantial Uncharted announcement in the future.

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 desire for a genuine follow-up, 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 shows that the hunger for new Uncharted content stays robust within the player base. Sony’s lack of comment is particularly telling, suggesting either intentional intrigue or an recognition that something significant may indeed be brewing behind the scenes.

Regardless of whether Baby Steps truly functions as a secret Uncharted sequel, the phenomenon itself has revitalised conversation around the franchise’s future direction and legacy. The community’s dedication to uncovering hidden lore reflects the engaged audience that awaits any formal reveal. Whether Naughty Dog chooses to leverage this momentum with a genuine revival remains uncertain, but the wave of engagement implies the timing could scarcely be better for the studio to greenlight a full comeback to Nathan Drake’s world.