Baby Steps Harbours Hilarious Uncharted Sequel Theory

A hilarious theory has swept through the gaming community, indicating that Devolver Digital’s indie platformer Baby Steps might actually be a clandestine Uncharted continuation in disguise. The ungainly, costume-wearing protagonist, known simply as Nate, could quite possibly be Nathan Drake Jr.—the previously unmentioned son of PlayStation’s iconic explorer. Loremasters and dataminers have revealed convincing proof, featuring character models explicitly marked “Nathan Drake” to a dream scene where the protagonist is named “Nate D.” The theory gained significant traction after the Baby Steps Discord community unearthed references to a character named Cassie and characters named Nathan and Elena, echoing the Fisher-Drake family from the Uncharted franchise. Whilst Sony and Naughty Dog have said nothing on the matter, the evidence has proven too tantalising for fans to ignore.

The Peculiar Case of Nate and His Family Lineage

The most compelling evidence backing the Uncharted connection lies in Baby Steps’ story elements, which present a notably similar family portrait. Throughout the game, players progressively uncover about Nate’s relatives through spoken exchanges and character engagement. His sister is specifically identified as Cassie, his father is Nathan, and his mother is Elena—names that match precisely with the established Uncharted canon. These are not loose parallels; they’re exact correspondences to the Fisher-Drake family tree present in multiple Uncharted titles. The alignment appears far too precise to be unintentional, leading the community to theorise 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 concealed material. Dataminers have revealed character models explicitly labelled with Nathan Drake’s name, whilst achievement artwork shows an mature figure exhibiting notable likeness 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 30-minute cutscene —unlocked by omitting every second cutscene in the game—features developers discussing their nostalgia for Uncharted and voicing desires for the franchise’s revival. These interconnected nods suggest purposeful development selections rather than accidental occurrence.

• Character model directly marked “Nathan Drake” in game files
• Sister character identified as Cassie matches Uncharted 4’s canonical daughter
• Parents named Nathan and Elena echo the Fisher-Drake household
• Dream sequence identifies protagonist as “Nate D” explicitly

Dataminers Discover Strong Evidence

Character Design Disclosures

The most compelling evidence underpinning the Uncharted theory comes directly from Baby Steps’ foundational code, where dataminers have discovered the protagonist’s main character model is directly identified as “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 core identifier integrated within the underlying architecture itself. Such explicit naming conventions typically serve functional purposes in game development, making this revelation especially noteworthy. The fact that Devolver Digital and the creative team have allowed such a blatant identifier to remain in the finished product calls into question whether this amounts to an deliberate nod to the fanbase or something of greater consequence.

Beyond the character model designation, further file discoveries have strengthened the Uncharted connection considerably. Achievement artwork has been examined by keen observers, with the “World’s Best Dad” achievement featuring imagery that bears striking resemblance to an mature Nathan Drake. These visual representations, combined with the explicit naming conventions in the code, create a pattern far too uniform to dismiss as coincidence. The developers’ clear unwillingness to address these discoveries explicitly has only heightened speculation within the community, with many reading the silence as tacit acknowledgement rather than direct denial of the connection.

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

The Hidden Cutscene That Initiated It All

The whole theory built substantial momentum following the discovery of a secret 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 unconventional design philosophy. Rather than appeasing completionists with additional gameplay or narrative payoff, the developers instead constructed an extended sequence where the voice actors and creative staff essentially break character entirely. What transpires is a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation that feels remarkably unscripted, offering windows into the creative process that went into Baby Steps’ unusual nature.

Within this lengthy section lies the smoking gun that sent the Baby Steps Discord community into utter overdrive. At one point during the team’s informal conversation, one team member utters a ostensibly casual line that would reverberate throughout the whole fanbase: “I miss Uncharted. I wish they’d bring it back.” The comment, made with genuine earnestness rather than irony, immediately sparked wild speculation about whether Baby Steps might embody something far more substantial than a standalone indie title. The team’s later reluctance to expand on the statement has only intensified the mystery, prompting fans to question whether this was authentic longing or a deliberately planned hint about the game’s actual nature.

Developer Commentary Turned Problematic

The presence of such an intricate concealed sequence raises fundamental questions about developer intent and creative expression within commercially-supported ventures. If Baby Steps genuinely represents a hidden Uncharted instalment, the creative team may have strategically woven these allusions and observations as a means of creative defiance—a way of expressing their ambition to develop the beloved franchise whilst operating under the guise of an completely distinct project. The fact that Sony and Naughty Dog have stayed notably quiet on all matters relating to these findings 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 transformed conjecture into a cultural phenomenon.

What This Means for Uncharted’s Coming Years

If Baby Steps truly represents a clandestine Uncharted project, it could signal a considerable shift in how prominent publishers approach inactive series. Rather than introducing a standard AAA continuation, Sony and Naughty Dog may have selected a more daring, experimental direction—integrating the story expansion within an indie project created by Getting Over It’s Bennett Foddy. This tactic would allow the developer to explore possibilities with novel artistic approaches whilst upholding reasonable doubt about the series’ resurgence. The success of Baby Steps, measured both commercially and critically, could conceivably warrant a larger Uncharted reveal in the coming years.

The Uncharted franchise has remained notably 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 desire for a proper sequel, and the discovery of these hidden connections has rekindled discussion 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 lack of comment is notably significant, suggesting either deliberate mystery-building or an acknowledgement that something substantial could genuinely be brewing in the background.

Regardless of whether Baby Steps truly operates as a secret Uncharted sequel, the phenomenon itself has reinvigorated dialogue around the franchise’s long-term prospects and heritage. The community’s dedication to uncovering hidden lore demonstrates the engaged audience that awaits any official announcement. Whether Naughty Dog opts to exploit this momentum with a true resurgence remains uncertain, but the surge of enthusiasm suggests the timing could scarcely be better for the studio to greenlight a full comeback to Nathan Drake’s world.