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 actually be a hidden Uncharted follow-up in disguise. The awkward, onesie-wearing protagonist, known simply as Nate, could quite possibly be Nathan Drake Jr.—the previously unmentioned son of PlayStation’s beloved treasure hunter. Loremasters and dataminers have revealed compelling evidence, including character models explicitly tagged “Nathan Drake” to a dream scene where the protagonist is referred to as “Nate D.” The theory gained significant traction after the Baby Steps Discord community found references to a sister named Cassie and characters named 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 Peculiar Case of Nate and His Family Lineage

The most persuasive evidence backing the Uncharted connection can be found in Baby Steps’ story elements, which present a strikingly recognisable 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 correspond exactly to the canonical Uncharted universe. These are not loose parallels; they’re direct matches to the Fisher-Drake family tree found throughout multiple Uncharted titles. The alignment appears far too precise to be coincidental, causing players to propose that this represents either a sophisticated in-game nod or an actual, though unconventional, series extension.

What creates this theory particularly intriguing is the substantial amount of substantive clues found within Baby Steps’ files and concealed material. Dataminers have discovered character models explicitly labelled with Nathan Drake’s name, whilst achievement artwork shows an aged individual 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 extended cutscene —unlocked by skipping every other cutscene in the game—features developers discussing their nostalgia for Uncharted and articulating hopes for the franchise’s revival. These interconnected nods suggest deliberate design choices rather than random coincidence.

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

Data analysts Discover Strong Evidence

Character Model Revelations

The most compelling evidence underpinning the Uncharted theory comes directly from Baby Steps’ source code, where analysts have found the protagonist’s character model is directly identified as “Nathan Drake” within the game files. This is far more than a subtle nod or an hidden bonus tucked away in obscure dialogue—it’s a core identifier embedded in the game’s 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 development studio have left such an explicit identifier to persist in the released version calls into question whether this amounts to an knowing reference to the community or something of greater consequence.

Beyond the character model designation, additional file discoveries have reinforced the Uncharted connection considerably. Achievement artwork has been scrutinised by dedicated enthusiasts, with the “World’s Best Dad” achievement showcasing imagery that bears strong similarity to an ageing Nathan Drake. These graphical elements, paired with the direct naming patterns in the code, create a pattern far too uniform to dismiss as coincidence. The developers’ apparent refusal to address these discoveries openly has only intensified speculation within the community, with many viewing 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 aging male character bearing resemblance to aged Nathan Drake
• Dream sequence dialogue refers to protagonist as “Nate D” directly
• Family member names correspond exactly to Uncharted 4 canonical lore
• Developers offer no comment on all Uncharted connection inquiries

The Hidden Cutscene That Started It All

The entire theory achieved significant momentum following the discovery of a concealed 30-minute cutscene that players could unlock by omitting all cutscene in Baby Steps—a meta twist that seems completely in line with the game’s unconventional design philosophy. Rather than satisfying dedicated players with extra content or story resolution, the developers instead constructed an prolonged segment where the voice actors and creative staff completely abandon their roles. What transpires is a honest, backstage conversation that feels remarkably unscripted, offering windows into the artistic approach that shaped Baby Steps’ distinctive character.

Within this lengthy passage lies the smoking gun that sent the Baby Steps Discord fanbase into utter overdrive. At one point during the developers’ casual discussion, one team member utters a seemingly throwaway line that would echo across the entire fanbase: “I miss Uncharted. I wish they’d bring it back.” The comment, delivered with obvious seriousness rather than irony, immediately sparked wild speculation about whether Baby Steps might constitute something far more substantial than a standalone indie title. The creators’ following unwillingness to clarify on the statement has only intensified the mystery, prompting fans to question whether this was authentic longing or a strategically timed hint about the game’s true nature.

Creator Remarks Turned Problematic

The presence of such an intricate concealed sequence raises fundamental questions about developer intent and creative expression within corporate-backed projects. If Baby Steps truly is a hidden 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 beloved franchise whilst operating under the guise of an entirely separate project. The reality that Sony and Naughty Dog have stayed notably quiet on everything concerning 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 transformed speculation into a cultural phenomenon.

What This Means for Uncharted’s Future

If Baby Steps actually represents a covert Uncharted project, it could indicate a significant shift in how leading studios approach dormant franchises. Rather than launching a standard AAA continuation, Sony and Naughty Dog may have selected a more daring, experimental direction—weaving the plot development within an indie title developed by Getting Over It’s Bennett Foddy. This strategy would enable the studio to gauge reception with new creative directions whilst upholding reasonable doubt about the franchise’s revival. The reception of Baby Steps, evaluated both commercially and in critical reception, could possibly justify a more substantial Uncharted announcement in the coming years.

The Uncharted franchise has stayed conspicuously 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 appetite for a genuine follow-up, and the uncovering of these subtle links has rekindled discussion about the series’ future. Whether Baby Steps represents genuine development or a carefully crafted jest, it demonstrates that the hunger for new Uncharted content remains strong within the gaming community. Sony’s silence on the matter is notably significant, 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 discussion around the franchise’s long-term prospects and heritage. The community’s dedication to uncovering hidden lore demonstrates 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 surge of enthusiasm implies the timing could scarcely be better for the studio to greenlight a full comeback to Nathan Drake’s world.