Baby Steps Harbours Hilarious Uncharted Sequel Theory

A amusing theory has swept through the gaming community, indicating that Devolver Digital’s indie platformer Baby Steps might conceivably be a secret Uncharted sequel in disguise. The ungainly, costume-wearing protagonist, referred to as Nate, might plausibly be Nathan Drake Jr.—the never-before-mentioned son of PlayStation’s iconic explorer. Loremasters and dataminers have discovered compelling evidence, including character models explicitly labelled “Nathan Drake” to a nightmarish vision where the protagonist is called “Nate D.” The theory achieved considerable momentum after the Baby Steps Discord community found references to a woman called Cassie and characters named Nathan and Elena, mirroring 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 Peculiar Case of Nate and His Ancestry

The most compelling evidence supporting the Uncharted connection lies in Baby Steps’ plot specifics, which paint a notably similar family portrait. As players progress, players progressively uncover about Nate’s kin through dialogue and character interactions. His sister is explicitly named Cassie, his father is Nathan, and his mother is Elena—names that correspond exactly to the existing Uncharted lore. These aren’t vague similarities; they’re direct matches to the Fisher-Drake lineage established across multiple Uncharted titles. The alignment appears remarkably specific to be unintentional, prompting fans to suggest that this indicates either an elaborate Easter egg or an actual, though unconventional, series extension.

What makes this theory remarkably fascinating is the substantial amount of corroborating evidence scattered throughout Baby Steps’ files and concealed material. Dataminers have discovered character models explicitly labelled with Nathan Drake’s name, whilst achievement artwork presents an mature figure 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 extended cutscene —unlocked by bypassing alternate cutscenes in the game—features developers discussing their nostalgia for Uncharted and articulating hopes for the franchise’s return. These interconnected nods suggest purposeful development selections rather than accidental occurrence.

• Character model explicitly labelled “Nathan Drake” in game code
• Sister character identified as Cassie corresponds to Uncharted 4’s canonical daughter
• Parents called Nathan and Elena mirror the Fisher-Drake lineage
• Dream sequence identifies protagonist as “Nate D” outright

Data analysts Reveal Convincing Evidence

Character Framework Insights

The strongest evidence supporting the Uncharted theory emerges from Baby Steps’ source code, where dataminers have discovered the protagonist’s main character model is directly identified as “Nathan Drake” within the source files. This isn’t a subtle reference or an Easter egg buried deep within obscure dialogue—it’s a fundamental identifier embedded in the game structure itself. Such explicit naming conventions typically serve functional purposes in game design, making this discovery particularly significant. The circumstance that Devolver Digital and the development team have permitted such an obvious identifier to persist in the final build raises questions about whether this represents an deliberate nod to the fanbase or something far more substantial.

Beyond the character model designation, further file discoveries have bolstered the Uncharted connection significantly. Achievement artwork has been analysed by eagle-eyed fans, with the “World’s Best Dad” achievement showcasing imagery that bears marked resemblance to an mature Nathan Drake. These imagery pieces, paired with the explicit naming conventions in the code, create a pattern far too consistent to dismiss as coincidence. The developers’ clear unwillingness to address these discoveries directly has further fuelled speculation within the community, with many viewing the silence as implicit acceptance rather than explicit rejection of the connection.

• Character model files clearly marked “Nathan Drake” in in-game code
• Achievement artwork features aging male character matching the appearance of aged Nathan Drake
• Dream sequence dialogue names protagonist as “Nate D” explicitly
• Family member names correspond exactly to Uncharted 4 canonical lore
• Developers remain silent on any Uncharted-related inquiries

The Hidden Cutscene That Began It All

The complete theory achieved significant momentum in the wake of the uncovering of a secret 30-minute cutscene that players could unlock by skipping every single cutscene in Baby Steps—a meta twist that appears wholly in line with the game’s distinctive creative approach. Rather than appeasing completionists with extra content or story resolution, the developers instead crafted an lengthy scene where the voice actors and creative staff completely abandon their roles. What unfolds is a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation that feels remarkably unscripted, offering windows into the creative process that informed Baby Steps’ unusual nature.

Within this extended section lies the key revelation that sent the Baby Steps Discord group into absolute overdrive. At one point during the developers’ casual exchange, one team member utters a seemingly throwaway line that would echo across the broader fanbase: “I miss Uncharted. I wish they’d bring it back.” The comment, delivered with genuine earnestness rather than irony, immediately sparked intense speculation about whether Baby Steps might embody something far more substantial than a self-contained indie title. The creators’ following refusal to elaborate on the statement has only amplified the mystery, prompting fans to question whether this was authentic longing or a deliberately planned hint about the game’s real nature.

Developer Commentary Turned Problematic

The existence of such an intricate concealed sequence raises core inquiries about developer intent and artistic output within commercially-supported ventures. If Baby Steps truly is a secret Uncharted instalment, the developers may have strategically woven these allusions and observations as a form of artistic rebellion—a way of expressing their ambition to develop the cherished series whilst functioning under the pretence of an entirely separate project. The fact that Sony and Naughty Dog have stayed notably quiet on all matters relating to these findings suggests either strategic ambiguity or authentic astonishment at the fanbase’s investigative efforts. Either way, the creative team’s reluctance to verify or refute the link has converted conjecture into a cultural moment.

What This Means for Uncharted’s Future

If Baby Steps actually represents a covert Uncharted project, it could suggest a significant shift in how prominent publishers approach dormant franchises. Rather than launching a traditional AAA sequel, Sony and Naughty Dog may have opted for a more experimental, unconventional approach—weaving the plot development within an indie title created by Getting Over It’s Bennett Foddy. This strategy would allow the developer to test the waters with new creative directions whilst preserving plausible deniability about the franchise’s return. The reception of Baby Steps, evaluated both commercially and in critical reception, could potentially support a larger Uncharted reveal in the future.

The Uncharted franchise has remained notably absent from PlayStation’s major releases 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 uncovering of these subtle links has reignited speculation about the series’ future. Whether Baby Steps represents genuine development or a carefully crafted jest, 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 recognition that something substantial could genuinely be brewing behind the scenes.

Regardless of whether Baby Steps truly represents a secret Uncharted sequel, the phenomenon itself has reinvigorated discussion around the franchise’s future direction and legacy. The community’s dedication to uncovering hidden lore demonstrates the passionate fanbase that awaits any public statement. Whether Naughty Dog opts to exploit 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.