Baby Steps Harbours Hilarious Uncharted Sequel Theory

A hilarious theory has taken the gaming community by storm, proposing that Devolver Digital’s indie platformer Baby Steps might potentially be a secret Uncharted sequel in disguise. The ungainly, costume-wearing protagonist, referred to as Nate, could very well be Nathan Drake Jr.—the previously unmentioned son of PlayStation’s cherished adventurer. Loremasters and dataminers have revealed compelling evidence, including character models explicitly marked “Nathan Drake” to a nightmarish vision where the protagonist is named “Nate D.” The theory gained significant traction after the Baby Steps Discord community found references to a sister named Cassie and figures called Nathan and Elena, echoing the Fisher-Drake family from the Uncharted franchise. Whilst Sony and Naughty Dog have remained silent on the matter, the evidence has proven too tantalising for fans to ignore.

The Intriguing Case of Nate and His Family Lineage

The most compelling evidence supporting the Uncharted connection can be found in Baby Steps’ plot specifics, which present a remarkably familiar family portrait. Throughout the game, players gradually learn about Nate’s relatives through spoken exchanges and character engagement. His sister is directly called Cassie, his father is Nathan, and his mother is Elena—names that match precisely with the canonical Uncharted universe. These are not loose parallels; they’re precise alignments to the Fisher-Drake family tree present in multiple Uncharted titles. The alignment appears far too exact to be unintentional, prompting fans to suggest that this constitutes either a detailed hidden reference or an actual, though unconventional, series extension.

What makes this theory remarkably fascinating is the sheer volume of substantive clues dispersed across Baby Steps’ files and obscured elements. Dataminers have revealed character models clearly marked with Nathan Drake’s name, whilst achievement artwork presents an older man displaying remarkable similarity 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 omitting every second cutscene in the game—features developers expressing their attachment for Uncharted and expressing wishes for the franchise’s resurgence. These layered references suggest purposeful development selections rather than random coincidence.

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

Researchers Reveal Convincing Evidence

Character Framework Insights

The most compelling evidence underpinning the Uncharted theory is found in Baby Steps’ source code, where analysts have found the protagonist’s character model is explicitly named “Nathan Drake” within the game’s files. This is far more than a subtle nod or an hidden bonus tucked away in obscure dialogue—it’s a core identifier integrated within the game structure itself. Such direct naming practices typically serve functional purposes in game development, making this finding especially important. The fact that Devolver Digital and the development studio have left such an explicit identifier to stay in the final build calls into question whether this represents an knowing reference to the community or something far more substantial.

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 displaying imagery that bears strong similarity to an ageing Nathan Drake. These visual representations, paired 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 openly has further fuelled speculation within the community, with many interpreting the silence as unspoken recognition rather than explicit rejection of the connection.

• Character model files directly identified “Nathan Drake” in game code
• Achievement artwork depicts older man bearing resemblance to aged Nathan Drake
• Dream sequence dialogue names protagonist as “Nate D” directly
• Family member names correspond exactly to Uncharted 4 canonical lore
• Developers remain silent on all Uncharted connection inquiries

The Secret Cutscene That Started It All

The complete theory achieved significant momentum after the finding of a concealed 30-minute cutscene that players could access by skipping every single cutscene in Baby Steps—a meta twist that seems completely in accordance with the game’s unconventional design philosophy. Rather than rewarding completionists with additional gameplay or narrative payoff, the developers instead crafted an extended sequence where the voice actors and development team completely abandon their roles. What emerges is a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation that appears authentically spontaneous, 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 utter overdrive. At one point during the team’s informal conversation, 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, made with obvious seriousness rather than irony, immediately sparked intense speculation about whether Baby Steps might embody something substantially greater than a independent standalone title. The team’s later reluctance to expand on the statement has only intensified the mystery, causing fans to speculate whether this was genuine nostalgia or a deliberately planned hint about the game’s real nature.

Developer Commentary Gone Rogue

The presence of such an intricate concealed sequence prompts fundamental questions about creative vision and creative expression within commercially-supported ventures. If Baby Steps genuinely represents a secret Uncharted instalment, the developers may have cleverly embedded these references and commentary as a means of creative defiance—a way of communicating their ambition to develop the cherished series whilst functioning 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 authentic astonishment at the community’s detective work. Either way, the creative team’s reluctance to verify or refute the link has transformed speculation into a cultural phenomenon.

What This Indicates for Uncharted’s Future

If Baby Steps truly represents a covert Uncharted project, it could indicate a substantial shift in how leading studios approach dormant franchises. Rather than releasing a traditional AAA sequel, Sony and Naughty Dog may have opted for a more innovative, alternative strategy—embedding the plot development within an independent game created by Getting Over It’s Bennett Foddy. This approach would permit the company to gauge reception with fresh creative ideas whilst maintaining plausible deniability about the franchise’s return. The performance of Baby Steps, measured both commercially and critically, could conceivably warrant 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 appetite for a genuine follow-up, and the discovery of these hidden connections has reignited speculation about the series’ future. Whether Baby Steps signals actual progress or a carefully crafted jest, it shows that the appetite for new Uncharted content stays robust within the gaming community. Sony’s lack of comment is notably significant, suggesting either intentional intrigue or an recognition that something significant may indeed be brewing in the background.

Regardless of whether Baby Steps truly functions as a secret Uncharted sequel, the phenomenon itself has reignited dialogue around the franchise’s future direction and legacy. The community’s commitment to discovering hidden lore reflects the engaged audience that awaits any formal reveal. Whether Naughty Dog decides to capitalise on 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 genuine return to Nathan Drake’s world.