Baby Steps Harbours Hilarious Uncharted Sequel Theory

A entertaining theory has captured the gaming world’s attention, proposing that Devolver Digital’s indie platformer Baby Steps might actually be a secret Uncharted sequel in disguise. The awkward, onesie-wearing protagonist, known simply as Nate, might plausibly be Nathan Drake Jr.—the hitherto unknown son of PlayStation’s cherished adventurer. Loremasters and dataminers have revealed compelling evidence, including character models explicitly tagged “Nathan Drake” to a dream sequence where the protagonist is called “Nate D.” The theory achieved considerable momentum after the Baby Steps Discord community unearthed references to a character named Cassie and figures called Nathan and Elena, echoing the Fisher-Drake family from the Uncharted franchise. Whilst Sony and Naughty Dog have offered no comment on the matter, the evidence has become too compelling for fans to ignore.

The Intriguing Case of Nate and His Family Tree

The most persuasive evidence supporting the Uncharted connection exists within Baby Steps’ plot specifics, which present a remarkably familiar family portrait. Throughout the game, players slowly discover about Nate’s family members through dialogue and character interactions. His sister is specifically identified as Cassie, his father is Nathan, and his mother is Elena—names that correspond exactly to the established Uncharted canon. These represent more than passing resemblances; they’re direct matches to the Fisher-Drake genealogy found throughout multiple Uncharted titles. The alignment appears far too exact to be coincidental, leading the community to theorise that this represents either a detailed hidden reference or a genuine, if unconventional, franchise continuation.

What creates this theory remarkably fascinating is the considerable quantity of substantive clues dispersed across Baby Steps’ files and obscured elements. Dataminers have uncovered character models explicitly labelled with Nathan Drake’s name, whilst achievement artwork depicts an mature figure 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 discussing their nostalgia for Uncharted and voicing desires for the franchise’s revival. These layered references suggest purposeful development selections rather than random coincidence.

• Character model clearly identified “Nathan Drake” in game files
• Sister character called Cassie corresponds to Uncharted 4’s known offspring
• Parents named Nathan and Elena mirror the Fisher-Drake lineage
• Dream sequence refers to protagonist as “Nate D” outright

Researchers Uncover Compelling Evidence

Character Framework Insights

The most damning evidence backing the Uncharted theory emerges 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 goes beyond a subtle reference or an Easter egg buried deep within obscure dialogue—it’s a essential designation woven into the game structure itself. Such explicit naming conventions generally fulfil functional roles in video game creation, making this revelation especially noteworthy. The reality that Devolver Digital and the development studio have permitted such an obvious identifier to remain in the released version prompts inquiry into whether this amounts to an knowing reference to the community or something of greater consequence.

Beyond the character model designation, further file discoveries have bolstered the Uncharted connection significantly. Achievement artwork has been scrutinised by keen observers, with the “World’s Best Dad” achievement featuring imagery that bears marked resemblance to an ageing Nathan Drake. These visual representations, combined with the explicit naming conventions in the code, create a pattern too consistent to dismiss as coincidence. The developers’ clear unwillingness to address these discoveries explicitly has only intensified speculation within the community, with many viewing the silence as tacit acknowledgement rather than explicit rejection of the connection.

• Character model files clearly marked “Nathan Drake” in in-game code
• Achievement artwork shows older man matching the appearance of aged Nathan Drake
• Dream sequence dialogue names protagonist as “Nate D” explicitly
• Family member names perfectly match Uncharted 4 canonical lore
• Developers remain silent on all Uncharted connection inquiries

The Mysterious Cutscene That Began It All

The entire theory achieved significant momentum after the discovery of a concealed 30-minute cutscene that players could access by bypassing each cutscene in Baby Steps—a meta twist that appears wholly in keeping with the game’s unconventional design philosophy. Rather than appeasing completionists with extra content or story resolution, the developers instead created an lengthy scene where the voice actors and creative staff essentially break character entirely. What unfolds is a honest, backstage conversation that feels remarkably unscripted, offering glimpses into the development journey that informed Baby Steps’ peculiar existence.

Within this extended section lies the smoking gun that sent the Baby Steps Discord group into utter overdrive. At one point during the creators’ relaxed conversation, one team member utters a seemingly throwaway line that would echo across the entire fanbase: “I miss Uncharted. I wish they would bring it back.” The comment, expressed with apparent sincerity rather than irony, immediately sparked rampant speculation about whether Baby Steps might represent something substantially greater than a standalone indie title. The team’s later refusal to elaborate on the statement has only amplified the mystery, prompting fans to question whether this was genuine nostalgia or a carefully orchestrated hint about the game’s true nature.

Developer Insights Turned Problematic

The existence of such an intricate concealed sequence raises core inquiries about developer intent and creative expression within corporate-backed projects. 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 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 strategic ambiguity or authentic astonishment at the community’s detective work. Either way, the creative team’s reluctance to confirm or deny the link has transformed conjecture into a cultural moment.

What This Indicates for Uncharted’s Future

If Baby Steps genuinely represents a covert Uncharted project, it could suggest a substantial shift in how major publishers approach inactive series. Rather than launching a traditional AAA sequel, Sony and Naughty Dog may have opted for a more experimental, unconventional approach—embedding the narrative continuation within an independent game created by Getting Over It’s Bennett Foddy. This strategy would enable the developer to gauge reception with fresh creative ideas whilst maintaining credible denial about the franchise’s revival. The reception of Baby Steps, evaluated both commercially and in critical reception, could conceivably justify a more significant Uncharted announcement in the future.

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 appetite for a proper sequel, 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 shows that the appetite for new Uncharted content remains strong within the gaming community. Sony’s silence on the matter is particularly telling, suggesting either deliberate mystery-building or an acknowledgement that something substantial could genuinely be brewing behind the scenes.

Regardless of whether Baby Steps truly operates as a secret Uncharted sequel, the phenomenon itself has reignited dialogue around the franchise’s legacy and future prospects. The community’s dedication to uncovering hidden lore reflects the passionate fanbase that awaits any official announcement. Whether Naughty Dog decides to capitalise on this momentum with a true resurgence remains uncertain, but the surge of enthusiasm implies the timing could scarcely be better for the studio to greenlight a proper return to Nathan Drake’s world.