Baby Steps Harbours Hilarious Uncharted Sequel Theory

A amusing theory has swept through the gaming community, proposing that Devolver Digital’s indie platformer Baby Steps might conceivably be a hidden Uncharted follow-up in disguise. The awkward, onesie-wearing protagonist, referred to as Nate, could quite possibly be Nathan Drake Jr.—the previously unmentioned son of PlayStation’s cherished adventurer. Loremasters and dataminers have uncovered convincing proof, featuring character models explicitly labelled “Nathan Drake” to a dream scene where the protagonist is referred to as “Nate D.” The theory gathered substantial support after the Baby Steps Discord community found references to a sister named Cassie and parents named Nathan and Elena, reflecting 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 Fascinating Case of Nate and His Ancestry

The most compelling evidence backing the Uncharted connection exists within Baby Steps’ plot specifics, which paint a strikingly recognisable family portrait. During gameplay, players progressively uncover about Nate’s kin through spoken exchanges and character engagement. His sister is explicitly named Cassie, his father is Nathan, and his mother is Elena—names that correspond exactly to the established Uncharted canon. These are not loose parallels; they’re precise alignments to the Fisher-Drake lineage found throughout multiple Uncharted titles. The alignment appears far too precise to be coincidental, prompting fans to suggest that this constitutes either an elaborate Easter egg or an actual, though unconventional, series extension.

What makes this theory remarkably fascinating is the considerable quantity of supporting details found within Baby Steps’ files and concealed material. Dataminers have uncovered character models directly named with Nathan Drake’s name, whilst achievement artwork depicts an older man 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 skipping every other cutscene in the game—features developers reflecting on their fondness for Uncharted and expressing wishes for the franchise’s revival. These layered references suggest intentional creative decisions rather than random coincidence.

• Character model explicitly labelled “Nathan Drake” in game files
• Sister character named Cassie corresponds to Uncharted 4’s canonical daughter
• Parents identified as Nathan and Elena echo the Fisher-Drake family
• Dream sequence refers to protagonist as “Nate D” explicitly

Dataminers Reveal Strong Evidence

Character Model Revelations

The most damning evidence supporting 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 game files. This goes beyond a subtle reference or an Easter egg buried deep within obscure dialogue—it’s a core identifier embedded in the game’s architecture itself. Such straightforward naming systems typically serve functional purposes in game development, making this finding especially noteworthy. The circumstance that Devolver Digital and the development team have allowed such a blatant identifier to remain in the released version raises questions about whether this constitutes an intentional wink to the fanbase or something far more substantial.

Beyond the character model designation, extra file discoveries have strengthened the Uncharted connection substantially. Achievement artwork has been analysed by eagle-eyed fans, with the “World’s Best Dad” achievement displaying imagery that bears striking resemblance to an ageing Nathan Drake. These graphical elements, combined 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 explicitly has only heightened speculation within the community, with many reading the silence as unspoken recognition rather than outright denial of the connection.

• Character model files explicitly labelled “Nathan Drake” in in-game code
• Achievement artwork features aging male character bearing resemblance to aged Nathan Drake
• Dream sequence dialogue names protagonist as “Nate D” directly
• Family member names align precisely with Uncharted 4 canonical lore
• Developers offer no comment on Uncharted connection questions

The Hidden Cutscene That Began It All

The entire theory gained considerable momentum in the wake of the discovery of a concealed 30-minute cutscene that players could unlock by omitting all cutscene in Baby Steps—a meta twist that feels entirely in accordance with the game’s unconventional design philosophy. Rather than satisfying dedicated players with additional gameplay or narrative payoff, the developers instead created an extended sequence where the voice actors and creative staff completely abandon their roles. What emerges is a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation that feels remarkably unscripted, offering glimpses into the creative process that shaped Baby Steps’ unusual nature.

Within this substantial passage lies the key revelation that sent the Baby Steps Discord fanbase into absolute overdrive. At one point during the creators’ relaxed conversation, one team member utters a apparently offhand line that would reverberate throughout the broader fanbase: “I miss Uncharted. I wish they’d bring it back.” The comment, made with obvious seriousness rather than irony, immediately sparked wild speculation about whether Baby Steps might embody something considerably more significant 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 authentic longing or a carefully orchestrated hint about the game’s true nature.

Developer Insights Spiralled Out of Control

The presence of such an intricate concealed sequence prompts 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 cleverly embedded these references and commentary as a form of artistic rebellion—a way of expressing their desire to work on the cherished series whilst functioning under the pretence of an entirely separate project. The reality that Sony and Naughty Dog have stayed notably quiet on everything concerning these discoveries suggests either calculated plausible deniability or genuine surprise at the fanbase’s investigative efforts. Either way, the developers’ refusal to confirm or deny the connection has transformed speculation into a cultural moment.

What This Signifies for Uncharted’s Coming Years

If Baby Steps actually represents a covert Uncharted project, it could suggest a considerable shift in how prominent publishers approach dormant franchises. Rather than introducing a traditional AAA sequel, Sony and Naughty Dog may have chosen a more experimental, unconventional approach—embedding the story expansion within an indie project developed by Getting Over It’s Bennett Foddy. This tactic would allow the company to explore possibilities with novel artistic approaches whilst preserving plausible deniability about the series’ resurgence. The performance of Baby Steps, measured both commercially and critically, could conceivably warrant a larger Uncharted reveal in the years ahead.

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 proper sequel, and the discovery of these hidden connections has reignited speculation about the series’ prospects. Whether Baby Steps signals actual progress or a carefully crafted jest, it demonstrates that the hunger for new Uncharted content stays robust within the player base. Sony’s silence on the matter is notably significant, suggesting either intentional intrigue or an recognition that something significant may indeed be brewing behind the scenes.

Regardless of whether Baby Steps truly functions as a secret Uncharted sequel, the phenomenon itself has revitalised conversation around the franchise’s legacy and future prospects. The community’s dedication to uncovering hidden lore showcases the passionate fanbase that awaits any public statement. Whether Naughty Dog chooses to leverage this momentum with a authentic comeback remains uncertain, but the groundswell of interest suggests the timing could scarcely be better for the studio to greenlight a proper return to Nathan Drake’s world.