Baby Steps Harbours Hilarious Uncharted Sequel Theory

A hilarious theory has swept through the gaming community, indicating that Devolver Digital’s indie platformer Baby Steps might conceivably be a clandestine Uncharted continuation in disguise. The awkward, onesie-wearing protagonist, referred to as Nate, could very well be Nathan Drake Jr.—the never-before-mentioned son of PlayStation’s cherished adventurer. Loremasters and dataminers have revealed convincing proof, featuring character models explicitly marked “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 parents named 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 proven too tantalising for fans to ignore.

The Fascinating Case of Nate and His Family Tree

The most compelling evidence underpinning the Uncharted connection lies in Baby Steps’ narrative details, which paint a strikingly recognisable family portrait. During gameplay, players gradually learn about Nate’s family members through conversations and character exchanges. His sister is explicitly named Cassie, his father is Nathan, and his mother is Elena—names that align perfectly with the existing Uncharted lore. These represent more than passing resemblances; they’re precise alignments to the Fisher-Drake family tree present in multiple Uncharted titles. The alignment appears remarkably specific to be coincidental, causing players to propose that this indicates either a detailed hidden reference or an actual, though unconventional, series extension.

What makes this theory remarkably fascinating is the substantial amount of substantive clues found within Baby Steps’ files and obscured elements. Dataminers have discovered character models explicitly labelled with Nathan Drake’s name, whilst achievement artwork presents an mature figure displaying remarkable similarity 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 30-minute cutscene —unlocked by omitting every second cutscene in the game—features developers discussing their nostalgia for Uncharted and expressing wishes for the franchise’s revival. These interconnected nods suggest deliberate design choices rather than random coincidence.

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

Data analysts Uncover Strong Evidence

Character Model Revelations

The most compelling evidence backing the Uncharted theory comes directly from Baby Steps’ foundational code, where researchers have uncovered the protagonist’s main character model is literally labelled “Nathan Drake” within the source files. This goes beyond a subtle reference or an Easter egg buried deep within obscure dialogue—it’s a core identifier integrated within the underlying architecture itself. Such direct naming practices typically serve functional purposes in video game creation, making this finding particularly significant. The fact that Devolver Digital and the development team have left such an explicit identifier to persist in the released version calls into question whether this amounts to an intentional wink to the fanbase or something far more substantial.

Beyond the character model designation, additional file discoveries have strengthened the Uncharted connection significantly. Achievement artwork has been analysed by keen observers, with the “World’s Best Dad” achievement featuring imagery that bears marked resemblance to an older Nathan Drake. These imagery pieces, alongside the clear naming structures in the code, create a pattern far too uniform to dismiss as coincidence. The developers’ clear unwillingness to address these discoveries directly has further fuelled speculation within the community, with many interpreting the silence as unspoken recognition rather than outright denial of the connection.

• Character model files clearly marked “Nathan Drake” in in-game code
• Achievement artwork shows older man bearing resemblance to aged Nathan Drake
• Dream sequence dialogue identifies protagonist as “Nate D” outright
• Family member names align precisely with Uncharted 4 established canon
• Developers decline to comment on Uncharted connection questions

The Mysterious Cutscene That Started It All

The entire theory built substantial momentum after the finding 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 unique design ethos. Rather than satisfying dedicated players with extra content or story resolution, the developers instead constructed an extended sequence where the voice actors and production team completely abandon their roles. What unfolds is a frank, off-camera conversation that seems genuinely unrehearsed, offering insights into the creative process that informed Baby Steps’ unusual nature.

Within this extended sequence lies the smoking gun that sent the Baby Steps Discord community into complete overdrive. At one point during the creators’ relaxed exchange, one team member utters a seemingly throwaway line that would resound through the entire fanbase: “I miss Uncharted. I wish they would bring it back.” The comment, expressed with genuine earnestness rather than irony, immediately sparked rampant speculation about whether Baby Steps might constitute something far more substantial than a self-contained indie title. The developers’ subsequent unwillingness to clarify on the statement has only heightened the mystery, prompting fans to question whether this was real sentiment or a carefully orchestrated hint about the game’s real nature.

Developer Commentary Gone Rogue

The presence of such an intricate concealed sequence prompts fundamental questions about developer intent and artistic output within commercially-supported ventures. If Baby Steps truly is a hidden Uncharted instalment, the developers may have strategically woven these references and commentary as a means of creative defiance—a way of expressing their desire to work on the beloved franchise whilst operating under the guise of an completely distinct project. The fact that Sony and Naughty Dog have remained conspicuously silent on all matters relating to these findings suggests either calculated plausible deniability or authentic astonishment at the fanbase’s investigative efforts. Either way, the creative team’s reluctance to confirm or deny the connection has transformed speculation into a cultural phenomenon.

What This Means for Uncharted’s Coming Years

If Baby Steps actually represents a secret Uncharted project, it could suggest a substantial shift in how major publishers approach sleeping franchises. Rather than launching a traditional AAA sequel, Sony and Naughty Dog may have selected a more daring, experimental direction—embedding the plot development within an indie project developed by Getting Over It’s Bennett Foddy. This strategy would allow the developer to test the waters with fresh creative ideas whilst preserving credible denial about the franchise’s revival. The reception of Baby Steps, assessed in both commercial and critical terms, could potentially support a more substantial Uncharted announcement in the years ahead.

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 become more outspoken about their desire for a proper sequel, and the uncovering of these subtle links has reignited speculation about the series’ prospects. Whether Baby Steps signals actual progress or a carefully crafted jest, it demonstrates 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 acknowledgement that something significant may indeed be brewing in the background.

Regardless of whether Baby Steps truly operates as a secret Uncharted sequel, the phenomenon itself has reignited discussion around the franchise’s future direction and legacy. The community’s commitment to discovering hidden lore reflects the devoted fan community that awaits any public statement. Whether Naughty Dog chooses to leverage this momentum with a true resurgence remains uncertain, but the surge of enthusiasm indicates the timing could scarcely be better for the studio to greenlight a genuine return to Nathan Drake’s world.