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 hidden Uncharted follow-up in disguise. The ungainly, costume-wearing protagonist, known simply as Nate, could very well be Nathan Drake Jr.—the hitherto unknown son of PlayStation’s beloved treasure hunter. Loremasters and dataminers have uncovered strong evidence, featuring character models explicitly marked “Nathan Drake” to a dream sequence where the protagonist is referred to as “Nate D.” The theory gathered substantial support after the Baby Steps Discord community found references to a character named Cassie and characters named Nathan and Elena, reflecting 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 Peculiar Case of Nate and His Family Tree

The most compelling evidence supporting the Uncharted connection exists within Baby Steps’ story elements, which paint a strikingly recognisable family portrait. Throughout the game, players progressively uncover about Nate’s relatives 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 canonical Uncharted universe. These aren’t vague similarities; they’re exact correspondences to the Fisher-Drake lineage found throughout multiple Uncharted titles. The correspondence looks far too precise to be coincidental, causing players to propose that this constitutes either an elaborate Easter egg or an actual, though unconventional, series extension.

What renders this theory especially compelling is the considerable quantity of supporting details scattered throughout Baby Steps’ files and obscured elements. Dataminers have uncovered character models explicitly labelled with Nathan Drake’s name, whilst achievement artwork shows an aged individual exhibiting notable likeness to an aged version of Uncharted’s protagonist. A dream sequence even refers to the player character as “Nate D,” a clear abbreviation of Drake. Additionally, a secret cutscene lasting thirty minutes —unlocked by omitting every second cutscene in the game—features developers expressing their attachment for Uncharted and expressing wishes for the franchise’s revival. These interconnected nods suggest deliberate design choices rather than mere chance.

• Character model clearly identified “Nathan Drake” in game code
• Sister character named Cassie matches Uncharted 4’s established daughter
• Parents identified as Nathan and Elena reflect the Fisher-Drake household
• Dream sequence refers to protagonist as “Nate D” explicitly

Data analysts Uncover Strong Evidence

Character Design Disclosures

The most damning evidence backing the Uncharted theory emerges from Baby Steps’ foundational 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 fundamental identifier embedded in the underlying architecture itself. Such explicit naming conventions generally fulfil functional roles in game design, making this finding particularly significant. The fact that Devolver Digital and the development studio have left such an explicit identifier to persist in the finished product calls into question whether this constitutes an intentional wink to the fanbase or something far more substantial.

Beyond the character model designation, extra file discoveries have bolstered the Uncharted connection significantly. Achievement artwork has been scrutinised by eagle-eyed fans, with the “World’s Best Dad” achievement displaying imagery that bears marked resemblance to an older Nathan Drake. These graphical elements, alongside the explicit naming conventions in the code, create a pattern far too consistent to dismiss as coincidence. The developers’ apparent refusal to address these discoveries directly has only intensified speculation within the community, with many reading the silence as implicit acceptance rather than outright denial of the connection.

• Character model files directly identified “Nathan Drake” in in-game code
• Achievement artwork shows older man bearing resemblance to aged Nathan Drake
• Dream sequence dialogue refers to protagonist as “Nate D” directly
• Family member names correspond exactly to Uncharted 4 canonical lore
• Developers offer no comment on Uncharted connection questions

The Hidden Cutscene That Started It All

The complete theory gained considerable momentum after 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 appeasing completionists with extra content or story resolution, the developers instead crafted an lengthy scene where the voice actors and production team fully step out of character. What transpires is a frank, off-camera conversation that appears authentically spontaneous, offering windows into the development journey that informed Baby Steps’ distinctive character.

Within this lengthy sequence lies the crucial evidence that sent the Baby Steps Discord community into complete overdrive. At one point during the creators’ relaxed exchange, one team member utters a apparently offhand line that would resound through the broader fanbase: “I miss Uncharted. I wish they would bring it back.” The comment, made with apparent sincerity rather than irony, immediately sparked wild speculation about whether Baby Steps might constitute something far more substantial than a independent standalone title. The team’s later unwillingness to clarify on the statement has only intensified the mystery, prompting fans to question whether this was real sentiment or a carefully orchestrated hint about the game’s true nature.

Developer Commentary Turned Problematic

The presence of such an intricate concealed sequence raises core inquiries about developer intent and artistic output within commercially-supported ventures. If Baby Steps genuinely represents a hidden Uncharted instalment, the developers may have strategically woven these references and commentary as a form of artistic rebellion—a way of expressing their desire to work on the cherished series whilst operating under the pretence of an completely distinct project. The reality that Sony and Naughty Dog have remained conspicuously silent on all matters relating to these discoveries suggests either strategic ambiguity or authentic astonishment at the community’s detective work. Either way, the developers’ refusal to confirm or deny the link has transformed conjecture into a cultural phenomenon.

What This Means for Uncharted’s Future

If Baby Steps truly represents a covert Uncharted project, it could indicate a substantial shift in how prominent publishers approach sleeping franchises. Rather than launching a conventional AAA follow-up, Sony and Naughty Dog may have opted for a more innovative, alternative strategy—embedding the plot development within an independent game made by Getting Over It’s Bennett Foddy. This approach would allow the company to test the waters with novel artistic approaches whilst upholding reasonable doubt about the franchise’s return. The performance of Baby Steps, assessed in both commercial and critical terms, could possibly justify a more significant 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 become more outspoken about their appetite 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 an elaborate inside joke, it demonstrates that the hunger for new Uncharted content remains strong within the gaming community. Sony’s lack of comment is notably significant, suggesting either intentional intrigue or an acknowledgement 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 reignited dialogue around the franchise’s future direction and legacy. The community’s drive to unearth hidden lore demonstrates the engaged audience that awaits any public statement. Whether Naughty Dog decides to capitalise on 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 full comeback to Nathan Drake’s world.