Baby Steps Harbours Hilarious Uncharted Sequel Theory

A entertaining theory has swept through the gaming community, indicating that Devolver Digital’s indie platformer Baby Steps might potentially be a hidden Uncharted follow-up in disguise. The awkward, onesie-wearing protagonist, called Nate, could very well be Nathan Drake Jr.—the hitherto unknown son of PlayStation’s iconic explorer. Loremasters and dataminers have discovered compelling evidence, from character models explicitly marked “Nathan Drake” to a nightmarish vision where the protagonist is referred to as “Nate D.” The theory gained significant traction 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 proven too tantalising for fans to ignore.

The Peculiar Case of Nate and His Family Tree

The strongest evidence underpinning the Uncharted connection exists within Baby Steps’ story elements, which paint a notably similar 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 match precisely with the canonical Uncharted universe. These are not loose parallels; they’re exact correspondences to the Fisher-Drake genealogy present in multiple Uncharted titles. The correspondence looks remarkably specific to be coincidental, leading the community to theorise that this indicates either an elaborate Easter egg or a real, though unorthodox, franchise expansion.

What renders this theory particularly intriguing is the substantial amount of corroborating evidence dispersed across Baby Steps’ files and concealed material. Dataminers have discovered character models explicitly labelled with Nathan Drake’s name, whilst achievement artwork depicts an aged individual bearing striking resemblance 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 cutscene lasting thirty minutes —unlocked by omitting every second cutscene in the game—features developers reflecting on their fondness for Uncharted and voicing desires for the franchise’s revival. These multifaceted allusions suggest intentional creative decisions rather than accidental occurrence.

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

Dataminers Discover Strong 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 player character is literally labelled “Nathan Drake” within the game files. This isn’t a subtle reference or an hidden bonus tucked away in obscure dialogue—it’s a core identifier integrated within the underlying architecture itself. Such straightforward naming systems generally fulfil functional roles in game design, making this finding especially important. The circumstance that Devolver Digital and the development team have left such an explicit identifier to remain in the finished product calls into question whether this amounts to an deliberate nod to the fanbase or something considerably more significant.

Beyond the character model designation, extra file discoveries have reinforced the Uncharted connection significantly. Achievement artwork has been examined by eagle-eyed fans, with the “World’s Best Dad” achievement featuring imagery that bears marked resemblance to an mature Nathan Drake. These graphical elements, paired with the direct naming patterns in the code, create a pattern too consistent to dismiss as coincidence. The developers’ apparent refusal to address these discoveries openly has further fuelled speculation within the community, with many reading the silence as unspoken recognition rather than direct denial of the connection.

• Character model files directly identified “Nathan Drake” in game code
• Achievement artwork features older man bearing resemblance to aged Nathan Drake
• Dream sequence dialogue refers to protagonist as “Nate D” outright
• Family member names align precisely with Uncharted 4 established canon
• Developers remain silent on Uncharted connection questions

The Mysterious Cutscene That Began It All

The entire theory achieved significant momentum after the discovery of a secret 30-minute cutscene that players could obtain by omitting all cutscene in Baby Steps—a meta twist that appears wholly in accordance with the game’s unique design ethos. Rather than satisfying dedicated players with additional gameplay or narrative payoff, the developers instead crafted an lengthy scene where the voice actors and production team fully step out of character. What unfolds is a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation that appears authentically spontaneous, offering insights into the artistic approach that informed Baby Steps’ distinctive character.

Within this extended passage lies the crucial evidence that sent the Baby Steps Discord fanbase into complete overdrive. At one point during the team’s informal exchange, one team member utters a seemingly throwaway 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 rampant speculation about whether Baby Steps might represent something substantially greater than a independent standalone title. The team’s later unwillingness to clarify on the statement has only heightened the mystery, causing fans to speculate whether this was real sentiment or a carefully orchestrated hint about the game’s real nature.

Developer Commentary Turned Problematic

The presence of such an elaborate hidden sequence raises fundamental questions about creative vision and creative expression within commercially-supported ventures. If Baby Steps truly is a hidden Uncharted instalment, the developers may have strategically woven these allusions and observations as a form of artistic rebellion—a way of expressing their desire to work on the beloved franchise whilst functioning under the pretence of an entirely separate project. The fact that Sony and Naughty Dog have stayed notably quiet on everything concerning these findings suggests either calculated plausible deniability 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 Signifies for Uncharted’s Road Ahead

If Baby Steps genuinely represents a clandestine Uncharted project, it could suggest a substantial shift in how major publishers approach dormant franchises. Rather than introducing a standard AAA continuation, Sony and Naughty Dog may have selected a more daring, experimental direction—weaving the narrative continuation within an indie project created by Getting Over It’s Bennett Foddy. This tactic would allow the developer to gauge reception with new creative directions whilst maintaining reasonable doubt about the franchise’s return. The performance of Baby Steps, assessed in both commercial and critical terms, could conceivably warrant a more significant Uncharted announcement in the coming years.

The Uncharted franchise has stayed conspicuously absent from PlayStation’s flagship titles since 2017, with only spin-offs and adaptations filling the void. Fans have become more outspoken about their desire for a genuine follow-up, and the discovery of these hidden connections has reignited speculation about the series’ future. Whether Baby Steps represents genuine development or a carefully crafted jest, it demonstrates that the hunger for new Uncharted content remains strong within the gaming community. Sony’s silence on the matter is notably significant, suggesting either intentional intrigue or an recognition 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 reinvigorated conversation around the franchise’s long-term prospects and heritage. The community’s commitment to discovering hidden lore reflects the passionate fanbase that awaits any official announcement. Whether Naughty Dog chooses to leverage this momentum with a genuine revival 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.