Baby Steps Harbours Hilarious Uncharted Sequel Theory

A entertaining theory has captured the gaming world’s attention, suggesting 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, might plausibly be Nathan Drake Jr.—the never-before-mentioned son of PlayStation’s iconic explorer. Loremasters and dataminers have uncovered strong evidence, from character models explicitly tagged “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 discovered references to a woman called Cassie and characters named Nathan and Elena, mirroring the Fisher-Drake family from the Uncharted franchise. Whilst Sony and Naughty Dog have remained silent on the matter, the evidence has proven too enticing for fans to ignore.

The Peculiar Case of Nate and His Ancestry

The most persuasive evidence underpinning the Uncharted connection lies in Baby Steps’ narrative details, which create a notably similar family portrait. During gameplay, players slowly discover about Nate’s family members through conversations and character exchanges. His sister is directly called Cassie, his father is Nathan, and his mother is Elena—names that align perfectly with the canonical Uncharted universe. These represent more than passing resemblances; they’re exact correspondences to the Fisher-Drake genealogy present in multiple Uncharted titles. The correspondence looks far too precise to be accidental, prompting fans to suggest that this represents either a detailed hidden reference or an actual, though unconventional, series extension.

What renders this theory particularly intriguing is the considerable quantity 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 depicts an aged individual displaying remarkable similarity 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 30-minute 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 return. 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 canonical daughter
• Parents named Nathan and Elena echo the Fisher-Drake family
• Dream sequence refers to protagonist as “Nate D” directly

Dataminers Uncover Compelling Evidence

Character Design Disclosures

The most damning evidence backing the Uncharted theory emerges from Baby Steps’ underlying code, where analysts have found the protagonist’s player character is directly identified as “Nathan Drake” within the game’s files. This goes beyond a subtle reference or an concealed secret within obscure dialogue—it’s a core identifier embedded in the game’s architecture itself. Such direct naming practices typically serve functional purposes in game design, making this revelation particularly significant. The fact that Devolver Digital and the development team have allowed such a blatant identifier to stay in the finished product raises questions about whether this represents an knowing reference 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 dedicated enthusiasts, with the “World’s Best Dad” achievement featuring imagery that bears marked resemblance to an mature Nathan Drake. These visual representations, paired with the clear naming structures in the code, create a pattern far too consistent to dismiss as coincidence. The developers’ apparent refusal to address these discoveries directly has further fuelled speculation within the community, with many viewing the silence as tacit acknowledgement rather than direct denial of the connection.

• Character model files clearly marked “Nathan Drake” in in-game code
• Achievement artwork features older man bearing resemblance to aged Nathan Drake
• Dream sequence dialogue identifies protagonist as “Nate D” explicitly
• Family member names perfectly match Uncharted 4 canonical lore
• Developers remain silent on Uncharted connection questions

The Hidden Cutscene That Initiated It All

The entire theory built substantial momentum following the uncovering of a hidden 30-minute cutscene that players could access by bypassing each cutscene in Baby Steps—a meta twist that seems completely in line with the game’s unconventional design philosophy. Rather than rewarding completionists with extra content or story resolution, the developers instead created an extended sequence where the voice actors and development team fully step out of character. What emerges is a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation that seems genuinely unrehearsed, offering glimpses into the creative process that informed Baby Steps’ peculiar existence.

Within this substantial sequence lies the smoking gun that sent the Baby Steps Discord community into complete overdrive. At one point during the developers’ casual exchange, one team member utters a ostensibly casual line that would resound through the broader fanbase: “I miss Uncharted. I wish they’d bring it back.” The comment, made with obvious seriousness rather than irony, immediately sparked intense speculation about whether Baby Steps might constitute something far more substantial than a standalone indie title. The team’s later refusal to elaborate on the statement has only amplified the mystery, leaving fans to wonder whether this was authentic longing or a carefully orchestrated hint about the game’s real nature.

Creator Remarks Spiralled Out of Control

The existence 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 secret Uncharted instalment, the developers may have strategically woven these allusions and observations as a means of creative defiance—a way of communicating their desire to work on the cherished series whilst functioning under the guise of an completely distinct project. The fact that Sony and Naughty Dog have stayed notably quiet on all matters relating to these findings suggests either calculated plausible deniability or authentic astonishment at the community’s detective work. Either way, the developers’ refusal to verify or refute the link has converted conjecture into a cultural moment.

What This Means for Uncharted’s Coming Years

If Baby Steps truly represents a clandestine Uncharted project, it could signal a significant shift in how major publishers approach sleeping franchises. Rather than launching a standard AAA continuation, Sony and Naughty Dog may have chosen a more daring, experimental direction—weaving the plot development within an independent game made by Getting Over It’s Bennett Foddy. This strategy would permit the developer to gauge reception with novel artistic approaches whilst preserving reasonable doubt about the series’ resurgence. The success of Baby Steps, measured both commercially and critically, could potentially support a larger Uncharted reveal in the future.

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 genuine follow-up, and the discovery of these hidden connections has reignited speculation about the series’ prospects. 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 deliberate mystery-building or an acknowledgement that something substantial could genuinely be brewing behind the scenes.

Regardless of whether Baby Steps truly functions as a secret Uncharted sequel, the phenomenon itself has reignited discussion around the franchise’s long-term prospects and heritage. The community’s drive to unearth hidden lore showcases the engaged audience that awaits any formal reveal. Whether Naughty Dog opts to exploit this momentum with a authentic comeback remains uncertain, but the surge of enthusiasm implies the timing could scarcely be better for the studio to greenlight a full comeback to Nathan Drake’s world.