Baby Steps Harbours Hilarious Uncharted Sequel Theory

A hilarious theory has swept through the gaming community, suggesting that Devolver Digital’s indie platformer Baby Steps might conceivably be a hidden Uncharted follow-up in disguise. The clumsy, pajama-clad protagonist, referred to as Nate, could quite possibly be Nathan Drake Jr.—the hitherto unknown son of PlayStation’s beloved treasure hunter. Loremasters and dataminers have discovered convincing proof, featuring character models explicitly marked “Nathan Drake” to a dream sequence where the protagonist is called “Nate D.” The theory gathered substantial support after the Baby Steps Discord community discovered references to a sister named Cassie and characters 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 become too compelling for fans to ignore.

The Fascinating Case of Nate and His Ancestry

The most persuasive evidence underpinning the Uncharted connection can be found in Baby Steps’ story elements, which paint a notably similar family portrait. Throughout the game, players progressively uncover about Nate’s kin through spoken exchanges and character engagement. 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 present in multiple Uncharted titles. The correspondence looks far too precise to be coincidental, causing players to propose that this constitutes either a sophisticated in-game nod or an actual, though unconventional, series extension.

What renders this theory remarkably fascinating is the considerable quantity of corroborating evidence found within Baby Steps’ files and concealed material. Dataminers have uncovered character models directly named with Nathan Drake’s name, whilst achievement artwork shows an aged individual displaying remarkable similarity 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 omitting every second cutscene in the game—features developers expressing their attachment for Uncharted and articulating hopes for the franchise’s revival. These layered references suggest deliberate design choices rather than mere chance.

• Character model directly marked “Nathan Drake” in game code
• Sister character identified as Cassie corresponds to Uncharted 4’s known offspring
• Parents named Nathan and Elena mirror the Fisher-Drake lineage
• Dream sequence addresses protagonist as “Nate D” directly

Dataminers Reveal Compelling Evidence

Character Model Revelations

The most damning evidence supporting the Uncharted theory emerges from Baby Steps’ underlying code, where dataminers have discovered the protagonist’s main character model is literally labelled “Nathan Drake” within the game’s files. This isn’t a subtle reference or an Easter egg buried deep within obscure dialogue—it’s a core identifier integrated within the game’s architecture itself. Such direct naming practices typically serve functional purposes in video game creation, making this finding especially noteworthy. The fact that Devolver Digital and the development team have allowed such a blatant identifier to stay in the released version raises questions about whether this represents an knowing reference to the fanbase or something considerably more significant.

Beyond the character model designation, additional file discoveries have strengthened the Uncharted connection substantially. Achievement artwork has been examined by eagle-eyed fans, with the “World’s Best Dad” achievement featuring imagery that bears strong similarity to an ageing Nathan Drake. These graphical elements, paired with the explicit naming conventions in the code, create a pattern too consistent to dismiss as coincidence. The developers’ seeming reluctance to address these discoveries openly has only heightened speculation within the community, with many reading the silence as tacit acknowledgement rather than outright denial of the connection.

• Character model files clearly marked “Nathan Drake” in in-game code
• Achievement artwork features aging male character matching the appearance of aged Nathan Drake
• Dream sequence dialogue names protagonist as “Nate D” outright
• Family member names align precisely with Uncharted 4 canonical lore
• Developers offer no comment on all Uncharted connection inquiries

The Secret Cutscene That Began It All

The whole theory achieved significant momentum following the finding of a secret 30-minute cutscene that players could obtain by skipping every single cutscene in Baby Steps—a meta twist that seems completely in line with the game’s unique design ethos. Rather than appeasing completionists with supplementary gameplay or narrative satisfaction, the developers instead created an prolonged segment where the voice actors and production team completely abandon their roles. What unfolds is a frank, off-camera conversation that appears authentically spontaneous, offering windows into the development journey that went into Baby Steps’ unusual nature.

Within this lengthy passage lies the key revelation that sent the Baby Steps Discord fanbase into complete overdrive. At one point during the team’s informal discussion, one team member utters a apparently offhand line that would reverberate throughout 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 embody something considerably more significant than a self-contained indie title. The team’s later unwillingness to clarify on the statement has only amplified the mystery, leaving fans to wonder whether this was genuine nostalgia or a deliberately planned hint about the game’s actual nature.

Creator Remarks Spiralled Out of Control

The existence of such an elaborate hidden sequence prompts fundamental questions about developer intent and artistic output within corporate-backed projects. If Baby Steps truly is a secret Uncharted instalment, the developers may have strategically woven these allusions and observations as a form of artistic rebellion—a way of expressing their ambition to develop the cherished series whilst operating under the pretence of an entirely separate project. The reality that Sony and Naughty Dog have remained conspicuously silent on all matters relating to these discoveries suggests either calculated plausible deniability or authentic astonishment at the fanbase’s investigative efforts. Either way, the developers’ refusal to confirm or deny the connection has converted speculation into a cultural moment.

What This Indicates for Uncharted’s Road Ahead

If Baby Steps truly represents a secret Uncharted project, it could indicate a substantial shift in how prominent publishers approach dormant franchises. Rather than releasing a standard AAA continuation, Sony and Naughty Dog may have selected a more experimental, unconventional approach—weaving the plot development within an indie project developed by Getting Over It’s Bennett Foddy. This tactic would allow the studio to gauge reception with new creative directions whilst preserving credible denial about the franchise’s revival. The reception of Baby Steps, measured both commercially and critically, could potentially justify a more substantial Uncharted announcement in the years ahead.

The Uncharted franchise has remained notably absent from PlayStation’s flagship titles since 2017, with only spin-offs and adaptations filling the void. Fans have become more outspoken about their appetite for a genuine follow-up, and the uncovering of these subtle links has rekindled discussion about the series’ future. Whether Baby Steps signals actual progress or a carefully crafted jest, it demonstrates that the appetite for new Uncharted content remains strong within the player base. Sony’s lack of comment is particularly telling, 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 dialogue around the franchise’s future direction and legacy. The community’s drive to unearth hidden lore demonstrates the devoted fan community that awaits any public statement. Whether Naughty Dog opts to exploit this momentum with a authentic comeback 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.