Baby Steps Harbours Hilarious Uncharted Sequel Theory

A hilarious theory has taken the gaming community by storm, suggesting that Devolver Digital’s indie platformer Baby Steps might actually be a clandestine Uncharted continuation in disguise. The ungainly, costume-wearing protagonist, referred to as Nate, might plausibly be Nathan Drake Jr.—the never-before-mentioned son of PlayStation’s beloved treasure hunter. Loremasters and dataminers have uncovered compelling evidence, including character models explicitly labelled “Nathan Drake” to a dream sequence where the protagonist is referred to as “Nate D.” The theory gained significant traction after the Baby Steps Discord community found references to a woman called Cassie and characters named Nathan and Elena, reflecting the Fisher-Drake family from the Uncharted franchise. Whilst Sony and Naughty Dog have said nothing on the matter, the evidence has proven too enticing for fans to ignore.

The Intriguing Case of Nate and His Ancestry

The strongest evidence supporting the Uncharted connection lies in Baby Steps’ plot specifics, which paint a strikingly recognisable family portrait. During gameplay, players progressively uncover about Nate’s kin through spoken exchanges and character engagement. His sister is directly called Cassie, his father is Nathan, and his mother is Elena—names that match precisely with the canonical Uncharted universe. These aren’t vague similarities; they’re precise alignments to the Fisher-Drake lineage established across multiple Uncharted titles. The coincidence seems far too exact to be unintentional, leading the community to theorise that this represents either a sophisticated in-game nod or an actual, though unconventional, series extension.

What renders this theory especially compelling is the considerable quantity of supporting details dispersed across Baby Steps’ files and obscured elements. Dataminers have uncovered character models directly named 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 identifies 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 articulating hopes for the franchise’s return. These interconnected nods suggest deliberate design choices rather than accidental occurrence.

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

Data analysts Uncover Convincing Evidence

Character Model Revelations

The most damning evidence supporting the Uncharted theory comes directly from Baby Steps’ underlying code, where analysts have found the protagonist’s main character model is directly identified as “Nathan Drake” within the source files. This goes beyond a subtle reference or an concealed secret within obscure dialogue—it’s a core identifier woven into the underlying architecture itself. Such explicit naming conventions typically serve functional purposes in game design, making this discovery particularly significant. The circumstance that Devolver Digital and the development studio have permitted such an obvious identifier to stay in the finished product calls into question whether this represents an knowing reference to the fanbase or something of greater consequence.

Beyond the character model designation, additional file discoveries have reinforced the Uncharted connection significantly. Achievement artwork has been scrutinised by dedicated enthusiasts, with the “World’s Best Dad” achievement displaying imagery that bears striking resemblance to an ageing Nathan Drake. These graphical elements, combined 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 only intensified speculation within the community, with many viewing the silence as implicit acceptance rather than explicit rejection of the connection.

• Character model files explicitly labelled “Nathan Drake” in in-game code
• Achievement artwork depicts older man bearing resemblance to aged Nathan Drake
• Dream sequence dialogue refers to protagonist as “Nate D” explicitly
• Family member names correspond exactly to Uncharted 4 established canon
• Developers remain silent on all Uncharted connection inquiries

The Secret Cutscene That Initiated It All

The entire theory achieved significant momentum after the finding of a secret 30-minute cutscene that players could unlock by bypassing each cutscene in Baby Steps—a meta twist that feels entirely in accordance with the game’s unconventional design philosophy. Rather than satisfying dedicated players with extra content or story resolution, the developers instead constructed an prolonged segment where the voice actors and creative staff fully step out of character. What unfolds is a frank, off-camera conversation that seems genuinely unrehearsed, offering windows into the artistic approach that went into Baby Steps’ distinctive character.

Within this extended passage lies the key revelation that sent the Baby Steps Discord community into absolute overdrive. At one point during the team’s informal discussion, one team member utters a seemingly throwaway line that would echo across the whole fanbase: “I miss Uncharted. I wish they’d bring it back.” The comment, expressed with genuine earnestness rather than irony, immediately sparked rampant speculation about whether Baby Steps might represent something substantially greater than a self-contained indie title. The creators’ following refusal to elaborate on the statement has only intensified the mystery, leaving fans to wonder whether this was genuine nostalgia or a carefully orchestrated hint about the game’s real nature.

Developer Commentary Spiralled Out of Control

The existence of such an elaborate hidden sequence prompts fundamental questions about creative vision and artistic output within corporate-backed projects. If Baby Steps truly is a secret Uncharted instalment, the creative team may have cleverly embedded these allusions and observations as a means of creative defiance—a way of communicating their desire to work on the beloved franchise whilst operating under the pretence of an entirely separate project. The fact that Sony and Naughty Dog have remained conspicuously silent on everything concerning these findings suggests either calculated plausible deniability or genuine surprise at the fanbase’s investigative efforts. Either way, the creative team’s reluctance to confirm or deny the connection has converted conjecture 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 leading studios approach inactive series. Rather than launching a standard AAA continuation, Sony and Naughty Dog may have opted for a more innovative, alternative strategy—embedding the narrative continuation within an indie title made by Getting Over It’s Bennett Foddy. This tactic would enable the studio to gauge reception with new creative directions whilst upholding credible denial about the franchise’s return. The success of Baby Steps, measured both commercially and critically, could possibly warrant a larger Uncharted reveal in the future.

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 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 shows that the hunger for new Uncharted content remains strong within the player base. Sony’s silence on the matter 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 discussion around the franchise’s long-term prospects and heritage. The community’s dedication to uncovering hidden lore reflects the engaged audience that awaits any official announcement. Whether Naughty Dog decides to capitalise on this momentum with a genuine revival remains uncertain, but the wave of engagement implies the timing could scarcely be better for the studio to greenlight a full comeback to Nathan Drake’s world.