A amusing theory has swept through the gaming community, suggesting that Devolver Digital’s indie platformer Baby Steps might actually be a secret Uncharted sequel in disguise. The awkward, onesie-wearing protagonist, referred to as Nate, could very well be Nathan Drake Jr.—the previously unmentioned son of PlayStation’s iconic explorer. Loremasters and dataminers have revealed compelling evidence, including character models explicitly marked “Nathan Drake” to a dream scene where the protagonist is called “Nate D.” The theory gained significant traction after the Baby Steps Discord community discovered references to a sister named Cassie and characters named Nathan and Elena, reflecting 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 enticing for fans to ignore.
The Peculiar Case of Nate and His Family Lineage
The most compelling evidence backing the Uncharted connection lies in Baby Steps’ story elements, which create a remarkably familiar family portrait. As players progress, players slowly discover about Nate’s relatives through conversations and character exchanges. His sister is specifically identified as Cassie, his father is Nathan, and his mother is Elena—names that match precisely with the existing Uncharted lore. These aren’t vague similarities; they’re precise alignments to the Fisher-Drake family tree found throughout multiple Uncharted titles. The alignment appears far too precise to be unintentional, causing players to propose that this represents either a detailed hidden reference or a genuine, if unconventional, franchise continuation.
What renders this theory especially compelling is the substantial amount of corroborating evidence found within Baby Steps’ files and obscured elements. Dataminers have uncovered character models directly named with Nathan Drake’s name, whilst achievement artwork depicts an older man 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 30-minute cutscene —unlocked by bypassing alternate cutscenes in the game—features developers reflecting on their fondness for Uncharted and expressing wishes for the franchise’s return. These multifaceted allusions suggest deliberate design choices rather than random coincidence.
- Character model explicitly labelled “Nathan Drake” in game code
- Sister character identified as Cassie matches Uncharted 4’s canonical daughter
- Parents identified as Nathan and Elena echo the Fisher-Drake family
- Dream sequence refers to protagonist as “Nate D” explicitly
Researchers Uncover Compelling Evidence
Character Framework Insights
The strongest evidence backing the Uncharted theory is found in Baby Steps’ source code, where dataminers have discovered the protagonist’s player character is explicitly named “Nathan Drake” within the source files. This is far more than a subtle nod 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 usually perform practical functions in game development, making this finding especially noteworthy. The circumstance that Devolver Digital and the development team have permitted such an obvious identifier to stay in the final build prompts inquiry into whether this represents an deliberate nod to the fanbase or something far more substantial.
Beyond the character model designation, additional file discoveries have strengthened the Uncharted connection substantially. Achievement artwork has been scrutinised by eagle-eyed fans, with the “World’s Best Dad” achievement displaying imagery that bears strong similarity to an older Nathan Drake. These imagery pieces, alongside the explicit naming conventions in the code, create a pattern far too uniform 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 explicit rejection of the connection.
- Character model files explicitly labelled “Nathan Drake” in in-game code
- Achievement artwork shows older man matching the appearance of aged Nathan Drake
- Dream sequence dialogue refers to protagonist as “Nate D” explicitly
- Family member names align precisely with Uncharted 4 established canon
- Developers offer no comment on Uncharted connection questions
The Secret Cutscene That Started It All
The complete theory gained considerable momentum following the finding of a concealed 30-minute cutscene that players could access by bypassing each cutscene in Baby Steps—a meta twist that appears wholly in keeping with the game’s distinctive creative approach. Rather than appeasing completionists with extra content or story resolution, the developers instead created an extended sequence where the voice actors and development team completely abandon their roles. What emerges is a honest, backstage conversation that appears authentically spontaneous, offering insights into the creative process that went into Baby Steps’ peculiar existence.
Within this extended sequence lies the smoking gun that sent the Baby Steps Discord community into absolute overdrive. At one point during the team’s informal exchange, 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, expressed with apparent sincerity rather than irony, immediately sparked wild speculation about whether Baby Steps might constitute something considerably more significant than a independent standalone title. The creators’ following reluctance to expand on the statement has only amplified the mystery, causing fans to speculate whether this was real sentiment or a deliberately planned hint about the game’s true nature.
Developer Commentary Gone Rogue
The presence of such an elaborate hidden sequence raises fundamental questions about creative vision and artistic output within commercially-supported ventures. If Baby Steps genuinely represents a secret Uncharted instalment, the creative team may have strategically woven these references and commentary as a means of creative defiance—a way of communicating their desire to work on the beloved franchise whilst functioning under the guise 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 strategic ambiguity or authentic astonishment at the community’s detective work. Either way, the creative team’s reluctance to verify or refute the link has converted conjecture into a cultural moment.
What This Signifies for Uncharted’s Future
If Baby Steps actually represents a covert Uncharted project, it could indicate a substantial shift in how prominent publishers approach inactive series. Rather than releasing a conventional AAA follow-up, Sony and Naughty Dog may have chosen a more daring, experimental direction—integrating the story expansion within an indie project developed by Getting Over It’s Bennett Foddy. This approach would allow the company to test the waters with new creative directions whilst preserving reasonable doubt about the series’ resurgence. The success of Baby Steps, measured both commercially and critically, could conceivably warrant a more significant Uncharted announcement in the future.
The Uncharted franchise has remained notably absent from PlayStation’s major releases since 2017, with only spin-offs and adaptations filling the void. Fans have grown increasingly vocal about their appetite for a proper sequel, and the uncovering of these subtle links has rekindled discussion about the series’ prospects. Whether Baby Steps represents genuine development 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 deliberate mystery-building or an recognition that something significant may indeed be brewing in the background.
| Franchise | Last Release |
|---|---|
| Uncharted | Lost Legacy (2017) |
| The Last of Us | Part II (2020) |
| God of War | Ragnarök (2023) |
| Ghost of Tsushima | Director’s Cut (2021) |
Regardless of whether Baby Steps truly operates as a secret Uncharted sequel, the phenomenon itself has revitalised conversation around the franchise’s future direction and legacy. The community’s dedication to uncovering hidden lore showcases 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 wave of engagement indicates the timing could scarcely be better for the studio to greenlight a proper return to Nathan Drake’s world.
