A hilarious theory has swept through the gaming community, proposing that Devolver Digital’s indie platformer Baby Steps might conceivably be a hidden Uncharted follow-up in disguise. The awkward, onesie-wearing protagonist, known simply as Nate, could quite possibly be Nathan Drake Jr.—the never-before-mentioned son of PlayStation’s beloved treasure hunter. Loremasters and dataminers have uncovered compelling evidence, from character models explicitly labelled “Nathan Drake” to a dream sequence where the protagonist is called “Nate D.” The theory gained significant traction after the Baby Steps Discord community found references to a character named Cassie and parents named Nathan and Elena, mirroring 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 Fascinating Case of Nate and His Ancestry
The strongest evidence backing the Uncharted connection lies in Baby Steps’ narrative details, which create a remarkably familiar family portrait. As players progress, players gradually learn about Nate’s family members through spoken exchanges and character engagement. His sister is explicitly named Cassie, his father is Nathan, and his mother is Elena—names that align perfectly with the established Uncharted canon. These are not loose parallels; they’re exact correspondences to the Fisher-Drake genealogy present in multiple Uncharted titles. The alignment appears far too exact to be coincidental, prompting fans to suggest that this represents either a sophisticated in-game nod or a genuine, if unconventional, franchise continuation.
What makes this theory remarkably fascinating is the considerable quantity of substantive clues found within Baby Steps’ files and obscured elements. Dataminers have discovered character models clearly marked with Nathan Drake’s name, whilst achievement artwork shows an aged individual exhibiting notable likeness 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 bypassing alternate cutscenes in the game—features developers expressing their attachment for Uncharted and articulating hopes for the franchise’s revival. These interconnected nods suggest intentional creative decisions rather than random coincidence.
- Character model explicitly labelled “Nathan Drake” in source files
- Sister character identified as Cassie aligns with Uncharted 4’s canonical daughter
- Parents identified as Nathan and Elena reflect the Fisher-Drake lineage
- Dream sequence addresses protagonist as “Nate D” explicitly
Dataminers Discover Compelling Evidence
Character Model Revelations
The most compelling evidence supporting the Uncharted theory is found in Baby Steps’ source code, where analysts have found the protagonist’s player character is explicitly named “Nathan Drake” within the game’s files. This is far more than a subtle nod or an hidden bonus tucked away in obscure dialogue—it’s a fundamental identifier integrated within the underlying architecture itself. Such explicit naming conventions typically serve functional purposes in game development, making this finding especially important. The reality that Devolver Digital and the development studio have allowed such a blatant identifier to persist in the released version calls into question whether this represents an intentional wink to the fanbase or something far more substantial.
Beyond the character model designation, extra file discoveries have reinforced the Uncharted connection substantially. Achievement artwork has been scrutinised by keen observers, with the “World’s Best Dad” achievement displaying imagery that bears strong similarity to an mature Nathan Drake. These visual representations, paired with the explicit naming conventions in the code, create a pattern far 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 explicitly labelled “Nathan Drake” in in-game code
- Achievement artwork features older man resembling aged Nathan Drake
- Dream sequence dialogue identifies protagonist as “Nate D” directly
- Family member names perfectly match Uncharted 4 canonical lore
- Developers offer no comment on Uncharted connection questions
The Hidden Cutscene That Initiated It All
The whole theory gained considerable momentum following the discovery of a secret 30-minute cutscene that players could unlock by skipping every single cutscene in Baby Steps—a meta twist that seems completely in line with the game’s distinctive creative approach. Rather than satisfying dedicated players with additional gameplay or narrative payoff, the developers instead created an lengthy scene 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 informed Baby Steps’ unusual nature.
Within this substantial sequence lies the key revelation that sent the Baby Steps Discord community into absolute overdrive. At one point during the creators’ relaxed conversation, one team member utters a apparently offhand line that would reverberate throughout the whole fanbase: “I miss Uncharted. I wish they would bring it back.” The comment, delivered with genuine earnestness rather than irony, immediately sparked rampant speculation about whether Baby Steps might constitute something far more substantial than a standalone indie title. The creators’ following unwillingness to clarify on the statement has only heightened the mystery, causing fans to speculate whether this was genuine nostalgia or a carefully orchestrated hint about the game’s real nature.
Creator Remarks Gone Rogue
The presence of such an intricate concealed sequence prompts fundamental questions about developer intent and creative expression within corporate-backed projects. If Baby Steps genuinely represents a secret Uncharted instalment, the creative team may have strategically woven these allusions and observations as a means of creative defiance—a way of expressing their ambition to develop the cherished series whilst functioning under the guise of an completely distinct project. The reality that Sony and Naughty Dog have stayed notably quiet 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 confirm or deny the connection has transformed speculation into a cultural moment.
What This Signifies for Uncharted’s Future
If Baby Steps genuinely represents a covert Uncharted project, it could signal a substantial shift in how leading studios approach dormant franchises. Rather than launching a traditional AAA sequel, Sony and Naughty Dog may have selected a more innovative, alternative strategy—weaving the plot development within an independent game made by Getting Over It’s Bennett Foddy. This tactic would permit the studio to test the waters with new creative directions whilst upholding credible denial about the franchise’s return. The reception of Baby Steps, assessed in both commercial and critical terms, could possibly support a larger Uncharted reveal in the coming years.
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 become more outspoken about their appetite for a genuine follow-up, and the uncovering of these subtle links has rekindled discussion about the series’ prospects. Whether Baby Steps represents genuine development or a carefully crafted jest, it shows that the appetite 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 recognition that something substantial could genuinely 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 reinvigorated dialogue around the franchise’s legacy and future prospects. The community’s dedication to uncovering hidden lore showcases the devoted fan community that awaits any official announcement. Whether Naughty Dog opts to exploit this momentum with a authentic comeback 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.
