A hilarious theory has swept through the gaming community, suggesting that Devolver Digital’s indie platformer Baby Steps might potentially be a hidden Uncharted follow-up in disguise. The clumsy, pajama-clad protagonist, referred to as Nate, could very well be Nathan Drake Jr.—the never-before-mentioned son of PlayStation’s iconic explorer. Loremasters and dataminers have uncovered convincing proof, from character models explicitly marked “Nathan Drake” to a dream scene where the protagonist is referred to as “Nate D.” The theory gained significant traction after the Baby Steps Discord community discovered references to a character named Cassie and figures called Nathan and Elena, reflecting the Fisher-Drake family from the Uncharted franchise. Whilst Sony and Naughty Dog have remained silent on the matter, the evidence has proven too tantalising for fans to ignore.
The Intriguing Case of Nate and His Ancestry
The strongest evidence backing the Uncharted connection exists within Baby Steps’ story elements, which create a remarkably familiar family portrait. As players progress, players progressively uncover about Nate’s relatives through dialogue and character interactions. His sister is explicitly named Cassie, his father is Nathan, and his mother is Elena—names that align perfectly with the canonical Uncharted universe. These aren’t vague similarities; they’re exact correspondences to the Fisher-Drake genealogy established across multiple Uncharted titles. The coincidence seems remarkably specific to be unintentional, causing players to propose that this indicates either a detailed hidden reference or an actual, though unconventional, series extension.
What makes this theory especially compelling is the sheer volume of substantive clues scattered throughout Baby Steps’ files and concealed material. Dataminers have discovered character models directly named 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 cutscene lasting thirty minutes —unlocked by omitting every second cutscene in the game—features developers expressing their attachment for Uncharted and voicing desires for the franchise’s revival. These multifaceted allusions suggest deliberate design choices rather than mere chance.
- Character model directly marked “Nathan Drake” in game files
- Sister character called Cassie corresponds to Uncharted 4’s established daughter
- Parents named Nathan and Elena echo the Fisher-Drake lineage
- Dream sequence identifies protagonist as “Nate D” explicitly
Dataminers Reveal Compelling Evidence
Character Design Disclosures
The most compelling evidence supporting the Uncharted theory is found in Baby Steps’ source code, where researchers have uncovered the protagonist’s main character model is directly identified as “Nathan Drake” within the game’s files. This isn’t a subtle reference or an hidden bonus tucked away in obscure dialogue—it’s a essential designation woven into the underlying architecture itself. Such direct naming practices generally fulfil functional roles in video game creation, making this revelation particularly significant. The reality that Devolver Digital and the development studio have left such an explicit identifier to remain in the finished product prompts inquiry into whether this represents an knowing reference to the fanbase or something far more substantial.
Beyond the character model designation, additional file discoveries have reinforced the Uncharted connection substantially. Achievement artwork has been scrutinised by dedicated enthusiasts, with the “World’s Best Dad” achievement showcasing imagery that bears marked resemblance to an ageing Nathan Drake. These visual representations, 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 interpreting the silence as tacit acknowledgement rather than direct denial of the connection.
- Character model files explicitly labelled “Nathan Drake” in game code
- Achievement artwork shows 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 offer no comment on Uncharted connection questions
The Mysterious Cutscene That Started It All
The whole theory achieved significant momentum after the discovery of a concealed 30-minute cutscene that players could obtain by omitting all 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 crafted an prolonged segment where the voice actors and creative staff completely abandon their roles. What unfolds is a frank, off-camera conversation that feels remarkably unscripted, offering glimpses into the creative process that went into Baby Steps’ distinctive character.
Within this substantial sequence lies the smoking gun that sent the Baby Steps Discord fanbase into complete overdrive. At one point during the developers’ casual exchange, one team member utters a apparently offhand line that would reverberate throughout the broader fanbase: “I miss Uncharted. I wish they’d bring it back.” The comment, delivered with genuine earnestness rather than irony, immediately sparked rampant speculation about whether Baby Steps might embody something considerably more significant than a standalone indie title. The team’s later reluctance to expand on the statement has only intensified the mystery, causing fans to speculate whether this was genuine nostalgia or a carefully orchestrated hint about the game’s true nature.
Developer Commentary Spiralled Out of Control
The existence of such an intricate concealed sequence raises fundamental questions about developer intent and creative expression within commercially-supported ventures. If Baby Steps genuinely represents a hidden Uncharted instalment, the developers may have cleverly embedded these references and commentary as a means of creative defiance—a way of expressing their desire to work on the cherished series whilst operating under the pretence of an entirely separate project. The fact that Sony and Naughty Dog have stayed notably quiet on everything concerning these findings suggests either strategic ambiguity or authentic astonishment at the community’s detective work. Either way, the developers’ refusal to verify or refute the link has transformed conjecture into a cultural phenomenon.
What This Indicates for Uncharted’s Future
If Baby Steps actually represents a clandestine Uncharted project, it could suggest a significant shift in how prominent publishers approach dormant franchises. Rather than releasing a traditional AAA sequel, Sony and Naughty Dog may have selected a more experimental, unconventional approach—weaving the plot development within an indie project made by Getting Over It’s Bennett Foddy. This tactic would enable the company to gauge reception with new creative directions whilst preserving plausible deniability about the franchise’s return. The success of Baby Steps, measured both commercially and critically, could conceivably support a more significant Uncharted announcement in the coming years.
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 uncovering of these subtle links has rekindled discussion about the series’ prospects. Whether Baby Steps represents genuine development or a carefully crafted jest, it demonstrates that the appetite for new Uncharted content remains strong within the gaming community. Sony’s lack of comment is particularly telling, suggesting either intentional intrigue 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 functions as a secret Uncharted sequel, the phenomenon itself has revitalised conversation around the franchise’s legacy and future prospects. The community’s commitment to discovering hidden lore demonstrates the devoted fan community that awaits any formal reveal. Whether Naughty Dog decides to capitalise on this momentum with a authentic comeback remains uncertain, but the wave of engagement suggests the timing could scarcely be better for the studio to greenlight a full comeback to Nathan Drake’s world.
