A amusing 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, 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 discovered strong evidence, featuring character models explicitly marked “Nathan Drake” to a dream sequence where the protagonist is named “Nate D.” The theory gathered substantial support after the Baby Steps Discord community found references to a sister 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 become too compelling for fans to ignore.
The Fascinating Case of Nate and His Ancestry
The most compelling evidence backing the Uncharted connection exists within Baby Steps’ plot specifics, which present a remarkably familiar family portrait. Throughout the game, 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 established Uncharted canon. These are not loose parallels; they’re exact correspondences to the Fisher-Drake family tree established across multiple Uncharted titles. The correspondence looks far too exact to be unintentional, prompting fans to suggest that this constitutes either an elaborate Easter egg or a genuine, if unconventional, franchise continuation.
What renders this theory particularly intriguing is the sheer volume of corroborating evidence found within Baby Steps’ files and concealed material. Dataminers have discovered character models explicitly labelled with Nathan Drake’s name, whilst achievement artwork presents an aged individual 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 skipping every other cutscene in the game—features developers reflecting on their fondness for Uncharted and voicing desires for the franchise’s return. These multifaceted allusions suggest deliberate design choices rather than random coincidence.
- Character model directly marked “Nathan Drake” in game code
- Sister character named Cassie matches Uncharted 4’s canonical daughter
- Parents named Nathan and Elena mirror the Fisher-Drake household
- Dream sequence addresses protagonist as “Nate D” outright
Dataminers Discover Convincing Evidence
Character Framework Insights
The strongest evidence underpinning the Uncharted theory comes directly from Baby Steps’ source code, where analysts have found the protagonist’s player character is literally labelled “Nathan Drake” within the source files. This goes beyond a subtle reference or an Easter egg buried deep within obscure dialogue—it’s a fundamental identifier woven into the game structure itself. Such straightforward naming systems usually perform practical functions in video game creation, making this finding particularly significant. The circumstance that Devolver Digital and the development studio have left such an explicit identifier to stay in the released version prompts inquiry into whether this amounts to an deliberate nod 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 examined by dedicated enthusiasts, with the “World’s Best Dad” achievement showcasing imagery that bears striking resemblance to an ageing Nathan Drake. These imagery pieces, alongside the clear naming structures in the code, create a pattern too consistent to dismiss as coincidence. The developers’ clear unwillingness to address these discoveries explicitly has only intensified speculation within the community, with many viewing the silence as implicit acceptance rather than direct denial of the connection.
- Character model files explicitly labelled “Nathan Drake” in game code
- Achievement artwork features older man bearing resemblance to aged Nathan Drake
- Dream sequence dialogue refers to protagonist as “Nate D” directly
- Family member names perfectly match Uncharted 4 canonical lore
- Developers offer no comment on any Uncharted-related inquiries
The Hidden Cutscene That Began It All
The whole theory achieved significant momentum after the discovery of a concealed 30-minute cutscene that players could obtain by skipping every single cutscene in Baby Steps—a meta twist that feels entirely in accordance with the game’s unique design ethos. Rather than appeasing completionists with extra content or story resolution, the developers instead crafted an extended sequence where the voice actors and development team completely abandon their roles. What unfolds is a frank, off-camera conversation that feels remarkably unscripted, offering windows into the development journey that went into Baby Steps’ peculiar existence.
Within this lengthy passage lies the crucial evidence that sent the Baby Steps Discord fanbase into absolute overdrive. At one point during the developers’ casual 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, made with apparent sincerity rather than irony, immediately sparked intense speculation about whether Baby Steps might embody something far more substantial than a independent standalone title. The developers’ subsequent refusal to elaborate 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 Turned Problematic
The existence of such an intricate concealed sequence raises core inquiries about creative vision and artistic output within corporate-backed projects. If Baby Steps truly is a secret Uncharted instalment, the developers may have cleverly embedded these allusions and observations as a form of artistic rebellion—a way of communicating their desire to work on 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 everything concerning these discoveries suggests either strategic ambiguity or genuine surprise at the community’s detective work. Either way, the creative team’s reluctance to confirm or deny the connection has converted conjecture into a cultural moment.
What This Signifies for Uncharted’s Road Ahead
If Baby Steps actually represents a secret Uncharted project, it could signal a substantial shift in how prominent publishers approach sleeping franchises. Rather than launching a traditional AAA sequel, Sony and Naughty Dog may have chosen a more innovative, alternative strategy—integrating the story expansion within an indie title developed by Getting Over It’s Bennett Foddy. This approach would permit the company to explore possibilities with new creative directions whilst maintaining reasonable doubt about the franchise’s return. The performance of Baby Steps, evaluated both commercially and in critical reception, could conceivably justify a more significant Uncharted announcement in the future.
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 become more outspoken about their appetite for a proper sequel, and the uncovering of these subtle links has reignited speculation about the series’ prospects. Whether Baby Steps represents genuine development or a carefully crafted jest, it demonstrates that the hunger for new Uncharted content remains strong within the gaming community. Sony’s silence on the matter is particularly telling, suggesting either intentional intrigue or an acknowledgement that something substantial could genuinely be brewing behind the scenes.
| 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 long-term prospects and heritage. The community’s commitment to discovering hidden lore demonstrates the passionate fanbase that awaits any official announcement. Whether Naughty Dog decides to capitalise on this momentum with a true resurgence remains uncertain, but the groundswell of interest implies the timing could scarcely be better for the studio to greenlight a full comeback to Nathan Drake’s world.
