A hilarious theory has swept through the gaming community, suggesting that Devolver Digital’s indie platformer Baby Steps might potentially be a clandestine Uncharted continuation in disguise. The ungainly, costume-wearing protagonist, called Nate, could very well be Nathan Drake Jr.—the previously unmentioned son of PlayStation’s beloved treasure hunter. Loremasters and dataminers have revealed convincing proof, from character models explicitly marked “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 figures called Nathan and Elena, echoing 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 Fascinating Case of Nate and His Family Lineage
The most compelling evidence backing the Uncharted connection lies in Baby Steps’ narrative details, which present a remarkably familiar family portrait. As players progress, players slowly discover about Nate’s relatives through conversations and character exchanges. His sister is directly called Cassie, his father is Nathan, and his mother is Elena—names that correspond exactly to the canonical Uncharted universe. These are not loose parallels; they’re precise alignments to the Fisher-Drake family tree present in multiple Uncharted titles. The coincidence seems remarkably specific to be coincidental, prompting fans to suggest that this represents either a sophisticated in-game nod or a real, though unorthodox, franchise expansion.
What makes this theory especially compelling is the considerable quantity of substantive clues dispersed across Baby Steps’ files and concealed material. Dataminers have revealed character models explicitly labelled with Nathan Drake’s name, whilst achievement artwork depicts an mature figure bearing striking resemblance to an aged version of Uncharted’s protagonist. A dream sequence even addresses the player character as “Nate D,” a clear abbreviation of Drake. Additionally, a secret extended cutscene —unlocked by bypassing alternate cutscenes in the game—features developers expressing their attachment for Uncharted and voicing desires for the franchise’s resurgence. These interconnected nods suggest purposeful development selections rather than mere chance.
- Character model explicitly labelled “Nathan Drake” in source files
- Sister character identified as Cassie matches Uncharted 4’s established daughter
- Parents identified as Nathan and Elena mirror the Fisher-Drake lineage
- Dream sequence refers to protagonist as “Nate D” outright
Researchers Discover Strong Evidence
Character Framework Insights
The most damning evidence supporting the Uncharted theory emerges from Baby Steps’ underlying code, where dataminers have discovered the protagonist’s main character model is explicitly named “Nathan Drake” within the source files. This isn’t a subtle reference or an Easter egg buried deep within obscure dialogue—it’s a essential designation embedded in the underlying architecture itself. Such direct naming practices usually perform practical functions in game design, making this discovery especially important. The fact that Devolver Digital and the development studio have allowed such a blatant identifier to remain in the released version calls into question whether this constitutes an deliberate nod to the fanbase or something of greater consequence.
Beyond the character model designation, additional file discoveries have strengthened the Uncharted connection significantly. Achievement artwork has been scrutinised by keen observers, with the “World’s Best Dad” achievement displaying imagery that bears marked resemblance to an older Nathan Drake. These imagery pieces, combined with the direct naming patterns in the code, create a pattern far too uniform to dismiss as coincidence. The developers’ clear unwillingness to address these discoveries directly has further fuelled speculation within the community, with many interpreting the silence as implicit acceptance rather than direct denial of the connection.
- Character model files explicitly labelled “Nathan Drake” in game code
- Achievement artwork shows aging male character bearing resemblance to aged Nathan Drake
- Dream sequence dialogue refers to protagonist as “Nate D” directly
- Family member names correspond exactly to Uncharted 4 established canon
- Developers decline to comment on any Uncharted-related inquiries
The Hidden Cutscene That Initiated It All
The whole theory built substantial momentum in the wake of the discovery of a concealed 30-minute cutscene that players could access by omitting all cutscene in Baby Steps—a meta twist that seems completely in line with the game’s unconventional design philosophy. Rather than rewarding completionists with supplementary gameplay or narrative satisfaction, the developers instead created an extended sequence where the voice actors and creative staff completely abandon their roles. What unfolds is a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation that seems genuinely unrehearsed, offering windows into the development journey that informed Baby Steps’ peculiar existence.
Within this substantial sequence lies the smoking gun that sent the Baby Steps Discord fanbase into absolute overdrive. At one point during the creators’ relaxed discussion, one team member utters a ostensibly casual line that would reverberate throughout the broader fanbase: “I miss Uncharted. I wish they would bring it back.” The comment, expressed with obvious seriousness rather than irony, immediately sparked intense speculation about whether Baby Steps might embody something considerably more significant than a self-contained indie title. The team’s later reluctance to expand on the statement has only heightened the mystery, leaving fans to wonder whether this was authentic longing or a strategically timed hint about the game’s true nature.
Developer Commentary Turned Problematic
The existence of such an elaborate hidden sequence raises fundamental questions about creative vision and creative expression within corporate-backed projects. If Baby Steps genuinely represents a secret Uncharted instalment, the developers may have cleverly embedded these allusions and observations as a means of creative defiance—a way of communicating their ambition to develop the cherished series whilst operating under the guise of an entirely separate project. The fact that Sony and Naughty Dog have remained conspicuously silent on everything concerning these discoveries suggests either strategic ambiguity or authentic astonishment at the community’s detective work. Either way, the developers’ refusal to confirm or deny the connection has transformed conjecture into a cultural moment.
What This Signifies for Uncharted’s Road Ahead
If Baby Steps actually represents a covert Uncharted project, it could suggest a considerable shift in how leading studios approach dormant franchises. Rather than introducing a conventional AAA follow-up, Sony and Naughty Dog may have opted for a more daring, experimental direction—integrating the plot development within an independent game made by Getting Over It’s Bennett Foddy. This strategy would enable the company to test the waters with new creative directions whilst upholding reasonable doubt about the franchise’s return. The success of Baby Steps, assessed in both commercial and critical terms, could possibly justify a more significant Uncharted announcement in the future.
The Uncharted franchise has stayed conspicuously absent from PlayStation’s flagship titles since 2017, with only spin-offs and adaptations filling the void. Fans have become more outspoken about their desire for a genuine follow-up, and the uncovering of these subtle links has rekindled discussion about the series’ future. Whether Baby Steps represents genuine development or a carefully crafted jest, it demonstrates that the appetite for new Uncharted content stays robust within the player base. Sony’s silence on the matter is notably significant, suggesting either deliberate mystery-building 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 represents a secret Uncharted sequel, the phenomenon itself has revitalised discussion around the franchise’s future direction and legacy. The community’s commitment to discovering hidden lore demonstrates the engaged audience that awaits any official announcement. Whether Naughty Dog chooses to leverage this momentum with a authentic comeback remains uncertain, but the surge of enthusiasm suggests the timing could scarcely be better for the studio to greenlight a proper return to Nathan Drake’s world.
