Baby Steps Harbours Hilarious Uncharted Sequel Theory

A entertaining theory has taken the gaming community by storm, proposing that Devolver Digital’s indie platformer Baby Steps might conceivably be a hidden Uncharted follow-up in disguise. The ungainly, costume-wearing protagonist, called Nate, could quite possibly be Nathan Drake Jr.—the hitherto unknown son of PlayStation’s cherished adventurer. Loremasters and dataminers have revealed strong evidence, featuring character models explicitly tagged “Nathan Drake” to a nightmarish vision where the protagonist is referred to as “Nate D.” The theory achieved considerable momentum after the Baby Steps Discord community found references to a sister named Cassie and figures called Nathan and Elena, mirroring 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 Fascinating Case of Nate and His Family Lineage

The strongest evidence supporting the Uncharted connection lies in Baby Steps’ story elements, which present a remarkably familiar family portrait. As players progress, players slowly discover about Nate’s kin through spoken exchanges and character engagement. His sister is explicitly named Cassie, his father is Nathan, and his mother is Elena—names that correspond exactly to the canonical Uncharted universe. These aren’t vague similarities; they’re direct matches to the Fisher-Drake lineage found throughout multiple Uncharted titles. The correspondence looks far too exact to be coincidental, causing players to propose that this constitutes either a detailed hidden reference or an actual, though unconventional, series extension.

What creates this theory remarkably fascinating is the substantial amount of corroborating evidence found within Baby Steps’ files and hidden content. Dataminers have discovered character models directly named with Nathan Drake’s name, whilst achievement artwork shows 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 30-minute cutscene —unlocked by omitting every second cutscene in the game—features developers discussing their nostalgia for Uncharted and expressing wishes for the franchise’s return. These layered references suggest deliberate design choices rather than accidental occurrence.

• Character model clearly identified “Nathan Drake” in game code
• Sister character named Cassie corresponds to Uncharted 4’s canonical daughter
• Parents called Nathan and Elena echo the Fisher-Drake family
• Dream sequence addresses protagonist as “Nate D” directly

Data analysts Reveal Strong Evidence

Character Model Revelations

The most damning evidence supporting the Uncharted theory is found in Baby Steps’ foundational code, where dataminers have discovered the protagonist’s main character model is directly identified as “Nathan Drake” within the game files. This goes beyond a subtle reference or an hidden bonus tucked away in obscure dialogue—it’s a essential designation integrated within the underlying architecture itself. Such straightforward naming systems typically serve functional purposes in game development, making this revelation particularly significant. The circumstance that Devolver Digital and the creative team have permitted such an obvious identifier to persist in the final build calls into question whether this amounts to an deliberate nod to the player base or something considerably more significant.

Beyond the character model designation, extra file discoveries have reinforced the Uncharted connection substantially. Achievement artwork has been examined by eagle-eyed fans, with the “World’s Best Dad” achievement featuring imagery that bears marked resemblance to an mature Nathan Drake. These visual representations, combined with the clear naming structures in the code, create a pattern too consistent to dismiss as coincidence. The developers’ apparent refusal to address these discoveries openly has only heightened speculation within the community, with many viewing the silence as tacit acknowledgement rather than explicit rejection of the connection.

• Character model files clearly marked “Nathan Drake” in game code
• Achievement artwork features older man bearing resemblance to aged Nathan Drake
• Dream sequence dialogue names protagonist as “Nate D” explicitly
• Family member names correspond exactly to Uncharted 4 established canon
• Developers remain silent on Uncharted connection questions

The Secret Cutscene That Began It All

The complete theory gained considerable momentum after the finding of a concealed 30-minute cutscene that players could obtain by bypassing each cutscene in Baby Steps—a meta twist that appears wholly in keeping with the game’s distinctive creative approach. Rather than satisfying dedicated players with supplementary gameplay or narrative satisfaction, the developers instead crafted an extended sequence where the voice actors and production team essentially break character entirely. What emerges is a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation that appears authentically spontaneous, offering windows into the development journey that shaped Baby Steps’ unusual nature.

Within this extended passage lies the crucial evidence that sent the Baby Steps Discord group into complete overdrive. At one point during the developers’ casual exchange, one team member utters a apparently offhand line that would reverberate throughout the entire fanbase: “I miss Uncharted. I wish they would bring it back.” The comment, made with obvious seriousness rather than irony, immediately sparked rampant 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 heightened the mystery, leaving fans to wonder whether this was genuine nostalgia or a deliberately planned hint about the game’s true nature.

Creator Remarks Spiralled Out of Control

The presence of such an intricate concealed sequence raises core inquiries about developer intent and creative expression 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 expressing their desire to work on the beloved franchise whilst functioning under the pretence of an entirely separate project. The fact that Sony and Naughty Dog have remained conspicuously silent on everything concerning these findings suggests either strategic ambiguity or genuine surprise at the fanbase’s investigative efforts. Either way, the developers’ refusal to confirm or deny the connection has transformed speculation into a cultural moment.

What This Means for Uncharted’s Coming Years

If Baby Steps genuinely represents a covert Uncharted project, it could indicate a significant shift in how major publishers approach inactive series. Rather than releasing a conventional AAA follow-up, Sony and Naughty Dog may have chosen a more experimental, unconventional approach—integrating the story expansion within an indie project made by Getting Over It’s Bennett Foddy. This strategy would permit the developer to explore possibilities with novel artistic approaches whilst preserving credible denial about the franchise’s revival. The success of Baby Steps, measured both commercially and critically, could possibly support a more significant Uncharted announcement in the coming years.

The Uncharted franchise has remained notably 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’ future. Whether Baby Steps signals actual progress or an elaborate inside joke, it shows 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 recognition that something substantial could genuinely be brewing in the background.

Regardless of whether Baby Steps truly functions as a secret Uncharted sequel, the phenomenon itself has reinvigorated discussion around the franchise’s long-term prospects and heritage. The community’s commitment to discovering hidden lore demonstrates the passionate fanbase that awaits any public statement. Whether Naughty Dog opts to exploit 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 genuine return to Nathan Drake’s world.