A hilarious theory has captured the gaming world’s attention, proposing that Devolver Digital’s indie platformer Baby Steps might conceivably be a clandestine Uncharted continuation in disguise. The ungainly, costume-wearing protagonist, called Nate, could quite possibly be Nathan Drake Jr.—the previously unmentioned son of PlayStation’s iconic explorer. 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 gathered substantial support after the Baby Steps Discord community discovered 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 remained silent on the matter, the evidence has proven too enticing for fans to ignore.
The Fascinating Case of Nate and His Family Lineage
The strongest evidence supporting the Uncharted connection exists within Baby Steps’ plot specifics, which create a strikingly recognisable family portrait. During gameplay, players progressively uncover about Nate’s relatives 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 represent more than passing resemblances; they’re exact correspondences to the Fisher-Drake family tree found throughout multiple Uncharted titles. The coincidence seems remarkably specific to be accidental, causing players to propose that this indicates either an elaborate Easter egg or a genuine, if unconventional, franchise continuation.
What renders this theory particularly intriguing is the considerable quantity of substantive clues found within Baby Steps’ files and concealed material. Dataminers have discovered character models clearly marked with Nathan Drake’s name, whilst achievement artwork depicts an aged individual 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 cutscene lasting thirty minutes —unlocked by skipping every other cutscene in the game—features developers discussing their nostalgia for Uncharted and expressing wishes for the franchise’s revival. These multifaceted allusions suggest purposeful development selections rather than mere chance.
- Character model explicitly labelled “Nathan Drake” in game code
- Sister character identified as Cassie corresponds to Uncharted 4’s canonical daughter
- Parents named Nathan and Elena reflect the Fisher-Drake family
- Dream sequence identifies protagonist as “Nate D” explicitly
Data analysts Reveal Convincing Evidence
Character Model Revelations
The strongest evidence supporting the Uncharted theory is found in Baby Steps’ underlying code, where analysts have found the protagonist’s character model is explicitly named “Nathan Drake” within the game’s files. This goes beyond a subtle reference or an concealed secret within obscure dialogue—it’s a essential designation integrated within the underlying architecture itself. Such explicit naming conventions usually perform practical functions in game development, making this finding especially important. The fact that Devolver Digital and the development studio have allowed such a blatant identifier to persist in the released version prompts inquiry into whether this amounts to an knowing reference to the fanbase or something considerably more significant.
Beyond the character model designation, further file discoveries have strengthened the Uncharted connection substantially. Achievement artwork has been examined by keen observers, with the “World’s Best Dad” achievement showcasing imagery that bears strong similarity to an mature Nathan Drake. These graphical elements, paired with the explicit naming conventions in the code, create a pattern too consistent to dismiss as coincidence. The developers’ apparent refusal to address these discoveries directly has only intensified speculation within the community, with many reading the silence as tacit acknowledgement rather than outright denial of the connection.
- Character model files explicitly labelled “Nathan Drake” in in-game code
- Achievement artwork shows aging male character matching the appearance of aged Nathan Drake
- Dream sequence dialogue refers to protagonist as “Nate D” outright
- Family member names align precisely with Uncharted 4 established canon
- Developers remain silent on Uncharted connection questions
The Secret Cutscene That Began It All
The complete theory achieved significant momentum following 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 distinctive creative approach. Rather than rewarding 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 transpires is a honest, backstage conversation that appears authentically spontaneous, offering insights into the creative process that shaped Baby Steps’ peculiar existence.
Within this extended sequence lies the smoking gun 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 echo across 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 represent something considerably more significant than a independent standalone title. The developers’ subsequent refusal to elaborate on the statement has only intensified the mystery, leaving fans to wonder whether this was genuine nostalgia or a strategically timed hint about the game’s real nature.
Developer Commentary Spiralled Out of Control
The presence of such an intricate concealed sequence raises core inquiries about developer intent and artistic output within corporate-backed projects. If Baby Steps genuinely represents a secret Uncharted instalment, the developers may have strategically woven these references and commentary as a form of artistic rebellion—a way of communicating their desire to work on the cherished series whilst functioning under the pretence of an entirely separate project. The reality that Sony and Naughty Dog have stayed notably quiet on everything concerning these findings suggests either calculated plausible deniability or authentic astonishment at the fanbase’s investigative efforts. Either way, the creative team’s reluctance to verify or refute the connection has converted speculation into a cultural moment.
What This Signifies for Uncharted’s Future
If Baby Steps genuinely represents a secret Uncharted project, it could suggest a substantial shift in how major publishers approach inactive series. Rather than launching a standard AAA continuation, Sony and Naughty Dog may have opted for a more innovative, alternative strategy—integrating the narrative continuation within an indie title created by Getting Over It’s Bennett Foddy. This approach would permit the developer to test the waters with fresh creative ideas whilst upholding plausible deniability about the franchise’s return. The success of Baby Steps, measured both commercially and critically, could possibly support a larger Uncharted reveal 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 grown increasingly vocal about their appetite for a genuine follow-up, and the uncovering of these subtle links has reignited speculation about the series’ future. Whether Baby Steps signals actual progress or a carefully crafted jest, it shows that the hunger for new Uncharted content stays robust within the gaming community. Sony’s silence on the matter is notably significant, 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 represents a secret Uncharted sequel, the phenomenon itself has reinvigorated discussion around the franchise’s legacy and future prospects. The community’s dedication to uncovering hidden lore reflects the passionate fanbase that awaits any public statement. Whether Naughty Dog chooses to leverage this momentum with a authentic comeback remains uncertain, but the groundswell of interest implies the timing could scarcely be better for the studio to greenlight a genuine return to Nathan Drake’s world.
