A entertaining theory has taken the gaming community by storm, suggesting that Devolver Digital’s indie platformer Baby Steps might actually be a hidden Uncharted follow-up in disguise. The awkward, onesie-wearing protagonist, referred to as Nate, might plausibly be Nathan Drake Jr.—the never-before-mentioned son of PlayStation’s beloved treasure hunter. Loremasters and dataminers have discovered convincing proof, featuring character models explicitly tagged “Nathan Drake” to a nightmarish vision where the protagonist is referred to as “Nate D.” The theory gathered substantial support after the Baby Steps Discord community discovered references to a sister named Cassie and characters named Nathan and Elena, echoing 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 Intriguing Case of Nate and His Ancestry
The most compelling evidence backing the Uncharted connection exists within Baby Steps’ story elements, which create a remarkably familiar family portrait. During gameplay, players gradually learn 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 correspond exactly to the established Uncharted canon. These aren’t vague similarities; they’re precise alignments to the Fisher-Drake lineage established across multiple Uncharted titles. The coincidence seems far too exact to be coincidental, leading the community to theorise that this constitutes either an elaborate Easter egg or an actual, though unconventional, series extension.
What creates this theory remarkably fascinating is the sheer volume of corroborating evidence scattered throughout Baby Steps’ files and concealed material. Dataminers have revealed character models clearly marked with Nathan Drake’s name, whilst achievement artwork presents 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 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 interconnected nods suggest intentional creative decisions rather than accidental occurrence.
- Character model explicitly labelled “Nathan Drake” in source files
- Sister character named Cassie matches Uncharted 4’s canonical daughter
- Parents called Nathan and Elena echo the Fisher-Drake lineage
- Dream sequence identifies protagonist as “Nate D” outright
Dataminers Discover Strong Evidence
Character Design Disclosures
The most damning evidence underpinning the Uncharted theory comes directly from Baby Steps’ foundational code, where dataminers have discovered the protagonist’s main character model is directly identified as “Nathan Drake” within the source files. This isn’t a subtle reference or an concealed secret within obscure dialogue—it’s a essential designation embedded in the game’s architecture itself. Such straightforward naming systems generally fulfil functional roles in video game creation, making this revelation especially noteworthy. The circumstance that Devolver Digital and the creative team have permitted such an obvious identifier to stay in the released version calls into question whether this represents an knowing reference to the fanbase or something far more substantial.
Beyond the character model designation, additional file discoveries have bolstered the Uncharted connection considerably. Achievement artwork has been examined by keen observers, with the “World’s Best Dad” achievement displaying imagery that bears strong similarity to an older Nathan Drake. These visual representations, alongside the clear naming structures in the code, create a pattern too consistent to dismiss as coincidence. The developers’ apparent refusal to address these discoveries explicitly 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 directly identified “Nathan Drake” in game code
- Achievement artwork depicts aging male character resembling aged Nathan Drake
- Dream sequence dialogue refers to protagonist as “Nate D” outright
- Family member names perfectly match Uncharted 4 established canon
- Developers offer no comment on Uncharted connection questions
The Mysterious Cutscene That Started It All
The whole theory built substantial momentum after the discovery of a hidden 30-minute cutscene that players could access by skipping every single cutscene in Baby Steps—a meta twist that seems completely in keeping with the game’s distinctive creative approach. Rather than rewarding completionists with extra content or story resolution, the developers instead constructed an prolonged segment where the voice actors and development team completely abandon their roles. What unfolds is a honest, backstage conversation that seems genuinely unrehearsed, offering glimpses into the development journey that went into Baby Steps’ distinctive character.
Within this lengthy section lies the key revelation that sent the Baby Steps Discord community into absolute overdrive. At one point during the team’s informal exchange, one team member utters a ostensibly casual line that would resound through the broader fanbase: “I miss Uncharted. I wish they would bring it back.” The comment, delivered with obvious seriousness rather than irony, immediately sparked rampant speculation about whether Baby Steps might embody something far more substantial than a self-contained indie title. The developers’ subsequent unwillingness to clarify on the statement has only intensified the mystery, causing fans to speculate whether this was authentic longing or a strategically timed hint about the game’s actual nature.
Developer Commentary Turned Problematic
The existence of such an elaborate hidden sequence raises fundamental questions about creative vision and artistic output within corporate-backed projects. If Baby Steps genuinely represents a secret Uncharted instalment, the creative team may have cleverly embedded these allusions and observations as a means of creative defiance—a way of expressing their ambition to develop the beloved franchise whilst functioning under the guise of an completely distinct project. The fact that Sony and Naughty Dog have remained conspicuously silent on all matters relating to these discoveries suggests either strategic ambiguity or genuine surprise at the fanbase’s investigative efforts. Either way, the developers’ refusal to verify or refute the link has converted conjecture into a cultural moment.
What This Means for Uncharted’s Coming Years
If Baby Steps genuinely represents a secret Uncharted project, it could signal a significant shift in how leading studios approach dormant franchises. Rather than releasing a conventional AAA follow-up, Sony and Naughty Dog may have opted for a more daring, experimental direction—embedding the story expansion within an indie project made by Getting Over It’s Bennett Foddy. This approach would permit the studio to gauge reception with new creative directions whilst upholding plausible deniability about the series’ resurgence. The success of Baby Steps, measured both commercially and critically, could potentially support 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 appetite for a proper sequel, and the discovery of these hidden connections has reignited speculation about the series’ future. Whether Baby Steps represents genuine development or an elaborate inside joke, it shows that the hunger 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 recognition 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 functions as a secret Uncharted sequel, the phenomenon itself has reinvigorated dialogue around the franchise’s long-term prospects and heritage. The community’s commitment to discovering hidden lore showcases the devoted fan community that awaits any public statement. 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.
