A entertaining theory has swept through the gaming community, proposing that Devolver Digital’s indie platformer Baby Steps might conceivably be a secret Uncharted sequel in disguise. The clumsy, pajama-clad protagonist, referred to as Nate, could very well be Nathan Drake Jr.—the previously unmentioned son of PlayStation’s iconic explorer. Loremasters and dataminers have revealed strong evidence, featuring character models explicitly marked “Nathan Drake” to a dream sequence where the protagonist is referred to as “Nate D.” The theory gathered substantial support after the Baby Steps Discord community found references to a woman called Cassie and figures called 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 proven too tantalising for fans to ignore.
The Fascinating Case of Nate and His Ancestry
The strongest evidence backing the Uncharted connection lies in Baby Steps’ story elements, which paint a remarkably familiar family portrait. Throughout the game, players progressively uncover 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 align perfectly with the existing Uncharted lore. These represent more than passing resemblances; they’re exact correspondences to the Fisher-Drake genealogy present in multiple Uncharted titles. The alignment appears far too precise to be accidental, prompting fans to suggest that this represents either a detailed hidden reference or a real, though unorthodox, franchise expansion.
What renders this theory especially compelling is the substantial amount of supporting details found within Baby Steps’ files and obscured elements. Dataminers have revealed character models directly named with Nathan Drake’s name, whilst achievement artwork shows an aged individual exhibiting notable likeness to an aged version of Uncharted’s protagonist. A dream sequence even refers to the player character as “Nate D,” a clear abbreviation of Drake. Additionally, a secret extended cutscene —unlocked by omitting every second cutscene in the game—features developers reflecting on their fondness for Uncharted and articulating hopes for the franchise’s revival. These layered references suggest deliberate design choices 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 identified as Nathan and Elena mirror the Fisher-Drake household
- Dream sequence identifies protagonist as “Nate D” explicitly
Researchers Reveal Strong Evidence
Character Model Revelations
The strongest evidence supporting the Uncharted theory emerges from Baby Steps’ foundational code, where researchers have uncovered the protagonist’s character model is literally labelled “Nathan Drake” within the game files. This is far more than a subtle nod or an concealed secret within obscure dialogue—it’s a fundamental identifier embedded in the underlying architecture itself. Such direct naming practices typically serve functional purposes in game development, making this discovery especially noteworthy. The circumstance that Devolver Digital and the development studio have permitted such an obvious identifier to remain in the final build raises questions about whether this amounts to an deliberate nod to the community or something far more substantial.
Beyond the character model designation, extra file discoveries have reinforced the Uncharted connection significantly. Achievement artwork has been analysed by keen observers, with the “World’s Best Dad” achievement showcasing imagery that bears marked resemblance to an older Nathan Drake. These visual representations, paired with the explicit naming conventions in the code, create a pattern far too uniform to dismiss as coincidence. The developers’ seeming reluctance to address these discoveries openly has only heightened speculation within the community, with many viewing the silence as implicit acceptance rather than explicit rejection of the connection.
- Character model files directly identified “Nathan Drake” in game code
- Achievement artwork features aging male character matching the appearance of aged Nathan Drake
- Dream sequence dialogue identifies protagonist as “Nate D” explicitly
- Family member names correspond exactly to Uncharted 4 canonical lore
- Developers remain silent on Uncharted connection questions
The Mysterious Cutscene That Initiated It All
The entire theory gained considerable momentum following the uncovering of a concealed 30-minute cutscene that players could obtain by omitting all cutscene in Baby Steps—a meta twist that seems completely in accordance with the game’s unique design ethos. Rather than rewarding completionists with supplementary gameplay or narrative satisfaction, the developers instead created an prolonged segment where the voice actors and creative staff completely abandon their roles. What unfolds is a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation that appears authentically spontaneous, offering windows into the creative process that informed Baby Steps’ peculiar existence.
Within this extended passage lies the key revelation that sent the Baby Steps Discord community into utter overdrive. At one point during the developers’ casual discussion, 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, expressed with apparent sincerity rather than irony, immediately sparked wild speculation about whether Baby Steps might constitute something far more substantial than a independent standalone title. The team’s later unwillingness to clarify on the statement has only amplified the mystery, leaving fans to wonder whether this was real sentiment or a carefully orchestrated hint about the game’s real nature.
Developer Insights Turned Problematic
The presence of such an elaborate hidden sequence prompts core inquiries about creative vision and artistic output 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 ambition to develop the beloved franchise whilst functioning under the pretence of an entirely separate project. The fact that Sony and Naughty Dog have stayed notably quiet on everything concerning these discoveries suggests either strategic ambiguity or authentic astonishment at the fanbase’s investigative efforts. Either way, the developers’ refusal to verify or refute the connection has converted speculation into a cultural moment.
What This Indicates for Uncharted’s Coming Years
If Baby Steps genuinely represents a clandestine Uncharted project, it could indicate a substantial shift in how leading studios approach inactive series. Rather than launching a conventional AAA follow-up, Sony and Naughty Dog may have opted for a more innovative, alternative strategy—weaving the narrative continuation within an indie title made by Getting Over It’s Bennett Foddy. This tactic would enable the company to gauge reception with new creative directions whilst preserving reasonable doubt about the franchise’s revival. The success of Baby Steps, assessed in both commercial and critical terms, could potentially justify a more substantial Uncharted announcement in the years ahead.
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 grown increasingly vocal about their desire 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 an elaborate inside joke, it shows that the hunger for new Uncharted content stays robust within the player base. Sony’s lack of comment is notably significant, 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 functions as a secret Uncharted sequel, the phenomenon itself has reignited conversation around the franchise’s future direction and legacy. The community’s drive to unearth hidden lore showcases the engaged audience that awaits any official announcement. Whether Naughty Dog opts to exploit this momentum with a true resurgence remains uncertain, but the groundswell of interest indicates the timing could scarcely be better for the studio to greenlight a genuine return to Nathan Drake’s world.
