A hilarious 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 ungainly, costume-wearing protagonist, called Nate, could quite possibly be Nathan Drake Jr.—the previously unmentioned son of PlayStation’s beloved treasure hunter. Loremasters and dataminers have revealed compelling evidence, including character models explicitly tagged “Nathan Drake” to a dream scene where the protagonist is called “Nate D.” The theory achieved considerable momentum after the Baby Steps Discord community unearthed references to a character named Cassie and characters named Nathan and Elena, reflecting the Fisher-Drake family from the Uncharted franchise. Whilst Sony and Naughty Dog have said nothing 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 underpinning the Uncharted connection can be found in Baby Steps’ plot specifics, which present a notably similar family portrait. During gameplay, players slowly discover about Nate’s family members through dialogue and character interactions. 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 precise alignments to the Fisher-Drake genealogy present in multiple Uncharted titles. The coincidence seems far too precise to be coincidental, prompting fans to suggest that this constitutes either an elaborate Easter egg or a real, though unorthodox, franchise expansion.
What renders this theory particularly intriguing is the sheer volume of substantive clues dispersed across Baby Steps’ files and hidden content. Dataminers have revealed character models explicitly labelled with Nathan Drake’s name, whilst achievement artwork shows an mature figure 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 voicing desires for the franchise’s resurgence. These layered references suggest deliberate design choices rather than accidental occurrence.
- Character model directly marked “Nathan Drake” in game files
- Sister character named Cassie aligns with Uncharted 4’s established daughter
- Parents called Nathan and Elena mirror the Fisher-Drake household
- Dream sequence identifies protagonist as “Nate D” explicitly
Data analysts Discover Convincing Evidence
Character Design Disclosures
The most damning evidence supporting the Uncharted theory comes directly from Baby Steps’ underlying code, where analysts have found the protagonist’s character model is explicitly named “Nathan Drake” within the game files. This is far more than a subtle nod or an hidden bonus tucked away in obscure dialogue—it’s a core identifier integrated within the game’s architecture itself. Such straightforward naming systems generally fulfil functional roles in game design, making this revelation especially important. The reality that Devolver Digital and the development team have permitted such an obvious identifier to remain in the finished product prompts inquiry into whether this represents an intentional wink to the community or something considerably more significant.
Beyond the character model designation, extra file discoveries have reinforced the Uncharted connection significantly. Achievement artwork has been analysed by eagle-eyed fans, with the “World’s Best Dad” achievement showcasing imagery that bears striking resemblance to an ageing Nathan Drake. These visual representations, combined 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 explicitly has only intensified speculation within the community, with many viewing the silence as unspoken recognition rather than outright denial of the connection.
- Character model files directly identified “Nathan Drake” in game code
- Achievement artwork features older man resembling aged Nathan Drake
- Dream sequence dialogue identifies protagonist as “Nate D” explicitly
- Family member names correspond exactly to Uncharted 4 canonical lore
- Developers decline to comment on Uncharted connection questions
The Mysterious Cutscene That Began It All
The whole theory achieved significant momentum following the discovery of a concealed 30-minute cutscene that players could unlock by skipping every single cutscene in Baby Steps—a meta twist that feels entirely in accordance with the game’s unique design ethos. Rather than appeasing completionists with additional gameplay or narrative payoff, the developers instead created an extended sequence where the voice actors and development team completely abandon their roles. What unfolds is a frank, off-camera conversation that feels remarkably unscripted, offering glimpses into the artistic approach that shaped Baby Steps’ distinctive character.
Within this extended sequence lies the key revelation that sent the Baby Steps Discord group into utter overdrive. At one point during the developers’ casual exchange, one team member utters a ostensibly casual line that would resound through the broader fanbase: “I miss Uncharted. I wish they’d bring it back.” The comment, made with genuine earnestness rather than irony, immediately sparked intense speculation about whether Baby Steps might constitute something substantially greater than a independent standalone title. The team’s later refusal to elaborate on the statement has only intensified the mystery, leaving fans to wonder whether this was genuine nostalgia or a deliberately planned hint about the game’s true nature.
Creator Remarks Gone Rogue
The presence of such an intricate concealed sequence prompts fundamental questions about creative vision and artistic output within commercially-supported ventures. If Baby Steps genuinely represents a secret Uncharted instalment, the creative team may have cleverly embedded these allusions and observations as a form of artistic rebellion—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 everything concerning these findings suggests either calculated plausible deniability or genuine surprise at the community’s detective work. Either way, the creative team’s reluctance to verify or refute the link has converted speculation into a cultural phenomenon.
What This Indicates for Uncharted’s Future
If Baby Steps genuinely represents a clandestine Uncharted project, it could suggest a significant shift in how leading studios approach inactive series. Rather than introducing a standard AAA continuation, Sony and Naughty Dog may have selected a more daring, experimental direction—weaving the narrative continuation within an independent game made by Getting Over It’s Bennett Foddy. This approach would permit the company to gauge reception with fresh creative ideas whilst maintaining plausible deniability about the franchise’s return. The reception of Baby Steps, assessed in both commercial and critical terms, could conceivably justify a more significant Uncharted announcement in the years ahead.
The Uncharted franchise has remained notably absent from PlayStation’s flagship titles 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’ prospects. Whether Baby Steps signals actual progress or a carefully crafted jest, it shows that the appetite for new Uncharted content stays robust within the gaming community. Sony’s lack of comment is particularly telling, suggesting either deliberate mystery-building or an acknowledgement that something significant may indeed 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 reflects 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 groundswell of interest indicates the timing could scarcely be better for the studio to greenlight a full comeback to Nathan Drake’s world.
