A entertaining theory has swept through the gaming community, suggesting that Devolver Digital’s indie platformer Baby Steps might actually be a clandestine Uncharted continuation in disguise. The clumsy, pajama-clad protagonist, called Nate, could quite possibly be Nathan Drake Jr.—the previously unmentioned son of PlayStation’s iconic explorer. Loremasters and dataminers have discovered compelling evidence, featuring character models explicitly tagged “Nathan Drake” to a dream scene where the protagonist is named “Nate D.” The theory gained significant traction after the Baby Steps Discord community discovered references to a woman called Cassie and characters named Nathan and Elena, reflecting 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 backing the Uncharted connection can be found in Baby Steps’ narrative details, which present a remarkably familiar family portrait. During gameplay, players slowly discover about Nate’s relatives through spoken exchanges and character engagement. His sister is specifically identified as Cassie, his father is Nathan, and his mother is Elena—names that align perfectly with the established Uncharted canon. These are not loose parallels; they’re exact correspondences to the Fisher-Drake genealogy found throughout multiple Uncharted titles. The alignment appears far too precise to be unintentional, leading the community to theorise that this constitutes either a detailed hidden reference or a real, though unorthodox, franchise expansion.
What renders this theory particularly intriguing is the considerable quantity of supporting details scattered throughout Baby Steps’ files and obscured elements. Dataminers have discovered character models clearly marked with Nathan Drake’s name, whilst achievement artwork presents an mature figure displaying remarkable similarity 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 expressing their attachment for Uncharted and expressing wishes for the franchise’s return. These multifaceted allusions suggest intentional creative decisions rather than mere chance.
- Character model directly marked “Nathan Drake” in source files
- Sister character called Cassie corresponds to Uncharted 4’s canonical daughter
- Parents named Nathan and Elena mirror the Fisher-Drake lineage
- Dream sequence identifies protagonist as “Nate D” explicitly
Researchers Reveal Compelling Evidence
Character Design Disclosures
The strongest evidence backing the Uncharted theory emerges from Baby Steps’ foundational code, where dataminers have discovered the protagonist’s main character model is literally labelled “Nathan Drake” within the game files. This goes beyond a subtle reference or an hidden bonus tucked away in obscure dialogue—it’s a core identifier integrated within the game structure itself. Such direct naming practices generally fulfil functional roles in game development, making this discovery 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 amounts to an intentional wink to the player base or something considerably more significant.
Beyond the character model designation, extra file discoveries have bolstered the Uncharted connection significantly. Achievement artwork has been examined by keen observers, with the “World’s Best Dad” achievement displaying imagery that bears marked resemblance to an mature Nathan Drake. These visual representations, alongside the direct naming patterns in the code, create a pattern too consistent to dismiss as coincidence. The developers’ clear unwillingness to address these discoveries explicitly has further fuelled 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 bearing resemblance to aged Nathan Drake
- Dream sequence dialogue identifies protagonist as “Nate D” directly
- Family member names correspond exactly to Uncharted 4 canonical lore
- Developers decline to comment 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 seems completely in accordance with the game’s distinctive creative approach. Rather than appeasing completionists with additional gameplay or narrative payoff, the developers instead crafted an lengthy scene where the voice actors and development team essentially break character entirely. What transpires is a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation that appears authentically spontaneous, offering glimpses into the development journey that went into Baby Steps’ distinctive character.
Within this extended sequence lies the crucial evidence that sent the Baby Steps Discord group into utter overdrive. At one point during the creators’ relaxed discussion, one team member utters a ostensibly casual line that would echo across the whole fanbase: “I miss Uncharted. I wish they’d bring it back.” The comment, made with obvious seriousness rather than irony, immediately sparked wild speculation about whether Baby Steps might represent something substantially greater than a independent standalone title. The creators’ following unwillingness to clarify on the statement has only heightened the mystery, causing fans to speculate whether this was authentic longing or a carefully orchestrated hint about the game’s real nature.
Creator Remarks Turned Problematic
The presence of such an intricate concealed sequence raises fundamental questions about developer intent and artistic output within commercially-supported ventures. If Baby Steps truly is a hidden Uncharted instalment, the developers may have cleverly embedded these allusions and observations as a means of creative defiance—a way of communicating their ambition to develop the cherished series whilst operating under the guise of an entirely separate project. The fact that Sony and Naughty Dog have remained conspicuously silent on all matters relating to these findings suggests either calculated plausible deniability or genuine surprise at the fanbase’s investigative efforts. Either way, the creative team’s reluctance to confirm or deny the connection has transformed conjecture into a cultural moment.
What This Signifies for Uncharted’s Road Ahead
If Baby Steps genuinely represents a covert Uncharted project, it could signal a considerable shift in how prominent publishers approach dormant franchises. Rather than introducing a standard AAA continuation, Sony and Naughty Dog may have chosen a more daring, experimental direction—integrating the plot development within an indie project created by Getting Over It’s Bennett Foddy. This strategy would allow the company to test the waters with new creative directions whilst upholding reasonable doubt about the franchise’s revival. The performance of Baby Steps, assessed in both commercial and critical terms, could conceivably support a more significant Uncharted announcement in the future.
The Uncharted franchise has stayed conspicuously absent from PlayStation’s major releases 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 a carefully crafted jest, it demonstrates 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 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 represents a secret Uncharted sequel, the phenomenon itself has reignited discussion around the franchise’s legacy and future prospects. The community’s commitment to discovering hidden lore showcases the passionate fanbase that awaits any formal reveal. Whether Naughty Dog chooses to leverage this momentum with a genuine revival remains uncertain, but the wave of engagement implies the timing could scarcely be better for the studio to greenlight a proper return to Nathan Drake’s world.
