A entertaining theory has captured the gaming world’s attention, proposing that Devolver Digital’s indie platformer Baby Steps might conceivably be a hidden Uncharted follow-up in disguise. The awkward, onesie-wearing protagonist, referred to as Nate, could very well be Nathan Drake Jr.—the previously unmentioned son of PlayStation’s beloved treasure hunter. Loremasters and dataminers have revealed compelling evidence, from character models explicitly labelled “Nathan Drake” to a dream scene where the protagonist is called “Nate D.” The theory achieved considerable momentum after the Baby Steps Discord community discovered references to a character named Cassie and figures called 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 become too compelling for fans to ignore.
The Fascinating Case of Nate and His Family Lineage
The strongest evidence supporting the Uncharted connection lies in Baby Steps’ narrative details, which create a remarkably familiar family portrait. As players progress, players gradually learn about Nate’s kin 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 direct matches to the Fisher-Drake family tree established across multiple Uncharted titles. The coincidence seems far too precise to be coincidental, 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 sheer volume of supporting details scattered throughout Baby Steps’ files and concealed material. Dataminers have uncovered character models clearly marked with Nathan Drake’s name, whilst achievement artwork shows 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 extended cutscene —unlocked by bypassing alternate cutscenes in the game—features developers expressing their attachment for Uncharted and articulating hopes for the franchise’s resurgence. These multifaceted allusions suggest intentional creative decisions rather than random coincidence.
- Character model directly marked “Nathan Drake” in source files
- Sister character called Cassie corresponds to Uncharted 4’s known offspring
- Parents called Nathan and Elena reflect the Fisher-Drake lineage
- Dream sequence identifies protagonist as “Nate D” explicitly
Dataminers Reveal Strong Evidence
Character Design Disclosures
The most compelling evidence backing the Uncharted theory comes directly from Baby Steps’ underlying code, where dataminers have discovered the protagonist’s character model is directly identified as “Nathan Drake” within the game’s files. This isn’t a subtle reference or an Easter egg buried deep within obscure dialogue—it’s a core identifier woven into the underlying architecture itself. Such direct naming practices usually perform practical functions in game development, making this finding especially noteworthy. The reality that Devolver Digital and the development studio have left such an explicit identifier to remain in the finished product calls into question whether this represents an deliberate nod to the community or something of greater consequence.
Beyond the character model designation, further file discoveries have bolstered the Uncharted connection considerably. Achievement artwork has been scrutinised by dedicated enthusiasts, with the “World’s Best Dad” achievement featuring imagery that bears marked resemblance to an mature Nathan Drake. These visual representations, combined with the direct naming patterns in the code, create a pattern too consistent to dismiss as coincidence. The developers’ apparent refusal to address these discoveries directly has further fuelled speculation within the community, with many viewing the silence as unspoken recognition rather than explicit rejection of the connection.
- Character model files clearly marked “Nathan Drake” 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” explicitly
- Family member names perfectly match Uncharted 4 canonical lore
- Developers offer no comment on Uncharted connection questions
The Secret Cutscene That Started It All
The complete theory built substantial momentum following the uncovering of a hidden 30-minute cutscene that players could access by skipping every single cutscene in Baby Steps—a meta twist that feels entirely in keeping with the game’s distinctive creative approach. Rather than satisfying dedicated players with supplementary gameplay or narrative satisfaction, the developers instead created an lengthy scene where the voice actors and production team completely abandon their roles. What unfolds is a honest, backstage conversation that appears authentically spontaneous, offering windows into the artistic approach that went into Baby Steps’ unusual nature.
Within this extended section lies the smoking gun that sent the Baby Steps Discord fanbase into complete overdrive. At one point during the creators’ relaxed discussion, one team member utters a seemingly throwaway line that would resound through the whole fanbase: “I miss Uncharted. I wish they’d bring it back.” The comment, made with apparent sincerity rather than irony, immediately sparked wild speculation about whether Baby Steps might embody something considerably more significant than a independent standalone title. The creators’ following unwillingness to clarify on the statement has only intensified the mystery, causing fans to speculate whether this was real sentiment or a deliberately planned hint about the game’s real nature.
Developer Commentary Turned Problematic
The presence of such an elaborate hidden sequence prompts core inquiries about creative vision and creative expression within commercially-supported ventures. If Baby Steps truly is a hidden Uncharted instalment, the developers may have strategically woven these allusions and observations as a means of creative defiance—a way of communicating their ambition to develop the cherished series whilst functioning under the guise of an entirely separate project. The reality that Sony and Naughty Dog have stayed notably quiet on everything concerning these findings suggests either strategic ambiguity or authentic astonishment at the fanbase’s investigative efforts. Either way, the developers’ refusal to confirm or deny the link has converted speculation into a cultural phenomenon.
What This Signifies for Uncharted’s Future
If Baby Steps genuinely represents a secret Uncharted project, it could indicate a significant shift in how major publishers approach inactive series. Rather than launching a standard AAA continuation, Sony and Naughty Dog may have selected a more experimental, unconventional approach—embedding the story expansion within an indie project created by Getting Over It’s Bennett Foddy. This approach would allow the developer to gauge reception with novel artistic approaches whilst preserving reasonable doubt about the series’ resurgence. The reception of Baby Steps, assessed in both commercial and critical terms, could conceivably support a larger Uncharted reveal in the years ahead.
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 proper sequel, and the discovery of these hidden connections has rekindled discussion about the series’ prospects. Whether Baby Steps represents genuine development or an elaborate inside joke, it demonstrates that the hunger for new Uncharted content stays robust within the gaming community. Sony’s lack of comment is notably significant, suggesting either intentional intrigue 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 revitalised dialogue around the franchise’s future direction and legacy. The community’s commitment to discovering hidden lore demonstrates the devoted fan community that awaits any official announcement. Whether Naughty Dog chooses to leverage 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 proper return to Nathan Drake’s world.
