A amusing theory has taken the gaming community by storm, proposing that Devolver Digital’s indie platformer Baby Steps might potentially be a clandestine Uncharted continuation in disguise. The clumsy, pajama-clad protagonist, called Nate, could very well be Nathan Drake Jr.—the previously unmentioned son of PlayStation’s iconic explorer. Loremasters and dataminers have uncovered compelling evidence, featuring character models explicitly tagged “Nathan Drake” to a dream sequence where the protagonist is called “Nate D.” The theory gained significant traction after the Baby Steps Discord community unearthed references to a woman called Cassie and figures called 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 become too compelling for fans to ignore.
The Fascinating Case of Nate and His Family Lineage
The most compelling evidence supporting the Uncharted connection exists within Baby Steps’ story elements, which present a notably similar family portrait. As players progress, players progressively uncover about Nate’s relatives 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 established Uncharted canon. These aren’t vague similarities; they’re exact correspondences to the Fisher-Drake lineage established across multiple Uncharted titles. The coincidence seems far too precise to be coincidental, leading the community to theorise that this indicates either a sophisticated in-game nod or a real, though unorthodox, franchise expansion.
What creates this theory remarkably fascinating is the considerable quantity of supporting details dispersed across Baby Steps’ files and obscured elements. Dataminers have uncovered character models explicitly labelled with Nathan Drake’s name, whilst achievement artwork depicts 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 bypassing alternate cutscenes in the game—features developers discussing their nostalgia for Uncharted and voicing desires for the franchise’s resurgence. These interconnected nods suggest purposeful development selections rather than mere chance.
- Character model directly marked “Nathan Drake” in game files
- Sister character called Cassie corresponds to Uncharted 4’s known offspring
- Parents called Nathan and Elena mirror the Fisher-Drake household
- Dream sequence addresses protagonist as “Nate D” directly
Researchers Uncover Strong Evidence
Character Framework Insights
The strongest evidence underpinning the Uncharted theory is found in Baby Steps’ foundational code, where researchers have uncovered the protagonist’s character model is explicitly named “Nathan Drake” within the game’s files. This is far more than a subtle nod or an hidden bonus tucked away in obscure dialogue—it’s a fundamental identifier woven into the game structure itself. Such straightforward naming systems typically serve functional purposes in game development, making this revelation especially important. The circumstance that Devolver Digital and the creative team have permitted such an obvious identifier to stay in the final build prompts inquiry into whether this constitutes an deliberate nod to the player base or something of greater consequence.
Beyond the character model designation, additional file discoveries have bolstered the Uncharted connection substantially. Achievement artwork has been scrutinised by keen observers, with the “World’s Best Dad” achievement displaying imagery that bears striking resemblance to an older Nathan Drake. These visual representations, paired with the clear naming structures in the code, create a pattern far too consistent to dismiss as coincidence. The developers’ clear unwillingness 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 in-game code
- Achievement artwork features older man matching the appearance of aged Nathan Drake
- Dream sequence dialogue identifies protagonist as “Nate D” outright
- Family member names align precisely with Uncharted 4 established canon
- Developers remain silent on all Uncharted connection inquiries
The Secret Cutscene That Began It All
The complete theory gained considerable momentum following the uncovering of a secret 30-minute cutscene that players could access by bypassing each cutscene in Baby Steps—a meta twist that appears wholly in keeping with the game’s unique design ethos. Rather than rewarding completionists with additional gameplay or narrative payoff, the developers instead crafted an extended sequence where the voice actors and development team fully step out of character. What unfolds is a frank, off-camera conversation that appears authentically spontaneous, offering windows into the artistic approach that shaped Baby Steps’ unusual nature.
Within this extended passage lies the key revelation that sent the Baby Steps Discord group into complete overdrive. At one point during the developers’ casual conversation, one team member utters a seemingly throwaway line that would echo across the broader fanbase: “I miss Uncharted. I wish they would bring it back.” The comment, expressed 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 reluctance to expand on the statement has only heightened the mystery, prompting fans to question whether this was genuine nostalgia or a carefully orchestrated hint about the game’s actual nature.
Creator Remarks Turned Problematic
The presence of such an intricate concealed sequence raises fundamental questions about developer intent and creative expression within commercially-supported ventures. If Baby Steps truly is a hidden Uncharted instalment, the creative team may have cleverly embedded these references and commentary as a form of artistic rebellion—a way of expressing their ambition to develop the cherished series whilst operating under the guise of an completely distinct project. The reality that Sony and Naughty Dog have remained conspicuously silent on everything concerning these findings suggests either strategic ambiguity or genuine surprise at the fanbase’s investigative efforts. Either way, the creative team’s reluctance to verify or refute the link has transformed conjecture into a cultural phenomenon.
What This Means for Uncharted’s Coming Years
If Baby Steps genuinely represents a covert Uncharted project, it could indicate a considerable 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 plot development within an indie title created by Getting Over It’s Bennett Foddy. This approach would permit the developer to test the waters with novel artistic approaches whilst upholding plausible deniability about the series’ resurgence. The reception of Baby Steps, assessed in both commercial and critical terms, could potentially warrant a more significant Uncharted announcement in the coming years.
The Uncharted franchise has stayed conspicuously 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 proper sequel, and the discovery of these hidden connections has rekindled discussion 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 player base. Sony’s lack of comment is particularly telling, suggesting either deliberate mystery-building 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 functions as a secret Uncharted sequel, the phenomenon itself has reignited conversation around the franchise’s future direction and legacy. The community’s dedication to uncovering hidden lore reflects the passionate fanbase 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 genuine return to Nathan Drake’s world.
