A hilarious theory has captured the gaming world’s attention, indicating that Devolver Digital’s indie platformer Baby Steps might conceivably be a secret Uncharted sequel in disguise. The ungainly, costume-wearing protagonist, known simply as Nate, could very well be Nathan Drake Jr.—the never-before-mentioned son of PlayStation’s beloved treasure hunter. Loremasters and dataminers have uncovered convincing proof, featuring 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 unearthed references to a character named Cassie and characters named 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 Peculiar Case of Nate and His Family Lineage
The most persuasive evidence supporting the Uncharted connection lies in Baby Steps’ story elements, which paint a strikingly recognisable family portrait. During gameplay, players progressively uncover about Nate’s kin through dialogue and character interactions. His sister is specifically identified as Cassie, his father is Nathan, and his mother is Elena—names that match precisely with the canonical Uncharted universe. These are not loose parallels; they’re precise alignments to the Fisher-Drake family tree established across multiple Uncharted titles. The alignment appears far too exact to be accidental, leading the community to theorise that this constitutes either an elaborate Easter egg or a real, though unorthodox, franchise expansion.
What makes this theory particularly intriguing is the considerable quantity of supporting details dispersed across Baby Steps’ files and concealed material. Dataminers have revealed character models explicitly labelled with Nathan Drake’s name, whilst achievement artwork depicts an older man exhibiting notable likeness 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 skipping every other cutscene in the game—features developers reflecting on their fondness for Uncharted and expressing wishes for the franchise’s revival. These layered references suggest purposeful development selections rather than random coincidence.
- Character model explicitly labelled “Nathan Drake” in source files
- Sister character called Cassie corresponds to Uncharted 4’s known offspring
- Parents identified as Nathan and Elena echo the Fisher-Drake family
- Dream sequence identifies protagonist as “Nate D” directly
Dataminers Reveal Strong Evidence
Character Model Revelations
The strongest evidence supporting the Uncharted theory comes directly from Baby Steps’ foundational code, where analysts have found the protagonist’s player character is literally labelled “Nathan Drake” within the source files. This is far more than a subtle nod or an concealed secret within obscure dialogue—it’s a core identifier woven into the game’s architecture itself. Such direct naming practices typically serve functional purposes in video game creation, making this discovery especially noteworthy. The reality that Devolver Digital and the development team have left such an explicit identifier to remain in the released version calls into question whether this constitutes an deliberate nod to the player base or something far more substantial.
Beyond the character model designation, additional file discoveries have reinforced the Uncharted connection substantially. Achievement artwork has been examined by keen observers, with the “World’s Best Dad” achievement displaying imagery that bears marked resemblance to an older Nathan Drake. These visual representations, paired with the clear naming structures in the code, create a pattern far too uniform to dismiss as coincidence. The developers’ clear unwillingness to address these discoveries explicitly has further fuelled speculation within the community, with many viewing the silence as unspoken recognition rather than direct denial of the connection.
- Character model files explicitly labelled “Nathan Drake” in in-game code
- Achievement artwork depicts older man matching the appearance of aged Nathan Drake
- Dream sequence dialogue identifies protagonist as “Nate D” outright
- Family member names perfectly match Uncharted 4 canonical lore
- Developers offer no comment on all Uncharted connection inquiries
The Hidden Cutscene That Began It All
The complete theory built substantial momentum in the wake of the discovery of a hidden 30-minute cutscene that players could obtain by omitting all cutscene in Baby Steps—a meta twist that seems completely in line with the game’s unconventional design philosophy. Rather than satisfying dedicated players with supplementary gameplay or narrative satisfaction, the developers instead crafted an lengthy scene where the voice actors and creative staff completely abandon their roles. What unfolds is a frank, off-camera conversation that appears authentically spontaneous, offering glimpses into the development journey that shaped Baby Steps’ distinctive character.
Within this lengthy section lies the smoking gun that sent the Baby Steps Discord group into complete overdrive. At one point during the team’s informal exchange, one team member utters a apparently offhand line that would echo across the entire fanbase: “I miss Uncharted. I wish they’d bring it back.” The comment, made with apparent sincerity rather than irony, immediately sparked intense speculation about whether Baby Steps might represent something substantially greater than a standalone indie title. The creators’ following unwillingness to clarify on the statement has only amplified the mystery, causing fans to speculate whether this was authentic longing or a carefully orchestrated hint about the game’s true nature.
Developer Commentary Gone Rogue
The existence of such an elaborate hidden sequence prompts core inquiries about developer intent and creative expression within corporate-backed projects. If Baby Steps truly is a hidden Uncharted instalment, the developers may have strategically woven these references and commentary as a form of artistic rebellion—a way of communicating their ambition to develop the beloved franchise whilst functioning under the pretence of an completely distinct project. The fact that Sony and Naughty Dog have remained conspicuously silent on everything concerning these discoveries suggests either calculated plausible deniability or genuine surprise at the community’s detective work. Either way, the developers’ refusal to verify or refute the link has converted conjecture into a cultural moment.
What This Indicates for Uncharted’s Future
If Baby Steps truly represents a covert Uncharted project, it could signal a significant shift in how prominent publishers approach dormant franchises. Rather than releasing a standard AAA continuation, Sony and Naughty Dog may have opted for a more experimental, unconventional approach—weaving the plot development within an indie project created by Getting Over It’s Bennett Foddy. This tactic would enable the company to gauge reception with fresh creative ideas whilst maintaining credible denial about the franchise’s revival. The performance of Baby Steps, assessed in both commercial and critical terms, could possibly justify a larger Uncharted reveal 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 appetite for a proper sequel, and the discovery of these hidden connections has rekindled discussion about the series’ prospects. Whether Baby Steps signals actual progress or a carefully crafted jest, it demonstrates that the hunger for new Uncharted content stays robust within the player base. Sony’s silence on the matter is notably significant, suggesting either deliberate mystery-building 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 operates as a secret Uncharted sequel, the phenomenon itself has reignited discussion around the franchise’s legacy and future prospects. The community’s dedication to uncovering hidden lore showcases the devoted fan community that awaits any official announcement. Whether Naughty Dog decides to capitalise on 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 proper return to Nathan Drake’s world.
