A amusing theory has swept through the gaming community, indicating that Devolver Digital’s indie platformer Baby Steps might actually be a clandestine Uncharted continuation in disguise. The clumsy, pajama-clad protagonist, known simply as Nate, could very well be Nathan Drake Jr.—the hitherto unknown son of PlayStation’s cherished adventurer. Loremasters and dataminers have uncovered convincing proof, featuring character models explicitly tagged “Nathan Drake” to a nightmarish vision where the protagonist is called “Nate D.” The theory gathered substantial support after the Baby Steps Discord community discovered references to a woman called 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 proven too enticing for fans to ignore.
The Fascinating Case of Nate and His Ancestry
The most compelling evidence supporting the Uncharted connection lies in Baby Steps’ story elements, which present a notably similar family portrait. Throughout the game, players slowly discover about Nate’s relatives through conversations and character exchanges. His sister is specifically identified as Cassie, his father is Nathan, and his mother is Elena—names that align perfectly with the canonical Uncharted universe. These represent more than passing resemblances; they’re direct matches to the Fisher-Drake genealogy present in multiple Uncharted titles. The alignment appears far too exact to be accidental, prompting fans to suggest that this represents either a detailed hidden reference or a real, though unorthodox, franchise expansion.
What makes this theory particularly intriguing is the sheer volume of corroborating evidence scattered throughout Baby Steps’ files and hidden content. Dataminers have uncovered character models clearly marked with Nathan Drake’s name, whilst achievement artwork presents an mature figure bearing striking resemblance 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 expressing their attachment for Uncharted and voicing desires for the franchise’s revival. These interconnected nods suggest intentional creative decisions rather than mere chance.
- Character model explicitly labelled “Nathan Drake” in game code
- Sister character called Cassie matches Uncharted 4’s established daughter
- Parents called Nathan and Elena echo the Fisher-Drake lineage
- Dream sequence addresses protagonist as “Nate D” outright
Researchers Reveal Compelling Evidence
Character Model Revelations
The strongest evidence supporting the Uncharted theory is found in Baby Steps’ foundational code, where dataminers have discovered the protagonist’s player character is directly identified as “Nathan Drake” within the game’s files. This isn’t a subtle reference or an hidden bonus tucked away in obscure dialogue—it’s a fundamental identifier integrated within the underlying architecture itself. Such explicit naming conventions usually perform practical functions in game development, making this discovery especially noteworthy. The reality that Devolver Digital and the development studio have allowed such a blatant identifier to persist in the finished product calls into question whether this amounts to an deliberate nod to the fanbase or something far more substantial.
Beyond the character model designation, further file discoveries have strengthened the Uncharted connection substantially. Achievement artwork has been scrutinised by dedicated enthusiasts, with the “World’s Best Dad” achievement featuring imagery that bears striking resemblance to an mature Nathan Drake. These imagery pieces, combined with the explicit naming conventions 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 viewing the silence as tacit acknowledgement rather than direct denial of the connection.
- Character model files clearly marked “Nathan Drake” in in-game code
- Achievement artwork depicts older man resembling aged Nathan Drake
- Dream sequence dialogue names protagonist as “Nate D” directly
- Family member names perfectly match 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 in the wake of the discovery of a secret 30-minute cutscene that players could unlock by omitting all cutscene in Baby Steps—a meta twist that feels entirely in line with the game’s unique design ethos. Rather than rewarding completionists with extra content or story resolution, the developers instead created an prolonged segment where the voice actors and creative staff fully step out of character. What emerges is a honest, backstage conversation that seems genuinely unrehearsed, offering glimpses into the artistic approach that shaped Baby Steps’ distinctive character.
Within this substantial section lies the smoking gun that sent the Baby Steps Discord community into absolute overdrive. At one point during the team’s informal conversation, one team member utters a seemingly throwaway line that would reverberate throughout the entire fanbase: “I miss Uncharted. I wish they’d bring it back.” The comment, expressed with genuine earnestness rather than irony, immediately sparked intense speculation about whether Baby Steps might represent something far more substantial than a self-contained indie title. The developers’ subsequent refusal to elaborate on the statement has only heightened the mystery, leaving fans to wonder whether this was authentic longing or a deliberately planned hint about the game’s real nature.
Developer Insights Turned Problematic
The existence of such an intricate concealed sequence raises core inquiries about developer intent and creative expression within commercially-supported ventures. If Baby Steps truly is a secret Uncharted instalment, the developers 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 entirely separate project. The reality that Sony and Naughty Dog have stayed notably quiet on all matters relating to these discoveries suggests either calculated plausible deniability or authentic astonishment at the community’s detective work. Either way, the developers’ refusal to verify or refute the link has transformed conjecture into a cultural moment.
What This Signifies for Uncharted’s Future
If Baby Steps truly represents a clandestine Uncharted project, it could suggest a considerable shift in how prominent publishers approach dormant franchises. Rather than launching a conventional AAA follow-up, Sony and Naughty Dog may have chosen a more experimental, unconventional approach—integrating the narrative continuation within an independent game created by Getting Over It’s Bennett Foddy. This approach would permit the company to gauge reception with novel artistic approaches whilst preserving credible denial about the franchise’s return. The performance of Baby Steps, assessed in both commercial and critical terms, could conceivably support a larger Uncharted reveal in the future.
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 grown increasingly vocal about their appetite for a genuine follow-up, and the discovery of these hidden connections has rekindled discussion about the series’ prospects. Whether Baby Steps signals actual progress or an elaborate inside joke, it shows that the hunger for new Uncharted content stays robust within the gaming community. Sony’s lack of comment 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 operates as a secret Uncharted sequel, the phenomenon itself has reignited discussion around the franchise’s long-term prospects and heritage. The community’s dedication to uncovering hidden lore reflects the devoted fan community that awaits any public statement. Whether Naughty Dog chooses to leverage this momentum with a authentic comeback remains uncertain, but the surge of enthusiasm indicates the timing could scarcely be better for the studio to greenlight a proper return to Nathan Drake’s world.
