A entertaining theory has taken the gaming community by storm, proposing that Devolver Digital’s indie platformer Baby Steps might potentially be a secret Uncharted sequel in disguise. The ungainly, costume-wearing protagonist, referred to as Nate, could very well be Nathan Drake Jr.—the never-before-mentioned son of PlayStation’s beloved treasure hunter. Loremasters and dataminers have discovered strong evidence, featuring character models explicitly tagged “Nathan Drake” to a nightmarish vision where the protagonist is named “Nate D.” The theory gained significant traction after the Baby Steps Discord community found references to a woman called Cassie and parents named Nathan and Elena, echoing 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 Peculiar Case of Nate and His Family Lineage
The strongest evidence supporting the Uncharted connection lies in Baby Steps’ plot specifics, which present a remarkably familiar family portrait. Throughout the game, players progressively uncover about Nate’s kin through dialogue and character interactions. His sister is explicitly named Cassie, his father is Nathan, and his mother is Elena—names that align perfectly with the existing Uncharted lore. These are not loose parallels; they’re exact correspondences to the Fisher-Drake lineage present in multiple Uncharted titles. The alignment appears far too precise to be accidental, prompting fans to suggest that this indicates either a detailed hidden reference or a genuine, if unconventional, franchise continuation.
What makes this theory especially compelling is the sheer volume of supporting details dispersed across Baby Steps’ files and obscured elements. Dataminers have discovered character models explicitly labelled with Nathan Drake’s name, whilst achievement artwork shows an aged individual bearing striking resemblance to an aged version of Uncharted’s protagonist. A dream sequence even identifies 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 return. These layered references suggest intentional creative decisions rather than mere chance.
- Character model explicitly labelled “Nathan Drake” in game code
- Sister character identified as Cassie corresponds to Uncharted 4’s canonical daughter
- Parents called Nathan and Elena reflect the Fisher-Drake lineage
- Dream sequence refers to protagonist as “Nate D” explicitly
Researchers Reveal Convincing Evidence
Character Framework Insights
The most compelling evidence underpinning the Uncharted theory comes directly from Baby Steps’ underlying code, where researchers have uncovered the protagonist’s player character is literally labelled “Nathan Drake” within the source files. This goes beyond a subtle reference or an hidden bonus tucked away in obscure dialogue—it’s a fundamental identifier woven into the underlying architecture itself. Such straightforward naming systems usually perform practical functions in game development, making this discovery especially noteworthy. The reality that Devolver Digital and the creative team have allowed such a blatant identifier to stay in the final build raises questions about whether this amounts to an deliberate nod to the community or something far more substantial.
Beyond the character model designation, further file discoveries have reinforced the Uncharted connection substantially. Achievement artwork has been scrutinised by eagle-eyed fans, with the “World’s Best Dad” achievement featuring imagery that bears strong similarity to an ageing Nathan Drake. These graphical elements, combined with the explicit naming conventions in the code, create a pattern far too consistent to dismiss as coincidence. The developers’ seeming reluctance to address these discoveries explicitly has only heightened speculation within the community, with many viewing the silence as implicit acceptance rather than explicit rejection 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” directly
- Family member names correspond exactly to Uncharted 4 canonical lore
- Developers offer no comment on all Uncharted connection inquiries
The Secret Cutscene That Started It All
The complete theory built substantial momentum in the wake of the discovery of a concealed 30-minute cutscene that players could unlock by bypassing each cutscene in Baby Steps—a meta twist that feels entirely in accordance with the game’s unconventional design philosophy. Rather than satisfying dedicated players with extra content or story resolution, the developers instead crafted an extended sequence where the voice actors and creative staff completely abandon their roles. What emerges is a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation that appears authentically spontaneous, offering insights into the artistic approach that went into Baby Steps’ distinctive character.
Within this lengthy sequence lies the smoking gun that sent the Baby Steps Discord community into complete overdrive. At one point during the developers’ casual discussion, one team member utters a apparently offhand line that would resound through the whole fanbase: “I miss Uncharted. I wish they’d bring it back.” The comment, expressed with apparent sincerity rather than irony, immediately sparked rampant speculation about whether Baby Steps might embody something considerably more significant than a independent standalone title. The team’s later unwillingness to clarify on the statement has only amplified the mystery, prompting fans to question whether this was authentic longing or a strategically timed hint about the game’s real nature.
Creator Remarks Spiralled Out of Control
The existence of such an elaborate hidden sequence prompts core inquiries about creative vision and artistic output within commercially-supported ventures. If Baby Steps truly is a hidden Uncharted instalment, the creative team 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 guise of an entirely separate project. The fact 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 fanbase’s investigative efforts. Either way, the developers’ refusal to confirm or deny the connection has transformed conjecture into a cultural phenomenon.
What This Indicates for Uncharted’s Future
If Baby Steps actually represents a secret Uncharted project, it could suggest a significant shift in how prominent publishers approach dormant franchises. Rather than releasing a conventional AAA follow-up, Sony and Naughty Dog may have selected a more innovative, alternative strategy—weaving the plot development within an indie project created by Getting Over It’s Bennett Foddy. This strategy would enable the company to explore possibilities with new creative directions whilst preserving reasonable doubt about the series’ resurgence. The success of Baby Steps, measured both commercially and critically, could possibly justify a larger Uncharted reveal in the future.
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 become more outspoken about their desire for a genuine follow-up, and the uncovering of these subtle links has rekindled discussion about the series’ future. Whether Baby Steps signals actual progress or an elaborate inside joke, it shows that the appetite for new Uncharted content remains strong within the player base. Sony’s lack of comment is notably significant, suggesting either deliberate mystery-building or an recognition that something significant may indeed be brewing in the background.
| 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 reinvigorated dialogue around the franchise’s future direction and legacy. The community’s dedication to uncovering hidden lore demonstrates the passionate fanbase that awaits any official announcement. Whether Naughty Dog decides to capitalise on this momentum with a genuine revival 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.
