Game developers Gabe Cuzzillo, Bennett Foddy, and Maxi Boch collaboratively developed the comedy game "Baby Steps." Foddy and Cuzzillo discussed the game's protagonist, Nate, and the design philosophy behind the project.
Nate is described as a 35-year-old character residing in his parents' basement, characterized by social awkwardness and a resistance to assistance. He is depicted wearing a onesie with a prominent posterior, a design choice Foddy stated was based on finding "big butts" appealing in character design. The game's premise involves players guiding Nate through a challenging hiking expedition, often leading to player frustration.
Foddy noted that players commonly experience a shift from disliking Nate to identifying with him or finding enjoyment in the game's initial arduousness. Cuzzillo, who also voices Nate, indicated that the character represents an aspect of his own personality, particularly the tendency to refuse help. The game's design incorporates Nate's unpreparedness and lack of physical fitness, which Foddy suggested provides an excuse for player insufficiency.
The game's title, "Baby Steps," was suggested by Frank Lantz from NYU's Game Center. Early iterations of the game included a giant baby as the main character, and the final version retains infantilizing imagery. Developers observed during playtesting that Nate's personality revealed traits of misplaced pride and "toxic masculine play." The game explores themes of masculinity independently, without involving female characters.
A recurring element in the game is Nate's love for fruit, which serves as a reward for players reaching challenging locations. Cuzzillo explained that the fruit provides a vicarious reward for Nate, with accompanying cutscenes designed to reflect the player's potentially unhinged state after significant effort. The inspiration for the camera angle in these scenes came from trainspotter Francis Bourgeois.
The game's core theme suggests a connection between the player and Nate's character. The narrative concludes with Nate learning to seek assistance, asking to be let into a cabin. A hidden final cutscene exists at the mountain's summit, though players are advised of its triviality. Cuzzillo expressed greater satisfaction with "Baby Steps" compared to his previous game, "Ape Out," and stated that Nate embodies both satirical and sincere elements of the game's message.