The era of peripheral-based gaming may have waned, yet Ubisoft’s ‘Just Dance’ series continues to thrive, captivating audiences with its unique blend of rhythm and movement. This enduring franchise, which first emerged over 15 years ago, has become a staple in the gaming world, offering an engaging experience that transcends traditional controller-based gameplay. As the series celebrates its longevity, we delve into its origins, evolution, and future prospects.
The ‘Just Dance’ series has always held a special place in the hearts of many, not least because of the joyful memories it creates among family and friends. The games invite players to step away from their couches and immerse themselves in dance, making it a beloved choice for those who appreciate interactive entertainment. Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Kendra Meserve from Ubisoft to gain insights into the making of this iconic series.
Origins of Just Dance: A Leap of Faith
The inception of ‘Just Dance’ dates back to the late 2000s, when a small team of around 20 developers at Ubisoft Paris Studio embarked on an ambitious project. At the time, the Nintendo Wii was a relatively new platform, and the idea of a motion-based dance game was both innovative and unconventional. Despite initial skepticism, the team was convinced of the potential to create a game that would get players moving, and their perseverance paid off.
The first ‘Just Dance’ game was released, marking the beginning of a franchise that would grow into a global phenomenon. Over the years, the development team has remained dedicated to pushing creative boundaries, ensuring that each new installment offers fresh and engaging experiences for players worldwide.
Evolution Across Platforms
Since its debut, ‘Just Dance’ has undergone significant visual and creative evolution. The series has consistently pushed the limits of production techniques to deliver an increasingly immersive dance experience. Creatively, it stays attuned to the latest pop culture trends, ensuring that the game resonates with players of all ages.
In a groundbreaking move, ‘Just Dance’ ventured into virtual reality, reimagining its iconic dance maps in stunning 360-degree environments. This expansion into VR represents a significant milestone, allowing players to experience the game in entirely new ways. The series’ ability to adapt and innovate has been key to its enduring success.
Curating the Perfect Tracklist
The tracklist of each ‘Just Dance’ edition is carefully curated to appeal to a wide audience, blending timeless classics with contemporary hits. The selection process involves balancing beloved “golden oldies” with fresh Billboard chart-toppers, creating a diverse mix that celebrates musical diversity.
For instance, the latest edition, ‘Just Dance 2026’, features tracks ranging from Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra” to Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun”, and even includes a collaboration with the hit series Bluey. This eclectic mix ensures that there is something for everyone, reflecting the vibrant community of ‘Just Dance’ players.
Crafting Choreography
Developing choreography for ‘Just Dance’ involves collaboration with a variety of choreographers, each selected for their unique style and approach. The process begins with defining the level of difficulty—easy, medium, or hard—before crafting dance moves that align with the song’s theme and musical genre.
The team also keeps an eye on new trends in music and dance to ensure that the choreography remains fresh and relevant. This commitment to innovation helps maintain the series’ appeal and keeps players coming back for more.
The Future of Just Dance
The release of ‘Just Dance 2026’ marks another significant chapter in the franchise’s journey. With enthusiastic feedback from players, Ubisoft remains committed to keeping the ‘Just Dance’ experience vibrant and full of surprises. The team is dedicated to delivering new ways to enjoy the game, ensuring that it continues to captivate audiences around the world.
‘Just Dance’ is available on Xbox Series, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch consoles, as well as on mobile and PC devices through ‘Just Dance Now’. This accessibility allows everyone to join in on the fun anytime, anywhere, reinforcing the series’ status as a global entertainment phenomenon.
As the ‘Just Dance’ series looks to the future, it remains a testament to the power of innovation and creativity in gaming. With its enduring popularity and commitment to excellence, ‘Just Dance’ is poised to continue its legacy as the leading dance-on-demand platform for years to come.
