The era of peripheral-based gaming may have waned, but Ubisoft’s ‘Just Dance’ series remains a vibrant exception. Since its inception over fifteen years ago, the franchise has captivated millions, bringing players together to groove to the world’s most popular songs. As the series continues to thrive, we spoke with Kendra Meserve from Ubisoft to explore the journey and evolution of this iconic dance game.
Ubisoft’s ‘Just Dance’ series has always held a special place in the hearts of gamers, offering a unique blend of music, movement, and fun. From its early days as a Wii title to its current iterations across various platforms, the series has evolved significantly while staying true to its core—getting people up and dancing.
The Genesis of ‘Just Dance’
The first ‘Just Dance’ game was developed in the late 2000s by a small team at Ubisoft Paris Studio. At the time, the Wii was a new platform, and the concept of a motion-based dance game was both innovative and unconventional. Despite initial skepticism, the developers were convinced of the game’s potential to engage players physically, and their persistence paid off.
According to Meserve, the development team has remained deeply passionate, continuously pushing creative boundaries to keep the experience fresh. “What began as a casual video game has grown into a global entertainment phenomenon, bringing together millions of players—our Just Dancers—around the world,” she said.
Evolution Across Platforms
Over the years, ‘Just Dance’ has undergone significant visual and creative evolution. From a graphical standpoint, Ubisoft has consistently pushed the limits of production techniques to deliver an increasingly immersive dance experience. Creatively, the franchise stays in tune with the latest pop culture trends, ensuring it resonates with players of all ages.
Last year marked a milestone with the launch of ‘Just Dance’ in virtual reality, reimagining the iconic dance maps in stunning 360-degree environments. Meserve emphasized the brand’s journey, noting, “From a casual video game, it has evolved into a global phenomenon.”
Curating the Perfect Tracklist
The selection of songs for ‘Just Dance’ is a meticulous process aimed at resonating with a wide audience. The tracklist blends timeless classics with contemporary hits, celebrating musical diversity. ‘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’.
Meserve explained, “Our tracklist is multigenerational, designed to reflect the vibrant community of our players.”
Crafting Choreographies
Choreography is a critical component of the ‘Just Dance’ experience. Ubisoft collaborates with various choreographers, selecting those whose styles align with the creative intentions for each song. The process involves defining the difficulty level and crafting dance moves that reflect the song’s theme and genre.
“We keep an eye on new trends and concepts in music and dance to ensure our creations remain fresh and relevant,” Meserve added.
The Future of ‘Just Dance’
With the release of ‘Just Dance 2026 Edition’, Ubisoft continues to build on the journey that began with the 2023 Edition. The team remains committed to keeping the experience vibrant and full of surprises. Meserve expressed excitement about the future, stating, “Our commitment remains strong: to keep the Just Dance experience vibrant, engaging, and full of surprises.”
As the series continues to evolve, ‘Just Dance’ is available on Xbox Series, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch consoles, along with mobile and PC devices through ‘Just Dance Now’, ensuring that everyone can join in the fun anytime, anywhere.
In the ever-changing landscape of gaming, ‘Just Dance’ stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of music and movement, uniting players across the globe in a shared love of dance.
