The age of peripheral-based gaming might seem like a relic of the past, but Ubisoft’s ‘Just Dance’ series continues to thrive, captivating players worldwide. This enduring franchise, which has been around for over fifteen years, remains a vibrant testament to the joy of movement and music. Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Kendra Meserve from Ubisoft about the evolution and future of this beloved series.
Despite the decline in popularity of motion-based gaming, ‘Just Dance’ has managed to maintain its appeal by consistently innovating and adapting to contemporary trends. The series, which began as a Wii title, has evolved significantly over the years, yet it remains true to its core: a game that encourages players to dance to their favorite songs.
The Origins of ‘Just Dance’
The inception of ‘Just Dance’ dates back to the late 2000s when a small team of developers at Ubisoft Paris Studio embarked on an ambitious project. At the time, the concept of a motion-based dance game was both novel and risky. However, the team’s belief in the potential of such a game paid off, leading to the birth of ‘Just Dance’.
According to Meserve, the game was initially met with skepticism, but the developers’ passion and persistence ultimately won over critics and players alike. “The first Just Dance game was developed by a small, dedicated team of around 20 senior developers,” she explained. “Their persistence paid off, and Just Dance was born.”
Evolution Across Platforms
Over the years, ‘Just Dance’ has undergone significant transformations, both visually and creatively. The franchise has continuously pushed the boundaries of production techniques to deliver a more immersive experience. “From a graphical standpoint, we’ve continuously pushed the limits of our production techniques,” Meserve noted.
Creatively, the game 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, allowing players to experience the iconic dance maps in stunning 360-degree environments.
Song Selection and Choreography
The tracklist of ‘Just Dance’ is designed to appeal to a broad audience, blending timeless classics with contemporary hits. “We’ve curated a mix that celebrates musical diversity and reflects the vibrant community of our players,” Meserve said. The 2026 edition features songs ranging from Lady Gaga’s ‘Abracadabra’ to Cyndi Lauper’s ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’.
Choreography plays a crucial role in the game’s appeal. Ubisoft collaborates with various choreographers to create moves that align with each song’s theme and genre. “We define the level of difficulty before starting to choreograph a song,” Meserve explained. This meticulous process ensures that the gameplay remains fresh and engaging.
The Iconic Visual Style
‘Just Dance’ is renowned for its vibrant and joyful aesthetic. Over the years, the artistic direction has evolved, embracing new techniques to enhance the visual experience. Yet, the franchise remains true to its roots, offering a welcoming and inclusive environment for players.
“We’re thrilled for players to explore the new songs in Just Dance 2026 Edition,” Meserve shared. Each song is brought to life through unique graphic universes that enhance the gameplay and storytelling.
The Future of ‘Just Dance’
Looking ahead, Ubisoft is committed to keeping the ‘Just Dance’ experience vibrant and full of surprises. The release of the 2026 edition has been met with enthusiastic feedback from players, and the development team remains dedicated to delivering new ways to enjoy the game.
“Our commitment remains strong: to keep the Just Dance experience vibrant, engaging, and full of surprises,” Meserve concluded. “Stay tuned, there’s much more to come!”
‘Just Dance’ is available on Xbox Series, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch consoles. Additionally, ‘Just Dance Now’ supports mobile and PC devices, allowing players to join in on the fun anytime, anywhere.
