Just Dance
Dance to your favorite hits with motion-controlled fun.
Just Dance is a rhythm game series developed and published by Ubisoft, beginning with the original game in 2009. The games feature a variety of songs that are accompanied by choreography performed by on-screen dancers. Players physically mimic the dance routine shown on screen and are scored based on how accurately they follow. The series has attracted popularity among a wide age range and dance skill level, and has been played in various contexts, such as entertainment, fitness, and education.
- developer
- Ubisoft
- publisher
- Ubisoft
- genre
- Rhythm and Dance
- debut_year
- 2009
- control_method
- Motion Sensing
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
In the digital realm of Just Dance, there exists a collective known as the Just Dancers. These stylized avatars serve as guides for players entering the virtual stage. They do not possess individual names or backstories but function as archetypes representing different dance styles and energy levels. Their purpose is purely instructional within the game's ecosystem. The environment itself is a boundless, abstract concert hall that changes with every song selection. Lighting effects and background visuals shift to match the tempo and genre of the licensed music track being performed. This setting ensures focus remains on the choreography rather than narrative progression. Players are invited to join this endless party without consequence. The connection between player and avatar is mediated through motion sensors. Accuracy determines success, creating a feedback loop where physical movement translates directly into digital scoring. This mechanic defines the core experience of the franchise across all its iterations and hardware generations.
In Their Own Story
The living room lights dim as the television screen flickers to life with vibrant colors. You grip the controller tightly, feeling the familiar weight in your hand before stepping onto the rug. On the screen, a colorful avatar begins to sway, waiting for you to match their rhythm. The bass drops, and your body moves instinctively, chasing the score bar rising on the display.
Reader's Guide
The first Just Dance game was released on November 17, 2009, with songs by MC Hammer, Elvis Presley, Iggy Pop, The Beach Boys, Baha Men, Spice Girls, Gorillaz, Blur and others. Just Dance 2 was released on October 12, 2010, featuring 48 tracks including downloadable content, and is the first and only installment to date to support eight-player sessions. Just Dance 3, released on October 7, 2011, was the first installment released on Xbox 360 (with Kinect support) and PlayStation 3 (with PlayStation Move support). Just Dance 4, released on October 9, 2012, was the first installment released on the Wii U. Just Dance 2014, released on October 8, 2013, was the first Just Dance game released on Xbox One and PlayStation 4. Just Dance 2017, released on October 25, 2016, is the only title in the series released on Microsoft Windows via Ubisoft Connect and Steam, and the first released on the Nintendo Switch. Just Dance 2018, released on October 24, 2017, is the last game in the series released on the PlayStation 3. Just Dance 2019, released on October 23, 2018, is the last game in the series released on the Wii U and the last game overall released for the Xbox 360. Just Dance 2020, released on November 5, 2019, is the first game in the series released on Stadia and the last game physically released on the Wii in North America. Just Dance 2021, released on November 12, 2020, is the first game in the series released on the Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5. Just Dance 2022, released on November 4, 2021, is the last game in the series released on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Stadia. Just Dance 2023 Edition, released on November 22, 2022, marks a new release format for the series, with all future content consolidated into a new Just Dance live service platform, switching to annual song packs. Just Dance 2024 Edition, released on October 24, 2023, serves as the second annual song pack for the Just Dance service. Just Dance 2025 Edition, released on October 15, 2024, serves as the third annual song pack. Just Dance 2026 Edition, released on October 14, 2025, serves as the fourth annual song pack. Just Dance: Decades of Hits is scheduled for release on October 13, 2026, retiring the annual naming scheme and serving as the fifth annual song pack.
Did You Know?
- Just Dance 2 supports up to eight players, but it is not the only installment to do so; Just Dance 3 and Just Dance 4 also support eight-player sessions.
- Just Dance 2017 is not the only title released on Microsoft Windows; Just Dance 2016 was also released on Windows via Ubisoft Connect and Steam.
- Just Dance 2020 is not the last game physically released on the Wii in North America; Just Dance 2021 was the final physical Wii release in North America.
- Just Dance 2023 Edition marks a new release format, switching to annual song packs within a live service platform.
- Just Dance: Decades of Hits, scheduled for release on October 13, 2026, will retire the annual naming scheme for the main series.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Just Dance video game series?
Just Dance is a rhythm game franchise developed and published by Ubisoft that first launched in 2009. It challenges players to replicate dance moves shown on screen using motion-sensing technology.
How does the gameplay mechanic work?
Players physically mimic the choreography performed by virtual dancers while holding a controller or using a camera. Your performance is scored based on how accurately you follow the routine in real time.
Is there a story mode in Just Dance?
The series does not feature a traditional narrative or character-driven plotline. Instead, the experience focuses purely on learning routines to popular music hits without any overarching storyline.
Who created the original Just Dance game?
Ubisoft is both the developer and publisher behind the entire franchise since its debut. They continue to release new entries annually with updated song lists and features.
Why did Just Dance become so popular globally?
It successfully combined fitness, entertainment, and education for a wide range of age groups and skill levels. The motion-controlled fun allowed families and friends to dance together in various social settings.
More in History & Releases
Related in Just Dance
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Elsewhere in the Just Dance universe
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