Just Dance 2021

Last updated

Just Dance 2021
Just Dance 2021.jpg
Developer(s) Ubisoft Paris
Publisher(s) Ubisoft
Series Just Dance
Engine UbiArt Framework
Platform(s)
ReleaseSwitch, PS4, Xbox One, Stadia
November 12, 2020
PS5, Xbox X/S
November 24, 2020
Genre(s) Music
Mode(s)

Just Dance 2021 is a 2020 dance rhythm game developed and published by Ubisoft. It was unveiled on August 26, 2020 during the Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner Showcase August 2020 web presentation as the twelfth main installment of the series, [1] and was released on November 12, 2020, for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Stadia, and on November 24, 2020, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. [2] [3] [4] It is the first game in the series since the initial title not to be announced at E3, due to the event's cancellation in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is also the first game in the main series not to be released for the Wii and the first game in the series not to be available on a Nintendo optical disc. [5]

Contents

Gameplay

As with the previous installments of the franchise, players must mimic the on-screen dancer's choreography to a chosen song using either motion controllers (excluding the ninth generation consoles and Stadia) or the game's associated smartphone app. The Stadia version also allows the use of a gamepad and a keyboard for menu navigation.

Its user interface and features are largely identical to Just Dance 2019 and Just Dance 2020 . Changes include the "World Dance Floor" now being revamped with a three-song competitive tournament in three separate rooms that matches a player's level with other players of a similar level, Chill Panda (Beginner), Fabulous Hippo (Intermediate), and Fierce Deer (Expert), and a new results screen that details the player's accuracy rate in performing the moves, which is only shown when playing solo. [6] [7] The game also features a new mode, known as "Quick Play" mode, in which the game randomly shuffles a song to make it easy for players to jump right into dancing without the struggle of choosing a song to dance to. [8]

Production

The production of Just Dance 2021 amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic presented a series of formidable challenges for the development team at Ubisoft Paris. [9] With stringent lockdown measures in place and a shift towards remote work, the team encountered significant obstacles in maintaining the momentum of their annual release schedule. [9] Efforts to navigate these challenges were spearheaded by implementing innovative solutions to ensure the game's timely release, including a comprehensive overhaul of traditional production methodologies to accommodate remote collaboration while upholding the game's established brand strategy. [9] Managing team dynamics remotely emerged as a pivotal concern, with heightened communication strategies such as frequent individual check-ins and informal team catchups becoming essential to maintain cohesion and morale among the thirteen-member team. [9] Additionally, the imperative of in-person filming posed unique logistical hurdles amidst social distancing mandates, necessitating strict adherence to safety protocols and meticulous scheduling adjustments to safeguard the well-being of the production team while adhering to health guidelines. [9]

In the creation of Just Dance 2021, the development team at Ubisoft Paris embraced a commitment to diversity and inclusivity, particularly evident in their efforts to introduce a more varied cast of characters, including disabled dancers, into the game's universe. [10] Led by Sarrah El-Meddeb, Costume Manager for the Just Dance franchise, the creative process began with brainstorming sessions to translate the emotions evoked by each song into unique visual universes, aiming to foster an inclusive atmosphere and represent a diverse array of dancing styles and body types. [10]

COVID-19 lockdown difficulties

The production of Just Dance 2021 amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic presented a series of formidable challenges for the development team at Ubisoft Paris. [9] With stringent lockdown measures in place and a shift towards remote work, the team encountered significant obstacles in maintaining the momentum of their annual release schedule. [9] Efforts to navigate these challenges were spearheaded by implementing innovative solutions to ensure the game's timely release. [9] This included a comprehensive overhaul of traditional production methodologies to accommodate remote collaboration while upholding the game's established brand strategy. [9]

Managing team dynamics remotely emerged as a pivotal concern. With a team of thirteen individuals, maintaining cohesion and morale required heightened communication strategies, including frequent individual check-ins and informal team catchups. [9] For the imperative of in-person filming posed unique logistical hurdles amidst social distancing mandates. [9] Strict adherence to safety protocols, coupled with meticulous scheduling adjustments, became imperative to safeguard the well-being of the production team while adhering to health guidelines. [9]

Despite these challenges, the team remained steadfast in their commitment to delivering Just Dance 2021 on schedule across multiple platforms. [9] This entailed navigating the pressure to meet community expectations while fostering team motivation and cohesion amidst unprecedented circumstances. [9] The critical role of clear communication and visual aids in aligning team objectives, particularly in a remote work environment, was emphasized. By fostering autonomy and streamlining decision-making processes, the team maintained productivity and focus throughout the production cycle. [9]

Diversity

In the creation of Just Dance 2021, the development team at Ubisoft Paris embraced a commitment to diversity and inclusivity, particularly evident in their efforts to introduce a more varied cast of characters, including disabled dancers, into the game's universe. [10] Led by Sarrah El-Meddeb, Costume Manager for the Just Dance franchise, the creative process began with brainstorming sessions to translate the emotions evoked by each song into unique visual universes. [10] This approach aimed to foster an inclusive atmosphere and represent a diverse array of dancing styles and body types. [10]

“In the past few years, we have been working hard on bringing more diversity into Just Dance,” El-Meddeb explained. The character style helps players identify with the dancers, but it can also erase diversity. [11] “To help with that, we are committed to having a strong and diverse cast of dancers who have bodies of all shapes, to better represent our players and make sure they feel like they belong to the world of Just Dance,” El-Meddeb told us. [10]

A notable example of this commitment to diversity is showcased in the Blinding Lights map, featuring coach Angelina Bruno, a Belgian hip-hop dancer with a right forearm amputation. [10] The creative team's vision for the Blinding Lights map encompassed a post-apocalyptic setting with a cyberpunk aesthetic, providing the perfect backdrop for Bruno's dynamic performance. [10] Collaborating with fashion-tech designer Anouk Wipprecht, the team embarked on a groundbreaking project to create a futuristic costume incorporating a prosthetic arm, blending cutting-edge technology with artistic expression. [10] The disabled body was not meant to be hidden, but part of the experience of the map. [10] This was part of Bruno's desire to promote change in the public percepction of disability: "Having a disability, I would never even thought of playing because I thought you needed both arms for that. Now I tell myself that everyone who has a little arm like me, will be able to identify with me and my character." [12]

In the words of Sarrah El-Meddeb, "To help with that, we are committed to having a strong and diverse cast of dancers who have bodies of all shapes, to better represent our players and make sure they feel like they belong to the world of Just Dance." [10] This dedication to inclusivity and representation underscores the game's broader mission to celebrate the joy of dance in all its forms, while also promoting positive social change and acceptance. [10]

Soundtrack

The following songs appear on Just Dance 2021: [13]

SongArtistYear
"Adore You" Harry Styles 2019
"Alexandrie Alexandra"Jérôme Francis (as made famous by Claude François)1978
"All the Good Girls Go to Hell" Billie Eilish 2019
"Bailando" Paradisio featuring DJ Patrick Samoy1996
"Blinding Lights" The Weeknd 2019
"Boy, You Can Keep It" Alex Newell 2020
"Buscando" GTA and Jenn Morel 2018
"Dance Monkey" Tones and I 2019
"Dibby Dibby Sound" DJ Fresh vs. Jay Fay featuring Ms. Dynamite 2014
"Don't Start Now" Dua Lipa 2019
"Feel Special" Twice 2019
"Georgia"Tiggs Da Author2015
"Get Get Down" Paul Johnson 1999
"Heat Seeker" Dreamers 2020
"Ice Cream" Blackpink and Selena Gomez 2020
"In the Navy"The Sunlight Shakers (as made famous by Village People)1979
"Joone Khodet" Black Cats 2006
"Juice" Lizzo 2019
"Kick It" NCT 127 2020
"Kulikitaka" Toño Rosario 2003
"Lacrimosa" Apashe 2018
"Magenta Riddim" DJ Snake 2018
"Paca Dance" [lower-alpha 1] The Just Dance Band2020
"Que Tire Pa Lante" Daddy Yankee 2019
"Rain on Me" [lower-alpha 1] Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande 2020
"Rare"Selena Gomez2020
"Runaway (U & I)" Galantis 2014
"Samba de Janeiro"Ultraclub 90 (as made famous by Bellini)1997
"Say So" Doja Cat 2020
"Señorita" Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello 2019
"Temperature" Sean Paul 2005
"The Other Side" SZA and Justin Timberlake 2020
"The Weekend" Michael Gray 2004
"Till the World Ends"The Girly Team (as made famous by Britney Spears)2011
"Uno" Little Big 2020
"Volar" Lele Pons featuring Susan Díaz and Victor Cardenas2020
"Without Me" Eminem 2002
"Yameen Yasar"DJ Absi2020
"Yo Le Llego" J Balvin and Bad Bunny 2019
"You've Got a Friend in Me"Disney-Pixar's Toy Story (as made famous by Randy Newman)1995
"Zenit" Onuka 2019
  1. 1 2 Also available on the demo version of the game

Kids Mode

The following songs appear on the Kids Mode of the game:

SongArtistYear
"Dance of the Mirlitons"The Just Dance Orchestra (as made famous by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky)1892
"Flying Carpet"Persian Nights2020
"Get on the Fire Truck"The Step Brigade2020
"Here Comes the Spy"The Step Brigade2019
"Kulikitaka" Toño Rosario 2003
"Let's Save Our Planet"The Sunlight Shakers2015
"Rock N Roll Princess"Fast Forward Highway2020
"Space Cat"Equinox Stars2011
"The Color Lab"Dancing Bros.2011
"You've Got a Friend in Me"Disney Pixar's Toy Story (as made famous by Randy Newman)1995

Just Dance Unlimited

Just Dance Unlimited continues to be offered on 2021 for eighth-generation consoles and Stadia, featuring a streaming library of new and existing songs. [14] The service also made its debut on ninth-generation consoles with the release of 2021.

Songs exclusive to Just Dance Unlimited include:

SongArtistYearRelease date
"Dans van de Farao" [lower-alpha 1] K3 2020November 12, 2020 (Benelux region)
December 30, 2020 (Worldwide)
"Flash (Just Dance Version)" [lower-alpha 2] Bilal Hassani featuring Sundy Jules, Paola Locatelli and Sulivan Gwed2020November 12, 2020 (France)
December 30, 2020 (Worldwide)
"U.S.A." [lower-alpha 3] Da Pump 2018November 12, 2020 (Japan)
December 30, 2020 (Worldwide)
"Drum Go Dum" [lower-alpha 4] [lower-alpha 5] K/DA featuring Aluna, Wolftyla and Bekuh Boom 2020November 25, 2020 (Initial release)
February 25, 2021 (JDU exclusive)
"Tusa" [lower-alpha 6] Karol G and Nicki Minaj 2019January 14, 2021
"Stupid Love" [lower-alpha 6] Lady Gaga 2020January 21, 2021
"Girls Like" [lower-alpha 6] Tinie Tempah featuring Zara Larsson 2016January 28, 2021
"Monster" [15] [lower-alpha 7] Exo 2016April 15, 2021
"The Way I Are" [16] [lower-alpha 7] Timbaland featuring Keri Hilson, D.O.E. and Sebastian2007April 22, 2021
"Come Back Home" [16] [lower-alpha 7] 2NE1 2014April 29, 2021
"Head & Heart" [17] [lower-alpha 8] Joel Corry featuring MNEK 2020July 15, 2021
"Intoxicated" [17] [lower-alpha 8] Martin Solveig and GTA 2015July 22, 2021
"John Cena" [17] [lower-alpha 8] Sho Madjozi 2019July 29, 2021
"All the Stars" [lower-alpha 9] Kendrick Lamar and SZA 2018October 7, 2021
"Rainbow Beats" [lower-alpha 9] [lower-alpha 10] Yi Yan, Zhao Fang Jing, Suika Kune and Feizaojun2020October 14, 2021
  1. Also available as a Benelux region exclusive track on the soundtrack
  2. Also available as a French-exclusive track on the soundtrack
  3. Also available as a Japanese-exclusive track on the soundtrack
  4. Initially free to be played until February 25, 2021, then became exclusive after the said date.
  5. Tie-in to League of Legends , featuring game characters/band members Kai'Sa, Ahri, Akali, and Evelynn as the main coaches.
  6. 1 2 3 Season 1: Once Upon a Dance
  7. 1 2 3 Season 2: Versus
  8. 1 2 3 Season 3: Festival
  9. 1 2 Season 4: The Traveler
  10. Also appeared in the Chinese version of Just Dance 2020


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References

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  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Ubisoft Paris (February 19, 2021). "Creating a game during the lockdown". Ubisoft Paris. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 "Just Dance 2021 – How Blinding Lights Brings Diversity to the Dance Floor". news.ubisoft.com. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  11. Pocratsky, B., University, G., & Pomeroy, M. (2017). Breaking it Down: The Construction of Femininity in Just Dance. Red Feather Journal, 8(1).
  12. Just Dance 2021: Creative Spotlight | Blinding Lights by The Weeknd | Ubisoft [US] . Retrieved April 13, 2024 via www.youtube.com.
  13. Just Dance 2021: Full Song List | Ubisoft [US]. Just Dance. November 11, 2020. Archived from the original on March 20, 2022. Retrieved December 29, 2022 via YouTube.
  14. "Now available! Bring home the dance floor with Just Dance 2021". Nintendo. Retrieved November 26, 2020.
  15. Just Dance Unlimited: Monster by EXO | Official Track Gameplay [US]. Just Dance. April 15, 2021. Archived from the original on December 28, 2022. Retrieved December 29, 2022 via YouTube.
  16. 1 2 Just Dance 2023 Edition [@justdancegame] (April 15, 2021). "New exclusive tracks are coming to Just Dance Unlimited!" (Tweet). Archived from the original on April 16, 2021. Retrieved December 29, 2022 via Twitter.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  17. 1 2 3 Just Dance Unlimited: Festival: Season 3 | Trailer | Ubisoft [US]. Just Dance. July 8, 2021. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved December 29, 2022 via YouTube.