According to engadget, LG and Ubisoft have partnered to bring the motion-controlled rhythm game Just Dance Now to LG Smart TVs through the LG Gaming Portal. The game will launch in December for LG TV users in the US and Europe running webOS 22 or later, with no additional hardware required since the LG Magic Remote will function as the motion controller. Just Dance Now offers a library of hundreds of songs spanning decades of music, available for free for limited daily play with subscription or song pack options for extended access. Ahead of the December launch, a beta version will allow players to try three songs on the first day followed by one daily song during the two-week trial period. This partnership continues LG’s expansion of its Gaming Portal as a console alternative for casual gamers.
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The Evolution of Casual Gaming Accessibility
The integration of Just Dance Now into LG’s ecosystem represents a significant milestone in the democratization of gaming. What began as a console-exclusive experience has progressively moved toward platform-agnostic accessibility. The original Just Dance revolutionized casual gaming by making motion controls mainstream through the Wii Remote, but required dedicated hardware. The mobile version eliminated the console barrier but introduced the awkwardness of holding a phone while dancing. This LG TV implementation represents the next logical evolution – leveraging existing television hardware that millions already own.
Strategic Implications for Both Companies
For LG, this partnership continues their aggressive push to position webOS as more than just a streaming platform. The LG Gaming Portal is becoming a legitimate gaming destination, having previously added Xbox Game Pass and GeForce NOW. For Ubisoft, this expands their Just Dance ecosystem beyond traditional gaming platforms into the living rooms of consumers who might never purchase a console. The freemium model aligns perfectly with casual audiences who may convert to paying subscribers after experiencing the game.
Technical Considerations and Potential Limitations
The success of this implementation hinges on the motion-sensing capabilities of the LG Magic Remote. Unlike dedicated gaming controllers or smartphones with sophisticated IMUs, TV remotes are designed primarily for navigation, not precision motion tracking. The rhythm game genre is forgiving compared to fitness applications requiring exact form tracking, but players may experience latency or recognition issues. Additionally, the processing demands on the webOS platform could affect performance, especially with multiple players. Ubisoft will need to optimize the experience specifically for this hardware configuration.
Broader Market Impact and Future Outlook
This move signals a broader industry trend of gaming becoming increasingly platform-agnostic. As smart TV processors become more powerful and internet connectivity improves, the distinction between dedicated gaming hardware and entertainment systems continues to blur. Competitors like Samsung with Tizen and Google with Android TV will likely pursue similar gaming partnerships. The success of Just Dance Now on LG TVs could pave the way for other motion-based games and fitness applications, potentially creating a new category of TV-native gaming experiences that don’t require additional hardware purchases.
Challenges and Competitive Landscape
While promising, this approach faces significant challenges. The casual gaming market is increasingly crowded, with fitness apps, mobile games, and subscription services all competing for attention. The freemium model must strike a delicate balance between offering enough free content to engage users while providing sufficient value to justify subscriptions. Additionally, as more games come to TV platforms, discoverability and user interface design become critical factors. LG will need to ensure the Gaming Portal provides a seamless experience that doesn’t feel like a compromised version of console or PC gaming.
