NBA 2K12 News Post

NBA 2K12 Cover Athletes - Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird

12:00 PM - July 21, 2011 by Steve_OS

Jordan Returns: 2K Sports Announces
Trio of NBA® 2K12 Covers Featuring Three NBA Icons

Michael Jordan, joined by Larry Bird and Magic Johnson,
to grace three unique artistic covers in celebration of NBA legacy

New York, NY – July 21, 2011 – 2K Sports announced today that NBA® 2K12, the next installment of the top-rated and best-selling NBA video game simulation franchise*, will offer three separate covers for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360®video game and entertainment system from Microsoft featuring three of the NBA’s greatest legends of all time, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.

The new stylized NBA 2K12 covers are a unique, one-time departure from the traditional 2K Sports brand artwork, and will spotlight each legendary athlete on his famous team: the Chicago Bulls, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. The covers featuring Bird and Johnson will be available at launch in a limited quantity.

A new feat in sports gaming, this three-part collection extends the strong legacy established by NBA 2K11, which has sold-in more than 5 million units worldwide and garnered over 20 video game accolades, including 14 ‘Sports Game of the Year’ honors.

“Bringing Michael Jordan to the virtual hardwood last year was a huge success for NBA 2K11; however, we didn’t want to stop there,” said Jason Argent, vice president of marketing for 2K Sports. “We’re bringing ‘His Airness’ back to the NBA 2K franchise as part of a multi-year extended partnership, along with two other legendary icons – Larry Bird and Magic Johnson – for a special cover athlete collection representing the NBA’s greatest heroes.”

The unprecedented, stylized artwork covers underscore 2K Sports’ passion for bringing fans authentic NBA basketball across generations, while celebrating the legacy of legendary hoops athletes, past and present.

The cover artwork for NBA 2K12 was created by Adam Larson of Adam&Co. Larson has created dynamic artwork for galleries, magazines and various product advertising campaigns. His work has received numerous honors, including the Kelly Awards, Cannes Lions, Clio Awards, and two primetime Emmy nominations

NBA 2K12 can now be pre-ordered from leading video game retailers nationwide, and will be available on October 4, 2011, for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360, Wii™ system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system and Windows PC.

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Member Comments

# 1 PH1LLYSFINEST13 @ 07/21/11 12:01 PM

So i guess we get to choose which of the 3 we want? They look hot but i dont want jordan again and i dont care for bird or magic

# 2 Breeze412 @ 07/21/11 12:03 PM

Sick covers, wish it was different people tho

# 3 DavonBrown @ 07/21/11 12:03 PM

Love that they went with Jordan again, but I'm not feeling the design at all.

# 4 PH1LLYSFINEST13 @ 07/21/11 12:03 PM

Also wondering if they did legends again due to the Lockout? They dont have any current players on NBA.com either.

# 5 Pared @ 07/21/11 12:08 PM

It is a smart move considering the lockout.

I still would like to see a Rose/Jordan cover, them standing back to back. And even I hate the Bulls.

# 6 muse324 @ 07/21/11 12:08 PM

that jordan cover is insane!!

# 7 huntt26 @ 07/21/11 12:09 PM

Definitely going with the Jordan cover. How will they sell these different covers? Seems odd. How will the in-game title screen look since there are 3?

The design looks really cool - I really like it!

# 8 cjallure24 @ 07/21/11 12:10 PM

What if they use different covers for different consoles. Like MJ on 360, Magic on the PS3, and Bird on the PC...have to wait and see, I'm loving each of them though..

# 9 VDusen04 @ 07/21/11 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PH1LLYSFINEST13


	Also wondering if they did legends again due to the Lockout? They dont have any current players on NBA.com either.

That was my thought as well. It's actually a wise move, however coincidental it may be (they may have had this plan in place before a lockout became likely).

I am not disappointed, these covers are all awesome. "The Greatest is Back With a Vengeance" makes sense now.

And not to be that guy, but I don't particularly care about cover design, and nine times out of ten, I won't really care who's on the cover. But when it's three legends, it's a big deal to me because it makes me hopeful that 2K will have made more strides in the historic department. I know for a fact there will be monster strides in the "current" department, I'd just be happy if they continued going down the history path too, as there is so much to draw from.

# 10 Oeazy305 @ 07/21/11 12:11 PM

Boo that sucks i want regular players!!

# 11 Drewski @ 07/21/11 12:11 PM

Really nice looking, that was the other thing I thought of (diff covers) but I didnt actually think theyd go that route.

That's awesome though. 3 legends, hopefully pointing towards a much more thorough look at legends/classic teams and modes.

# 12 BigRick47 @ 07/21/11 12:14 PM

These covers are SICK!! Love 'em!

# 13 chance @ 07/21/11 12:14 PM

I'm guessing their doing a different cover for each platform like NCAA football a fewyears back....?? And if that's the case I hope that Magic one isn't the 360 cover

# 14 MarvellousOne @ 07/21/11 12:15 PM

I really like this choice, kind of figured they would go with legends again due to the much succes they gain last year with Jordan also it has been high on peoples wish list to add in more classic teams and such to nba 2k so I think 2k is going to give its fan more history its a good move in my opinion especially with the lockout this year looming. Will we see 10 memorable games from magic and bird much like they did jordan last year leaves one to wonder what they have instored for us this year with these greats

# 15 MarvellousOne @ 07/21/11 12:19 PM

I have a feeling they will ship on all platfoms so you have the opinion of whic cover you like for your system. I dont think they will be system specific

# 16 aholbert32 @ 07/21/11 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PH1LLYSFINEST13


	Also wondering if they did legends again due to the Lockout? They dont have any current players on NBA.com either.

2k has a deal with the Player's Association so they arent affected by the lockout.

# 17 RnRexpress3423 @ 07/21/11 12:22 PM

Those inserts inside of the game are very easy to take out and replace with the one you want. Remember a few years ago when Brett Favre was on the cover of Madden in a Packers uniform? He got traded to the Jets and then EA came out with another cover of Favre doing the same passing pose but in a Yets uniform.

# 18 SHAKYR @ 07/21/11 12:24 PM

Thank God for real sports fans! It shouldn't matter who's on the cover as long as one of our favorite sports is represented correctly.

# 19 amra01 @ 07/21/11 12:24 PM

excellent choice by 2k if they have done the extensive work of last's year game on jordan moves and opponent teams on magic and bird then the game will be more than awesome.
and people crying about their needs of current nab players print a cover and change it with anything you want and nowadays players will be in.

# 20 Rasco11 @ 07/21/11 12:26 PM

Spurtability is what i call it.

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