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.

NBA 2K12 screenshot gallery - Click to view

Game: NBA 2K12Reader Score: 8/10 - Vote Now
Platform: iOS / PC / PS3 / Xbox 360Votes for game: 102 - View All

NBA 2K12 Videos

Member Comments

# 21 TracerBullet @ 07/21/11 12:28 PM

Not feeling the design of the covers at all. Pretty damn ugly to me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rasco11


	Spurtability is what i call it.

# 22 STLRams @ 07/21/11 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarvellousOne


	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

I agree this is a great move by 2K, ****. Glad to see the possibilites of more classic teams for NBA2K12. There will be some young guys who never got to see these players or teams play will complain and won't appreciate what 2K is giving us, this is great for fan history, plus people shouldn't complain, you know the current teams will ofcourse be also in the game with new features, graphics, etc. ****! ****! move by 2K. Kind of surprise 2K didn't go with a hologram cover that would display any one of the three depending on how you look at or hold the cover. I can't wait for this game, THANK YOU 2K!

# 23 STLRams @ 07/21/11 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amra01


	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.

AGREED! There is no reason to cry about a current NBA player not on the cover, as long as he is in the game 2K does a good job on his likeness, looks attributes, tendencies etc. Heck im fine if they don't put Jordan, Bird, or Magic on the cover, as long as there in the game with there teams.

# 24 jfsolo @ 07/21/11 12:32 PM

I bet I'm going to get a new signature, courtesy of some kid, like the guy last year who called Mike a bum.

# 25 23 @ 07/21/11 12:33 PM

Love the action photos.. the wizard like smoke is a bit odd lol and I think the backgrounds should've matched the players team colors respectively, but it wont stop me from buying it anyway.

I like it and there would be no todays players without these guys paving the way, and the guys before them.

This is the exact standard theyre always compared to, and frankly if the game is good, who cares, print one out for yourself lol

# 26 NikeBlitz @ 07/21/11 12:35 PM

Nice !!! even if i would have preferred them on the same cover.

# 27 illmatic174 @ 07/21/11 12:38 PM

These covers are hideous

# 28 The 24th Letter @ 07/21/11 12:38 PM

I like!

with these covers one has to think they will expand upon classic teams....looking forward to it!

# 29 cjallure24 @ 07/21/11 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pared


	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.

I would have liked to see them do the same, with the same idea with all three. D.Rose and Jordan, Kobe and Magic, Larry and Pierce...sort of a passing of thpretty sure not torch. I'm still happy they chose to bring M.J. back along with Larry and Magic though. These three guys literally carried the NBA to the next level...Me personally if I have the option will choose Magic when I cop.

# 30 jayman504 @ 07/21/11 12:40 PM

Why didnt they just put ALL 3 on the cover with them holding one BALL?

# 31 spankdatazz22 @ 07/21/11 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STLRams


	Kind of surprise 2K didn't go with a hologram cover that would display any one of the three depending on how you look at or hold the cover. I can't wait for this game, THANK YOU 2K!

That's a great idea. I would've liked them on the same cover myself, or have an additional cover w/all three. Was so-so on the covers initially but they're growing on me/like them now - thought they could've chosen a more dynamic pose for Jordan. Excited that they're placing emphasis on the legends; also smart given the likely lengthy lockout.

# 32 STLRams @ 07/21/11 12:41 PM

I like the covers but I will say 2K should have had all three of them on the same cover, or made a hologram cover with all three like I mentioned earlier.

# 33 Goffs @ 07/21/11 12:42 PM

i really like the cover design!

# 34 jorge380 @ 07/21/11 12:44 PM

Great choice by 2K.

# 35 Adzs K2 @ 07/21/11 12:45 PM

I don't really mind about the covers they all look good to me...or rather 2 of them do, the magic one is really underwhelming to me for some reason, he just seems small in comparison to the others. Anyway i'm a bit apprehensive about the direction 2k is taking here; catering to an older demographic is fine, as it brings in new customers in greater numbers, but i'm one of those people who just isn't interested in classic teams/players (literally took part in my first jordan challenge game a few days ago), and to me adding even more classic games/teams is a waste of disc space...Still i'm interested to see what perks and touches have been added to the aforementioned classic team/player modes that might get me interested......sorry for long post.

# 36 Goffs @ 07/21/11 12:46 PM

so...3 different types of legend challenges?

im no accessory nut but Bird should be rockin those striped socks ingame...

# 37 CYST2000 @ 07/21/11 12:46 PM

I really want the Bird cover. Being from Indiana and living 45 minutes away from French Lick, yeah I completely dig that cover.

# 38 scatman @ 07/21/11 12:48 PM

I loge this idea, let the hype begin. Personally they could put a bottle of dasani on the cover and I wouldn't care. But I digress, having magic, bird and jordan on the cover is interesting. I won't mind them rehashing last years system but....you know what I'll just save that banter for another topic when it comes up. Great job 2K!!!

# 39 cjallure24 @ 07/21/11 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jayman504


	Why didnt they just put ALL 3 on the cover with them holding one BALL?

Its all about idividuality. I can see if they went the rivialry route. But if your a Celtics fan, you don't want Larry and Magic on a cover, or a Bulls fan with M.J. sharing it with Ewing( unless he is posterizing him). But it also plays the marketing game, and fans can choose. Not to mention, look what M.J. did for the cover last year, just imagine how many Celtics and Laker fans will pour cash for there own cover athlete.

# 40 23 @ 07/21/11 12:52 PM

Honestly I think those guys sell when it comes to basketball

I do think that there has been a very positive response to the classic teams

With Jordan on the cover they probably sold more than they ever have, and if they have those 3 guys backing up their marketing in some way it'll be great

Honestly, whoever says they'd rather have Dirk on the cover than these guys.... c'mon son!

Im pretty sure though that they will likely advertise these three along with guys like Rose and showing off some of the new Dirk stuff they mentioned

« Previous 123 4 5 6 7 8 9…16 17 Next »

More Links

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