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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

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 7, 2011, for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360, Wii™ system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system and Windows PC.

NBA 2K12 is currently rated PEGI 3+ (TBC). Visit pegi.info for updated rating information.

For more information on 2K Sports, visit www.2KSports.com.

2K Sports is a division of 2K, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

*According to 2008 - 2011 Gamerankings.com and The NPD Group estimates of U.S. retail video game sales through June 2011.