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Time, Activision Collaborate on Fake Magazine Cover for Modern Warfare 3

The magazine's iconic red borders being used to promote Activision's latest.

You can find copies of this limited edition "fake issue" at GameStops across the country.
You can find copies of this limited edition "fake issue" at GameStops across the country.

Time has never been used to promote a commercial product, but that changes with Modern Warfare 3.

Activision collaborated with Time to produce a mock cover to be used as a pre-order promotional tool for the apocalyptic sequel, according to The New York Times.

“This is where the boys are,” said Time publisher Kim Kelleher, explaining the magazine's rationale. “This is a great way to connect with millions of people we might not have otherwise connected with.”

As for why Time decided this was the time to give someone else license over the iconic red bordering, the publication argued it was an extension of other mediums using its "Person of the Year" cover.

What may be more telling, however, is the final quote from Kelleher.

“I like the concept of Time being a related brand of something that’s happening in 2030,” said Kelleher. "That makes me happy.”

As of a fan of newspapers and magazines, I can't argue with that, even if it sounds rather sad.

Wes899on June 14, 2011 at 12:11 p.m.

I'm not even going to buy MW3 but I'll probably buy this as a collectors thing.

PhatSeeJayon June 14, 2011 at 12:11 p.m.

I thought it was for Brink.

SquirrelGODon June 14, 2011 at 12:12 p.m.

Huh. Neat.

SeriouslyNowon June 14, 2011 at 12:12 p.m.

Money. It can buy anything.

andyboyon June 14, 2011 at 12:14 p.m.

I would love to have the mag as a collectable but if I have to pre-order to get one, no thanks. I just hope Time doesn't do this all the time with games and this is a one time thing.

msavoon June 14, 2011 at 12:14 p.m.
I don't know if I feel indifferent or disgusted by this.
dextersluon June 14, 2011 at 12:14 p.m.

It's only a pre-order bonus, most stores are already out of them. They've been available for 2+ weeks now.

Slaker117on June 14, 2011 at 12:14 p.m.
This seems super dumb.
Sogemanon June 14, 2011 at 12:15 p.m.
“This is a great way to connect with millions of people we might not have otherwise connected with.”
 
As if those people would read the magazine just because of that.
kollayon June 14, 2011 at 12:15 p.m.

You mean, "Maybe we'll get more subscribers this way. Hell, Ionno"

raiz265on June 14, 2011 at 12:15 p.m.
Still meh.
abdoon June 14, 2011 at 12:16 p.m.
I never thought Time would stoop so low.
christ0pheon June 14, 2011 at 12:18 p.m.
It's pretty cool
Toxin066on June 14, 2011 at 12:22 p.m.

If print is dead, did it just Respawn? Nah, it's still Infinity Ward.

Twisted_Scoton June 14, 2011 at 12:24 p.m.
I'm not falling for this again. Turned out that old guy wasn't in fact Time magazines "Man of the Year", and he never even bought breakfast. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice.....the point is I wont get fooled again.
Sil3n7on June 14, 2011 at 12:25 p.m.

I like video games. I hate ads. I guess I'm neutral.

Vexxanon June 14, 2011 at 12:28 p.m.

Looks kinda neat, I like it.

Animastaon June 14, 2011 at 12:29 p.m.

@SeriouslyNow said:

Money. It can buy anything.

woah. that was heavy

Yanngc33on June 14, 2011 at 12:29 p.m.

I'd love to get my hands on one of these posters

S0ndoron June 14, 2011 at 12:31 p.m.
How would you like to pay us so we can advertise our game and magazine to you? Sounds great doesn't it? 
 
Gross

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