Microsoft and Epic Games are giving punters the chance to decide the fate of a new rookie set to join the ranks of Marcus, Dom and co in Gears of War 3 (it's a new Carmine brother), through the purchase of Xbox Live Avatar gear. Now, before you go all uppity about this being another money-making scheme - all proceeds of the Avatar purchases go to the Child's Play Charity.

Starting July 29 two new avatar t-shirts will be available on the Avatar Marketplace on Xbox LIVE - one shirt reads "Save Carmine" and the other reads "Carmine Must Die". By purchasing the "Save Carmine" shirt, you're casting your vote to let Carmine live in "Gears of War 3". Conversely, purchasing the "Carmine Must Die" shirt means you want to see Clayton follow in the fate of his brothers.

Gears of War 3 will close out the Xbox 360 exclusive trilogy, and will land on the console April 5, 2011.