It’s up to you. Will Carmine live or die? The developers at Gears of War 3 are throwing the question open to gamers – for the first time in the franchise, you can choose the fate of a character! (…and you’re helping a charity at the same time. Not bad, huh?)

Clayton Carmine will be introduced in Gears of War 3 – and just like his brothers Anthony and Ben, the new guy looks like he’ll become cannon fodder pretty early on.

Meet Clayton Carmine.

But! This Carmine has you on his side (or does he?) – starting July 29th, special Gears of War 3 avatar t-shirts will be available in the Xbox LIVE Avatar Marketplace. One reads “Save Carmine”, while the other states “Carmine Must Die”. By simply buying a shirt, you’re casting your vote on whether you believe Clayton should be allowed to live, or if he should follow his brothers’ fate.

If you’re not a fan of playing God, I’d like to point out that all of the proceeds generated by the sales of both t-shirts will go to Child’s Play, a community-based games industry charity. They raise millions of dollars each year and use the ufnds to donate games, toys and consoles to sick kids.

Save Carmine! Carmine Must Die!

(If you can’t decide – or don’t care – about Carmine, there’s also a limited edition NECA t-shirt which also donates to Child’s Play.)

The final game in Epic Games‘ award-winning trilogy, Gears of War 3 is exclusive to Xbox 360, promises riveting multiplayer action, and will arrive around the world from April 5th, 2011.