With the Gears of War trilogy coming to a close, Epic is upping their game in terms of character development and narrative. Game Informer sat down with Gears of War 3 author Karen Traviss (author of  Gears of War novels Aspho Fields and Jacinto’s Remnant) to talk about the direction she intends on taking the franchise. Check it out.

Author Karen Traviss—author of the best-selling Gears of War novels Aspho Fields and Jacinto’s Remnant, and the upcoming Anvil Gate, has been made the writer for Gears of War 3, as well as two new Gears of War books.

The fourth novel in the Gears series will lead directly into Gears of War 3, making it required reading for any hardcore Gears fan.   be sure to check out the extensive two-part interview with the Karen Here.

GamePro’s XboxFanForce has interviewed Gears of War novel author Karen Traviss. She talks about everything from her novels, to working with Epic and where she thinks the Gears universe is headed.

XBFF: In “Aspho Fields”, we saw how Marcus and Dom met, as well as learned more about little known Gears characters and backstory. When working with such a big license, how much freedom do you have in creating the story? Was Epic very protective over their story and characters or were you given free rein over The Gears universe?

KT: In licensed work, the spectrum of working practice is vast. You can get anything, from the license owner who won’t tell you what’s coming up in the original property or even speak to you – you get third-hand messages via the publisher, or lobbed through your window wrapped around a brick if you’re really lucky – right through to the owner who brings you into the creative team, involves you, and gives you every freedom you can possibly want. Epic’s at one far end of that curve – they’re totally open, totally team-minded. I work directly with Rod, Cliff, and Mike. Plus if I have bizarre questions, like where the controls that aren’t shown in a ‘Dill might actually be located, I can talk to the concept artist. In fact, we work so directly that the publisher doesn’t get involved with the book until the manuscript is finished and Epic has signed it off with me. That’s very unusual in this industry.