When Juarez calls, you pick up.

Ubisoft has announced plans to continue its Call of Juarez series of western themed shooters. While previous installments took place in the 1800s, Call of Juarez: The Cartel transfers the action to the modern era. While the setting has changed, development duties will remain with Techland, the Polish studio responsible for the first two games in the franchise.

Though little has been revealed thus far, we do know that you’ll be splitting your time between Los Angeles and Juarez, the Mexican border town featured in the original game. According to Ubisoft’s Caroline Stevens, The Cartel will feature a “gritty and relevant plot”, a revelation certain to irritate those holding out for an “irrelevant plot”.

Call of Juarez: The Cartel is scheduled for release on 360 and PS3 in winter 2011. Given the recent critical and commercial success enjoyed by Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption, Ubisoft have chosen an interesting time to abandon the traditional western setting.