Those of you dreading the second phase of the Sandstorm patch for fear of having to shell out subscription fees to participate in the game's more MMO-like offerings needn't dread the day any longer. Hi-Rez Studios has announced today that Global Agenda will be dropping the subscription model entirely, instead, it sounds like the developers will be going with a quasi-Guild Wars like model, offering optional paid expansions going forward.

The remainder of Sandstorm will still be offered free of charge to all players. If you've been on the fence due to the eventual subscription fees, now would be a great time to pick up the game as Steam is offering Global Agenda for 33% off from now through July 5.

View the official announcement here.

[Thanks Dreathor and Mykell for the tips!]