We’ve got some big news coming out of Hi-Rez Studios today regarding the payment methods for their upcoming sci-fi MMOFPS, Global Agenda. Hi-Rez Studios has announced today that Global Agenda will be available for $49.99 as either a retail box package or a digital download, but more importantly, that there will be no monthly subscription fee required for Global Agenda.

Instead, a subscription package will be offered as an option to customers, which will be known as Global Agenda: Conquest. Customers who opt for the subscription package will receive access to the persistent Alliance vs. Alliance territory control gameplay as well as access to major content updates. For fans familiar with Monte Cristo’s CitiesXL, this arrangement is somewhat similar to the Cities XL vs. Cities XL: Planet Offer.

Global Agenda Executive Producer Todd Harris also offers some comments on the announcement:

"Throughout our Beta process, our fans, players and reviewers have consistently told us that Global Agenda's combat system is exceptionally fun and that they would love to play it as a multiplayer shooter. This single-purchase, non-subscription model will enable players to fully experience Global Agenda’s award-winning persistent shooter gameplay."

"At the same time, many players are seeking a deeper experience, and want to engage in large-scale campaigns between player-created groups over limited territory and resources. These players can opt for the Conquest subscription plan which includes our persistent AvA world domination gameplay, and other features typically associated with MMOs."

Below you'll find details on both the base Global Agenda package and the optional subscription-based Global Agenda: Conquest:

Global Agenda (one time purchase - $49.99 MSRP) includes:
• Creation of up to eight different agent characters
• Character visual customization
• Access to all combat weapons and devices
• Cooperative Player vs. Environment missions against the Commonwealth NPC faction, AI-controlled enemies, and Boss Fights
• Matchmade Player vs. Player missions with five different game types and over 20 unique maps
• Character progression through 30 levels
• Achievement and unlocks system for individual characters
• Player Inventory for suits, flair, dyes, upgrades, and loot
• Virtual Reality practice fighting area
• Vendors and accumulation of in-game currency
• Text chat with multiple channels
• Built in voice chat during missions
• Ability to join an established player-created agency
• All play is on our single-shard, hosted server environment to ensure convenient and consistent gaming experience.
• Ability to sign up for one free month of subscription at registration (credit card required, can be cancelled at any time)

Global Agenda: Conquest ($12.99 per month, $11.49/mo for 3 month, $9.99/mo for 6 month) includes:
• Access to Alliance vs. Alliance (AvA) World Domination gameplay
- A massive scale campaign between player created agencies and alliances over scarce territory and resources on a persistent world map.
- Attack and Defend Territories in zones that match your agency's schedule
- Agency and Alliance Management – Create and maintain persistent player groups and officer ranks
- Creation and Upgrading of Facilities - Control production and output
- Base Raids – involving up to 60 players per side; coordinated between 6 different strike teams within linked territory instances
- Agency Achievement System, Leveling, and Recognition
• Auction House with bidding and buyouts
• Mail System
• Upgrade Text and Voice chat to support multiple channels and strike teams
• Player Crafting with blueprints
• Additional character customization options including elite character suits, dye colors, and seasonal flair
• Ongoing Co-Op content at max character level
• Ongoing AvA content, multiplayer PvP content, and new social areas

Global Agenda is set to be "development complete" by the end of the year and is being targeted for a Q1 2010 release.

For more information on Global Agenda check out the game's official website!

What do you think about the dual package options for Global Agenda? Let us know in the comments below!