We’ve talked before about how to do DLC right, and about how indie companies like Yacht Club Gaming and Team Cherry are giving away their DLCs for free – which is super awesome considering that some companies believe in charging thousands of dollars for standalone titles. Fortunately, we can add one more name to the list of badass companies doing right by communities and gamers, and that’s Amplitude Studios with Endless Space 2.

Set in what is described as a “strategic space opera”, Endless Space 2 has received widespread acclaim for its story, art direction, and strategic elements as a turn-based strategy game. Looking at the screenshots for the game, it’s hard to argue with any of that praise. However, there’s something even better about Endless Space 2, and it’s how they interact with the community around their game.

The vast majority of positive reviews for Endless Space 2 – and nearly all the reviews are very positive – cite the developers as a huge part of what makes this a great game. For starters, the community’s feedback actually matters. Amplitude has continually responded to community criticism and suggestions for ways to improve the game. But even beyond their commitment to their players, Amplitude Studios is already working on their third DLC since the game’s release in May of this year, all of which are completely free.

Amplitude did something interesting with their latest DLC. The first thing they did was implement a free weekend community challenge. This was obviously designed to try and bring in new players, but it was also out there to do what gamers have loved so much about the company, which is make the community feel like it matters.

As gamers logged in to Endless Space 2 and had their friends log in as well, they unlocked challenges to be included in the new DLC. With over 240,000 new players logging in over the four day free weekend, all six of the challenges were met and unlocked. These aren’t tiny unlockables either. The DLC includes new ship modules and weapons, a new hero to be recruited, a new type of galaxy to be interacted with, a new skin, and a new event. All of that because players logging in over a free weekend.

While AAA companies like EA struggle to show the slightest concern for their communities, Amplitude has stepped up to show that there are still plenty of developers that care about the experience before the profits. With the way things are going, especially with Belgium banning Loot Boxes, there are battle lines being drawn. All we know is we’re on the side of guys like Amplitude. Free DLC and respect for your community? Yes please.