diff --git a/src/command.c b/src/command.c
index f5c02d877..091dbd8f1 100644
--- a/src/command.c
+++ b/src/command.c
@@ -1574,7 +1574,7 @@ static void CV_SetCVar(consvar_t *var, const char *value, boolean stealth)
 		// send the value of the variable
 		UINT8 buf[128];
 		UINT8 *p = buf;
-		if (!(server || (IsPlayerAdmin(consoleplayer))))
+		if (!(server || (addedtogame && IsPlayerAdmin(consoleplayer))))
 		{
 			CONS_Printf(M_GetText("Only the server or admin can change: %s %s\n"), var->name, var->string);
 			return;