diff --git a/code/game/gamemodes/gameticker.dm b/code/game/gamemodes/gameticker.dm
index 77a48f2693..97f475373d 100644
--- a/code/game/gamemodes/gameticker.dm
+++ b/code/game/gamemodes/gameticker.dm
@@ -274,7 +274,7 @@ var/global/datum/controller/gameticker/ticker
 
 	proc/create_characters()
 		for(var/mob/new_player/player in player_list)
-			if(player.ready && player.mind)
+			if(player && player.ready && player.mind)
 				if(player.mind.assigned_role=="AI")
 					player.close_spawn_windows()
 					player.AIize()