diff --git a/code/game/gamemodes/gameticker.dm b/code/game/gamemodes/gameticker.dm
index 3444372838f..ded5d200735 100644
--- a/code/game/gamemodes/gameticker.dm
+++ b/code/game/gamemodes/gameticker.dm
@@ -48,9 +48,9 @@ var/global/datum/controller/gameticker/ticker
 
 	send2mainirc("Server lobby is loaded and open at byond://[config.serverurl ? config.serverurl : (config.server ? config.server : "[world.address]:[world.port]")]")
 
-	pregame_timeleft = config.pregame_time
 
 	do
+		pregame_timeleft = config.pregame_time
 		to_chat(world, "<B><FONT color='blue'>Welcome to the pregame lobby!</FONT></B>")
 		to_chat(world, "Please set up your character and select ready. The round will start in [pregame_timeleft] seconds.")
 		while(current_state == GAME_STATE_PREGAME)