diff --git a/src/g_game.c b/src/g_game.c
index ba2da058..3ad9f909 100644
--- a/src/g_game.c
+++ b/src/g_game.c
@@ -779,7 +779,7 @@ void G_BuildTiccmd(ticcmd_t* cmd)
   }
 
   // special buttons
-  if (sendpause)
+  if (sendpause && gameaction != ga_newgame)
     {
       sendpause = false;
       cmd->buttons = BT_SPECIAL | (BTS_PAUSE & BT_SPECIALMASK);