diff --git a/src/d_clisrv.c b/src/d_clisrv.c
index 69eebe595..1c3708b12 100644
--- a/src/d_clisrv.c
+++ b/src/d_clisrv.c
@@ -5664,7 +5664,7 @@ static void UpdatePingTable(void)
 
 	if (server)
 	{
-		if (!(gametime % 35))	// update once per second.
+		if (Playing() && !(gametime % 35))	// update once per second.
 			PingUpdate();
 
 		fastest = 0;