diff --git a/src/java/com/threerings/parlor/game/server/GameManager.java b/src/java/com/threerings/parlor/game/server/GameManager.java
index c99e58e69..abcb1addd 100644
--- a/src/java/com/threerings/parlor/game/server/GameManager.java
+++ b/src/java/com/threerings/parlor/game/server/GameManager.java
@@ -671,6 +671,9 @@ public class GameManager extends PlaceManager
      */
     protected void gameWillStart ()
     {
+        // initialize the player status
+        _gameobj.setPlayerStatus(new int[getPlayerSlots()]);
+                
         // increment the round identifier
         _gameobj.setRoundId(_gameobj.roundId + 1);
 
diff --git a/src/java/com/threerings/puzzle/server/PuzzleManager.java b/src/java/com/threerings/puzzle/server/PuzzleManager.java
index b781aa2f3..1e285e895 100644
--- a/src/java/com/threerings/puzzle/server/PuzzleManager.java
+++ b/src/java/com/threerings/puzzle/server/PuzzleManager.java
@@ -239,9 +239,6 @@ public abstract class PuzzleManager extends GameManager
         // initialize the seed that goes out with this round
         _puzobj.setSeed(RandomUtil.rand.nextLong());
 
-        // initialize the player status
-        _puzobj.setPlayerStatus(new int[size]);
-
         // initialize the player boards
         initBoards();