diff --git a/src/java/com/threerings/presents/client/BasicDirector.java b/src/java/com/threerings/presents/client/BasicDirector.java
index 0c93766d1..585578762 100644
--- a/src/java/com/threerings/presents/client/BasicDirector.java
+++ b/src/java/com/threerings/presents/client/BasicDirector.java
@@ -149,5 +149,5 @@ public class BasicDirector
     protected PresentsContext _ctx;
 
     /** Whether or not this director is available in standalone mode. */
-    protected boolean _availableInStandalone;
+    protected boolean _availableInStandalone = true;
 }