diff --git a/src/de/miaurizius/jgame2d/core/UI.java b/src/de/miaurizius/jgame2d/core/UI.java
index 5079e41..54391a9 100644
--- a/src/de/miaurizius/jgame2d/core/UI.java
+++ b/src/de/miaurizius/jgame2d/core/UI.java
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@ public class UI {
         graphics2d.setFont(arial_40);
         graphics2d.setColor(Color.white);
 
+        if(panel.gameState == null) return;
         switch (panel.gameState) {
             case GameState.PLAY: