diff --git a/init.lua b/init.lua
index b06a85b..f5cc0ec 100644
--- a/init.lua
+++ b/init.lua
@@ -496,7 +496,7 @@ end
 
 -- update built-in HUD bars
 local function update_hud(player)
-	if not player_exists() then return end
+	if not player_exists(player) then return end
 	if minetest.setting_getbool("enable_damage") then
 		if hb.settings.forceload_default_hudbars then
 			hb.unhide_hudbar(player, "health")