diff --git a/init.lua b/init.lua
index 57efdbf..2d0c856 100644
--- a/init.lua
+++ b/init.lua
@@ -378,7 +378,7 @@ and not minetest.settings:get_bool("creative_mode") then
 
 	local old_handle_node_drops = minetest.handle_node_drops
 	function minetest.handle_node_drops(pos, drops, player)
-		if player.is_fake_player then
+		if not player or player.is_fake_player then
 			-- Node Breaker or similar machines should receive items in the
 			-- inventory
 			return old_handle_node_drops(pos, drops, player)