diff --git a/polymer/eduke32/source/gamedef.c b/polymer/eduke32/source/gamedef.c
index ca10dc98b..4cb156fbf 100644
--- a/polymer/eduke32/source/gamedef.c
+++ b/polymer/eduke32/source/gamedef.c
@@ -4048,7 +4048,6 @@ static int32_t C_ParseCommand(int32_t loop)
         case CON_CHECKAVAILINVEN:
         case CON_GUNIQHUDID:
         case CON_SAVEGAMEVAR:
-        case CON_READGAMEVAR:
         case CON_USERQUOTE:
         case CON_ECHO:
         case CON_STARTTRACKVAR:
@@ -4057,6 +4056,9 @@ static int32_t C_ParseCommand(int32_t loop)
         case CON_SETGAMEPALETTE:
             C_GetNextVar();
             continue;
+        case CON_READGAMEVAR:
+            C_GetNextVarType(GAMEVAR_READONLY);
+            continue;
 
         case CON_ENHANCED:
             // don't store in pCode...