diff --git a/src/hardware/hw_main.c b/src/hardware/hw_main.c
index af54a350a..8165eea11 100644
--- a/src/hardware/hw_main.c
+++ b/src/hardware/hw_main.c
@@ -6566,7 +6566,7 @@ consvar_t cv_glmodellighting = CVAR_INIT ("gr_modellighting", "Off", CV_SAVE, CV
 #endif
 
 consvar_t cv_glshearing = CVAR_INIT ("gr_shearing", "Off", CV_SAVE, glshearing_cons_t, NULL);
-consvar_t cv_glspritebillboarding = CVAR_INIT ("gr_spritebillboarding", "Off", CV_SAVE, CV_OnOff, NULL);
+consvar_t cv_glspritebillboarding = CVAR_INIT ("gr_spritebillboarding", "On", CV_SAVE, CV_OnOff, NULL);
 consvar_t cv_glskydome = CVAR_INIT ("gr_skydome", "On", CV_SAVE, CV_OnOff, NULL);
 consvar_t cv_glfakecontrast = CVAR_INIT ("gr_fakecontrast", "Smooth", CV_SAVE, glfakecontrast_cons_t, NULL);
 consvar_t cv_glslopecontrast = CVAR_INIT ("gr_slopecontrast", "Off", CV_SAVE, CV_OnOff, NULL);