diff --git a/Source/Editor/Cooker/Steps/ValidateStep.cpp b/Source/Editor/Cooker/Steps/ValidateStep.cpp
index 9d8f4a55b..3793fcf21 100644
--- a/Source/Editor/Cooker/Steps/ValidateStep.cpp
+++ b/Source/Editor/Cooker/Steps/ValidateStep.cpp
@@ -51,6 +51,11 @@ bool ValidateStep::Perform(CookingData& data)
 
     // Validate game settings
     auto gameSettings = GameSettings::Get();
+    if (gameSettings = nullptr)
+    {
+        data.Error(TEXT("Missing game settings."));
+        return true;
+    }
     {
         if (gameSettings->ProductName.IsEmpty())
         {