diff --git a/example_plugin/__init__.py b/example_plugin/__init__.py
index 92780d3..b490059 100644
--- a/example_plugin/__init__.py
+++ b/example_plugin/__init__.py
@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ def on_load(server: PluginServerInterface, old_module):
 	Like migrating data, reading config file or adding help messages
 	old_module is the previous plugin instance. If the plugin is freshly loaded it will be None
 	"""
+	global counter
 	if old_module is not None:
 		counter = old_module.counter + 1
 	else: