diff --git a/players/play_steam.bat b/players/play_steam.bat
index 8c15a1d..011ac1c 100644
--- a/players/play_steam.bat
+++ b/players/play_steam.bat
@@ -10,6 +10,11 @@ if not exist "content\BTL4.RES" goto badpath
 set BT_PLATFORM=glass
 set BT_STEAM_NET=1
 set BT_LOG=steam.log
+rem Cockpit view + MFD gauges -- the same client flags the join bats set
+rem (field report: players booted 3rd-person without them).  Inherited by
+rem the menu's mission relaunch.
+set BT_START_INSIDE=1
+set BT_DEV_GAUGES=1
 cd content
 ..\build\Release\btl4.exe
 echo.