diff --git a/backend/app.py b/backend/app.py
index 7374fce..b0ea145 100644
--- a/backend/app.py
+++ b/backend/app.py
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ def fetch_object_ids(mode):
     """
     Fetches met museum api for all object ids.
     """
-    if mode == "":
+    if mode == "classic":
         url = "https://collectionapi.metmuseum.org/public/collection/v1/objects"
     else:
         base_url = "https://collectionapi.metmuseum.org/public/collection/v1/objects?departmentIds="
@@ -155,11 +155,8 @@ def create_game(mode):
         - Image
     """
     print("Creating game...")
-    if mode == "":
-        print("Selected mode: Classic")
-    else:
-        print(f"Selected mode: {mode}")
-
+    print(f"Selected mode: {mode}")
+        
     # get all objects
     object_ids = fetch_object_ids(mode)
     random.shuffle(object_ids)
diff --git a/frontend/src/Pages/Game/Start.js b/frontend/src/Pages/Game/Start.js
index d18d6d9..744af69 100644
--- a/frontend/src/Pages/Game/Start.js
+++ b/frontend/src/Pages/Game/Start.js
@@ -28,12 +28,12 @@ export default function Start() {
 
   /**
    * gamemodes:
-   * "" is classic
+   * "classic"
    * "asian"
    * "medieval"
    * "music"
    */
-  const [mode, setMode] = useState("");
+  const [mode, setMode] = useState("classic");
 
   // game state to be shared by all game pages
   const [gameState, setGameState] = useState({
@@ -107,7 +107,7 @@ const Menu = ({ setStage, setMode }) => {
           }}
           onClick={() => {
             setStage("game");
-            setMode("");
+            setMode("classic");
           }}
         >
           <Image src="/icons/temple.png" boxSize={20} />