diff --git a/hydra_storm/engine.py b/hydra_storm/engine.py
index da59db07b..3a7cce9c1 100644
--- a/hydra_storm/engine.py
+++ b/hydra_storm/engine.py
@@ -26,6 +26,9 @@ class StormHydraRenderEngine(bpy_hydra.HydraRenderEngine):
         self._usd_stage = None
 
     def _sync_usd_stage(self):
+        if not self.engine_ptr:
+            return
+
         preferences = addon_preferences()
         dev = bpy.context.scene.hydra_storm.dev
         if preferences.dev_tools and not self._usd_stage and dev.render_usd and dev.usd_file:
@@ -44,10 +47,9 @@ class StormHydraRenderEngine(bpy_hydra.HydraRenderEngine):
             'maxLights': settings.max_lights,
         }
 
-    def update(self, data, depsgraph):
-        super().update(data, depsgraph)
-        if self.engine_ptr:
-            self._sync_usd_stage()
+    def _update(self, depsgraph):
+        super()._update(depsgraph)
+        self._sync_usd_stage()
 
     def view_update(self, context, depsgraph):
         super().view_update(context, depsgraph)