diff --git a/bmc/machine_configs/meson.build b/bmc/machine_configs/meson.build
index b003076..fdcef35 100644
--- a/bmc/machine_configs/meson.build
+++ b/bmc/machine_configs/meson.build
@@ -1,4 +1,7 @@
 platform = get_option('platform')
+if get_option('tests').enabled()
+  platform = 'example'
+endif
 
 config_file_path = join_paths(meson.current_source_dir())
 textproto_file_path = join_paths(meson.current_source_dir(), platform+'.textproto')
diff --git a/meson_options.txt b/meson_options.txt
index ce11129..bd2a7c2 100644
--- a/meson_options.txt
+++ b/meson_options.txt
@@ -12,5 +12,5 @@
   'platform',
   type: 'string',
   description: 'This option sets what configs to use for the platform.',
-  value: 'example'
+  value: 'MUST_BE_OVERRIDDEN_IN_RECIPE'
 )