An internal combustion engine system includes an internal combustion engine, a controller, and an increased brake load event communicator. The internal combustion engine includes a first cylinder and a first cylinder deactivation prevention mechanism. The first cylinder is configured to be selectively activated and deactivated. The first cylinder deactivation prevention mechanism is configured to selectively prevent the first cylinder from being deactivated. The controller is communicable with the first cylinder deactivation prevention mechanism. The controller includes an increased brake load event detection module that is configured to selectively control the first cylinder deactivation prevention mechanism to prevent the first cylinder from being deactivated. The increased brake load event communicator is communicable with the controller. The increased brake load event detection module is configured to control the first cylinder deactivation prevention mechanism to prevent the first cylinder from being deactivated based on a communication from the increased brake load event communicator.