I don’t know… even if a game runs perfectly on Linux desktop (which should deserve a high score on ProtonDB) that doesn’t mean it will run well on the Steam Deck (ie. readable at 800p, with Steam Deck controls & limited in processing power).

So I think it’s worth it to have a specific categorization for that, specially if it’s linked to an official review process by Valve, with a greater direct incentive for game companies to comply to pass verification and get their official stamp. After all, Valve could still have an eye on the ProtonDB score as part of their internal review process if they wanted, before deciding whether or not give official approval.

IMHO, what Valve should do is be more strict when assigning “Verified” status. For example, Jurassic World Evolution 2 does not deserve to be in that category with such unreadable tiny pixelated messy UI at 800p and poor performance (and even in ProtonDB many people are giving it a good score, despite how some people acknowledge these problems). It would be ok to place it in “Playable”, but not “Verified”. Personally I don’t think it’s an issue to have unverified games that “work fine”, the problem is when “Verified” games don’t really work as well as you’d expect.