diff --git a/game_collection/app.py b/game_collection/app.py
index 31a4891..5fcd757 100644
--- a/game_collection/app.py
+++ b/game_collection/app.py
@@ -52,6 +52,9 @@ def get_games():
 
 @app.route('/games/search', methods=['GET'])
 def search_game_api():
+    if not authenticate():  # Ensure the user is authenticated
+        return jsonify({'message': 'Unauthorized access!'}), 401
+
     search_term = request.args.get('search_keywords')
     if not search_term:
         return jsonify({'message': 'No search term provided!'}), 400