So if you click off of the game by accident by clicking the screen around the game does it reset or stop the timer?

Read rules for this category. "At least 80% of your video has to be Minesweeper gameplay." That's all you need to get your run verified. No restrictions. Only you may or may not stop the timer. Timer is not required either.

Is it allowed to "not playing the game" in this category, I wanted to make sure if it's allowed or not.