However, the existence of these downloads inhabits a complex legal and ethical grey area. Technically, the distribution of the game’s executable code constitutes copyright infringement. While publishers like Activision or Sony (the current rights holders of the Spider-Man game license) have allowed many of these older titles to languish in legal limbo, the distribution of their intellectual property remains illegal. Furthermore, the "download" process often requires users to navigate dubious websites rife with malware, turning the quest for nostalgia into a security risk. The ethical argument often pivots to game preservation; since there is no legal way to purchase a modern, native PC version of the PS2 classic, fans argue that the unofficial port is the only way to keep the game playable for future generations.
Downloading and installing an unofficial port carries major risks:
