RE: I Asked ChatGPT: "Is it Legal to Download PS1 Games from Archive.org?"

it really depends on your worldview i guess. over a decade ago there have been statements and assertions that movies and games are often uploaded directly by forces within the respective publishing studios themselves. you can see this in the simple fact that a staggeringly large quantity of new movies and games... have been leaked even before the official release date. somebody wants it out there.

if the aim of these media is to reach people and influence the public at large, the more consumers the better. see it as subsidizing for even more reach. if people dont pay for it, at least they consume the content which - some would argue - is the main point of media: to be consumed, not to be sold per se.

whatever the truth is, i still find it absolutely logical and apt that hollywood for instance is not about making money primarily. rather it is about altering perception and controlling public narratives first and foremost, even if it comes at a superficial financial 'loss'. upholding the spell is more important to those who cast them, and with the right connections money is of little concern when you can direct people's lives without them realizing it...

i could be wrong of course ;)