• Cartoon and Animation Studies
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• s.33
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• pp.531-549
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• 2013

Action games exhibit all the specific constellation of masochism, such as disavowal, suspense, waiting, fetishism, and fantasy. These characteristics of action games can be analyzed with respect to masochism. This study conducted an analysis excluding sadism as much as possible, as sadism is a result of etiological misconception as opposed to masochism. However, comparative analysis is included in the study so that action games are not seen as demonstrating sadism. Games create a space for virtual interaction for main agents by connecting gamer-existence and game-character in the framework of a contract. The interaction of visual tactility within this space creates a system of difference in pleasure. Masochism enables one to attain pleasure in a world created himself or herself using fetishism in contractual relationships such as the ones exhibited in games. This shows that action games and masochism are mutually related. This paper analyzed the ontology of action games using actual examples of action games. The paper concluded that action games lead to the fulfillment of masochistic pleasure.