Replay

Replay is the repetition or playback of an event after it has occurred, usually by using recorded media or retrieved data. It spans multiple domains, including media playback, sports officiating, gaming, computing, and scientific study. The core idea is to reproduce a moment to view again, review details, or learn from it.

In sports and some broadcasting, instant replay systems allow officials and commentators to review contentious plays. Video replays may determine outcomes such as goals, fouls, or outs, sometimes with time delays. Debates focus on accuracy, transparency, and the impact on the pace and flow of the game.

In video games and streaming, replays enable players to watch past matches, analyze tactics, or create shareable content. Replays can save video of the event or reconstruct it from recorded inputs. In competitive environments, replays support post‑match reviews and highlights.

In computing and machine learning, replay concepts appear as replay buffers that store recent interactions for debugging or training. Experience replay in reinforcement learning uses past experiences to stabilize and improve learning. In neuroscience, memory replay refers to the reactivation of past experiences during sleep or rest, linked to memory consolidation.