The new replay tools offered in PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds are so much more than standard video-capture technology. In fact, it isn't video capture at all -- it's data capture. The 3D replay tools allow players to zoom around the map after a match, tracking their own character, following enemies' movements, slowing down time and setting up cinematic shots of their favorite kills, all within a 1-kilometer radius of their avatar. It's filled with statistics, fresh perspectives and infinite data points to dissect. This isn't just a visual replay; it's a slice of the actual game, perfectly preserved, inviting combatants to play God.

Every year and in every sport, digital technology's role in officiating live gameplay expands. Innovations like MLB's Statcast and the NBA's SportVU systems have leveraged data to collect a wealth of information about all aspects of games, offering detailed feedback to help coaches and players improve performance and grant fans greater access. But applying the same technology to help referees make better calls has been much more controversial, in part because the stakes are so high. The decision on a tough call can be the difference between a win or a loss. Officiating is, of course, subjective, and therefore susceptible to human error.