Request interception in Playwright is a technique used to significantly reduce the runtime of scripts by blocking unnecessary network requests. This approach can be particularly valuable in continuous integration environments, where every second saved accelerates the development cycle. By carefully selecting which resources to load, developers can achieve more efficient and faster test runs. Request interception enables precise control over network interactions, allowing for detailed testing of application behavior under various conditions, including mocking responses, simulating errors, and modifying real responses. This technique is essential for optimizing test performance and creating robust and comprehensive test suites.