Spiritual sequel

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A spiritual sequel or spiritual successor is a sequel or successor to a computer or video game, movie, comic or even a stage play or television mini-series. It consists of the same genre, themes, or high-concept, and is often created by the same producer, director, or writer. Since creative teams often change employers but do not retain the rights to their intellectual property, they will often create a new product that is a sequel to their previous works in all ways except for being set in the exact same universe. Other times another company or individual will strive to create an official sequel but is unable to secure the rights from the original author, artist, or company. Therefore, it is not an official sequel, but it is the sequel "in spirit" that does not legally violate any copyrights or trademarks. In some cases, the spiritual sequels are introduced many years before the "official" successors. Oftentimes, homages and references to other media will occur in spiritual sequels. Sometimes, they can be games using the same engine made by the same company.