The first reference to the game was as an Easter Egg in Bungie's Halo 3: ODST (2009). During that game, the player can find a poster featuring Earth, a white ball (presumably the Traveler), and the words "Destiny Awaits".
Mostly all of the of the story line was cut after Joseph Staten's departure. There was also an extension of the tower, called the city, that was completely removed, which contained additional vendors. The entrance to The City is to believed to be through the large gate by the Guardian Outfitter, Eva Levante, in Tower North across from the Speaker's Chamber. The actors who voiced The City's vendors are still credited.
The Warlock space wizards are based on the Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977) Jedi, "The Lord of the Rings"'s Gandalf, and The Matrix (1999)'s Morpheus.
The Titan soldiers are based on the Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977) Stormtroopers and Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)'s Master Chief.
The recent April update includes a mysterious new piece of lore, hidden inside a Dead Ghost, which can be found in the Prison of Elders. A walkthrough was published by a Reddit user by the name of Rezyl Azzir just 16 minutes after the update was pushed live. But as more fans found the item Rezyl Azzir disappeared, deleting his Reddit account and post too. However, Redditors were quick to spot a message in Latin posted by Azzir, shortly before the account was removed: Vegisima die mensis noni. ILLUD est venturus. Per Audacia ad astra." Translated by Latin-speaking Destiny players, this becomes: The twentieth day of the ninth month. IT is coming. Forward, to the stars." It may be we finally see story and settings from this DLC, and from the early Taken King plans, come this 20th September.