Halo: The Fall of Reach - Background and Writing

Background and Writing

Eric Nylund had discussed the possibility of a Halo related novel with Eric Trautmann, a member of Microsoft's Franchise Development Group, before Halo: Combat Evolved was developed but it was postponed due to legal technicalities. Nylund thought positively of the delay as it "gave a chance to see the game in almost every stage of development before started writing." He wrote the book based on an outline approved by Bungie and the "Halo Story Bible", a book containing all information on the characters and universe in which Halo takes place, so that his story would not conflict with other Halo publications. Nylund found it easier to write with the "Bible" available as the details of the universe he was writing in were already established, only minor alterations were made to fit the novel into the universe. A seven week deadline was established for Nylund to write the book.