Tue Dec 23 10:09:51 UTC 2025: Summary:
Vince Zampella, the influential co-creator of the Call of Duty franchise and a key figure in the first-person shooter genre, has died in a car crash in Southern California at the age of 55. Zampella’s Ferrari crashed on Angeles Crest Highway, killing him and a passenger. His career included co-founding Infinity Ward, launching Call of Duty, establishing Respawn Entertainment (known for Titanfall and Apex Legends), and revitalizing the Battlefield series at Electronic Arts. Zampella’s peers and colleagues are mourning his loss, praising his vision, leadership, and impact on the gaming industry.
News Article:
Call of Duty Co-Creator Vince Zampella Dies in Car Crash at 55
Los Angeles, CA – Vince Zampella, the acclaimed video game developer and executive behind the hugely successful Call of Duty franchise, died in a car crash on Sunday in Southern California. He was 55.
Electronic Arts (EA), Zampella’s most recent employer, confirmed the tragic news, calling his death “an unimaginable loss.” According to the California Highway Patrol, Zampella’s Ferrari veered off Angeles Crest Highway, struck a concrete barrier, and caught fire. Zampella and one passenger were killed in the accident.
Zampella’s impact on the gaming industry is immeasurable. After starting as a designer in the 1990s, he co-founded Infinity Ward in 2002 and spearheaded the launch of Call of Duty in 2003. The franchise has since become a global phenomenon, selling over half a billion copies and boasting over 100 million monthly active players.
Following his departure from Activision, Zampella founded Respawn Entertainment in 2010. Respawn is responsible for popular titles like Titanfall, Apex Legends, and the Star Wars Jedi games. EA acquired Respawn in 2017, where Zampella took on the role of revitalizing the Battlefield series, further cementing his status as a titan in the first-person shooter genre.
The gaming community is mourning the loss of a visionary. Geoff Keighley, video game journalist and co-creator of The Game Awards, described Zampella as an “extraordinary person” and a “gamer at heart.” Respawn Entertainment called him “a titan and legend of this industry, a visionary leader and a force who shaped teams and games… in ways that will be felt for generations.”
Zampella’s influence extended far beyond individual games and studios. He was known for his ability to recognize talent and empower creators, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire developers and players for years to come.
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