The video gaming industry mourns the loss of Vince Zampella, co-creator of the iconic Call of Duty franchise, who tragically died in a car accident north of Los Angeles on Sunday. Electronic Arts confirmed the news, highlighting Zampella’s profound impact on modern interactive entertainment.
According to the California Highway Patrol, Zampella was driving his Ferrari on a scenic road when the vehicle veered off the roadway, collided with a concrete barrier, and caught fire. Both Zampella and a passenger were killed in the accident. The circumstances leading to the crash remain unknown.
Zampella’s career spanned decades, beginning in the 1990s as a shooter game designer. He co-founded Infinity Ward in 2002 and helped launch Call of Duty in 2003, a series that became one of the world’s best-selling video game franchises. After leaving Activision under contentious circumstances, he established Respawn Entertainment in 2010. The studio, later acquired by Electronic Arts, produced successful titles such as Titanfall, Apex Legends, and Star Wars Jedi games.
At EA, Zampella played a pivotal role in revitalizing the Battlefield franchise, earning acclaim for his leadership, creativity, and commitment to both his teams and players. Electronic Arts called his passing “an unimaginable loss,” praising his profound and far-reaching influence on the video game industry.
Respawn Entertainment also honored Zampella, highlighting his dedication to nurturing talent, encouraging bold ideas, and championing the values he believed were right for his teams and the gaming community.
Zampella’s legacy endures through the groundbreaking games he helped create, inspiring generations of gamers and developers alike.
