Vince Zampella, the influential video game developer and co-creator of the blockbuster "Call of Duty" franchise, has died at the age of 55. Zampella, who also co-founded Infinity Ward and Respawn Entertainment, was killed in a car crash on Sunday afternoon on the Angeles Crest Highway in Southern California.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported the incident occurred around 12:45 p.m. near mile marker 62, in an unincorporated area close to Altadena. According to the CHP, a vehicle traveling southbound "for unknown reasons, veered off the roadway, struck a concrete barrier, and became fully engulfed". Zampella, who was driving a red 2026 Ferrari 296 GTS, was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger in the vehicle was transported to a local hospital but later died.
News of Zampella's death has sent shockwaves through the gaming industry. Electronic Arts (EA), which owns Respawn Entertainment, confirmed Zampella's death in a statement, calling it "an unimaginable loss". "Vince's influence on the video game industry was profound and far-reaching," the statement continued. "A friend, colleague, leader and visionary creator, his work helped shape modern interactive entertainment and inspired millions of players and developers around the world".
Zampella's career in video games began in the mid-1990s. He rose to prominence as a key figure in the development of "Call of Duty" at Infinity Ward, a studio he co-founded. The "Call of Duty" franchise became a cultural phenomenon, setting records for sales and establishing itself as a dominant force in the first-person shooter genre.
In 2010, Zampella co-founded Respawn Entertainment under EA. At Respawn, he oversaw the creation of the "Titanfall" series and the wildly popular battle royale game "Apex Legends". Most recently, Zampella had been promoted to head the "Battlefield" series at EA Games. "Battlefield 6" was released in October to critical acclaim.
The Angeles Crest Highway, where the accident occurred, is a scenic but winding mountain road. The CHP is currently investigating the cause of the crash. According to their incident log, officers were alerted to the crash by an emergency services request from an Apple device via satellite. Footage circulating on social media shows the mangled wreckage of the Ferrari engulfed in flames.
Vince Zampella's contributions to the video game industry are undeniable. His creative vision and leadership shaped some of the most successful and influential franchises in gaming history. He leaves behind a legacy of innovation and a profound impact on the entertainment landscape.
