Vince Zampella, a key figure behind the creation of the acclaimed video game franchise Call of Duty, has died at the age of 55 following a car accident in California. His death was confirmed by Electronic Arts, the parent company of Respawn Entertainment, the studio Zampella co-founded.
The renowned game developer was traveling in a Ferrari with another person when the vehicle lost control, veered off the road, struck a concrete barrier, and caught fire on a highway near Los Angeles on Sunday. Authorities reported that both occupants of the car died in the crash, though it has not yet been determined who was driving or the identity of the passenger.
“This is an unimaginable loss. Our thoughts are with Vince’s family, his loved ones, and everyone whose lives were touched by his work,” an Electronic Arts spokesperson told the BBC.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the cause of the accident remains under investigation. The crash occurred on a winding road overlooking Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley. Local media reported that a witness provided authorities with video footage showing a red Ferrari 296 GTS crashing into the barrier shortly after exiting a tunnel.
A Defining Legacy in the Video Game Industry
Zampella co-created Call of Duty in 2003 alongside Jason West and Grant Collier. Inspired in part by World War II, the game became a global phenomenon, selling more than 500 million copies and helping turn Activision—now owned by Microsoft—into one of the most profitable companies in the gaming industry. The franchise has also inspired a feature film currently in production.
Beyond Call of Duty, Zampella played a major role in the development of other highly successful titles, including Medal of Honor, Titanfall, and Apex Legends, leaving a lasting mark on modern gaming.
Following news of his death, numerous figures from the industry paid tribute to his career. Geoff Keighley, creator of The Game Awards, described Zampella as a “dear friend and visionary executive,” while journalists and content creators highlighted his dedication to player experience and his influence on multiple generations of gamers.
In 2010, Zampella and Jason West parted ways with Activision after a legal dispute that was settled out of court in 2012. He later continued his career at Electronic Arts, where he worked on projects such as Battlefield 6.
Infinity Ward, the studio behind Call of Duty, said Zampella “will always hold a special place in our history,” adding that his legacy in creating enduring, iconic entertainment is immeasurable. 0
