Highlights
- Influential game developer Vince Zampella dies at 55 after a Ferrari crash in Los Angeles
- Electronic Arts confirms the death of the Call of Duty co-creator and Respawn co-founder
- Zampella leaves behind a legacy spanning Call of Duty, Medal of Honor, Titanfall, and Apex Legends
Crash on Los Angeles highway
Vince Zampella, the video game executive who co-created the blockbuster Call of Duty franchise, has died in a car crash in California. He was 55.
Authorities say Zampella was traveling in a Ferrari with another person when the vehicle veered off a Los Angeles highway on Sunday, struck a concrete barrier, and caught fire. Both occupants were killed.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the passenger was ejected from the vehicle, while the driver remained trapped inside. Officials have not confirmed who was driving or identified the second person.
Electronic Arts confirms death
Electronic Arts, which owns Respawn Entertainment—the studio Zampella co-founded—confirmed his death in a statement.
“This is an unimaginable loss, and our hearts are with Vince’s family, his loved ones, and all those touched by his work,” an EA spokesperson said.
Zampella was photographed just weeks ago at EA’s “Battlefield 6” reveal event in Los Angeles.
Architect of a defining franchise
Zampella helped create Call of Duty in 2003 alongside longtime collaborators Jason West and Grant Collier. Inspired in part by World War II, the series grew into one of the most commercially successful franchises in gaming history, selling more than 500 million copies worldwide.
The franchise has been central to Activision’s rise as a major force in the industry and is also set to expand into a live-action film.
Beyond Call of Duty, Zampella played a key role in shaping other major titles, including Medal of Honor, Titanfall, and Apex Legends.
Reputation for putting players first
“He really cared about the player experience,” said Keza MacDonald, video games editor at the Guardian, speaking to BBC Newshour. “He cared about making games and how people felt when they played.”
That focus earned him respect across the industry, even as his career included high-profile disputes.
Fallout with Activision and later work
In 2010, Zampella and West were fired from Activision, the publisher of Call of Duty. The pair later entered a prolonged legal dispute with the company, which was settled out of court in 2012.
After joining Electronic Arts, Zampella became involved with Battlefield 6, positioning the franchise as a direct rival to the series he once helped define.
Infinity Ward, the studio behind Call of Duty, paid tribute to Zampella on X, calling his impact lasting and foundational.
“Your legacy of creating iconic, lasting entertainment is immeasurable,” the studio said.
