Vince Zampella, the co-creator of Call of Duty, has died in a car crash, Electronic Arts confirmed. He was 55.
The accident occurred on Sunday while Zampella was driving his Ferrari north of Los Angeles. The California Highway Patrol said the vehicle veered off the road, hit a concrete barrier, and caught fire. Both Zampella and a passenger died in the crash. The cause is under investigation.
Zampella was a pioneer in first-person shooter games. He co-founded Infinity Ward in 2002 and helped launch Call of Duty in 2003. The franchise quickly became a global hit, attracting more than 100 million active players monthly.
He later left Activision and founded Respawn Entertainment in 2010. Respawn created popular titles like “Titanfall,” “Apex Legends,” and “Star Wars Jedi” games. Electronic Arts acquired the studio in 2017, where Zampella also worked on revitalizing the “Battlefield” franchise.
“This is an unimaginable loss, and our hearts are with Vince’s family and loved ones,” Electronic Arts said. “Vince’s influence on the video game industry was profound and far-reaching. His work helped shape modern interactive entertainment.”
Gaming communities and industry experts praised Zampella’s innovative approach. He was known for creating immersive experiences that blended storytelling, action, and realism. Washington Post reporter Gene Park said he captured “terror, dread, and heroism” in his games, connecting deeply with players.
Zampella expressed gratitude for his career’s success. In a 2016 interview with IGN, he admitted, “You have that dream of the game being popular, but you’re never ready for that level of success.” His work with Call of Duty left a lasting mark on the gaming world, influencing a generation of players and developers.
Respawn Entertainment also released a statement, highlighting his leadership and vision. Zampella encouraged innovation and championed the well-being of his teams and the players. His legacy will continue through the games he helped create and the millions of players worldwide who enjoyed them.
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