The video game industry is in mourning following the tragic death of Vince Zampella, a pioneering creator best known for co-founding the multi-billion pound Call of Duty franchise. He was 55 years old.
A Tragic Incident in California
Zampella died on Sunday, 21 December 2025. While his publisher, Electronic Arts (EA), did not initially disclose a cause, multiple reports confirmed he was involved in a fatal single-vehicle collision. The incident occurred in the San Gabriel Mountains of Southern California at approximately 12:45pm local time. According to NBC Los Angeles, the crash involved a Ferrari.
The Legacy of a Visionary Creator
Vince Zampella's influence on interactive entertainment was monumental. He was a former chief executive of Infinity Ward, the original studio behind Call of Duty. In 2010, he founded Respawn Entertainment, which later became a subsidiary of EA.
An EA spokesperson hailed him as a "friend, colleague, leader and visionary creator," stating his work "helped shape modern interactive entertainment and inspired millions of players and developers around the world." They added that his legacy would continue to influence game development and player communities for generations.
Landmark Achievements in Gaming
Zampella's crowning achievement remains the creation of the Call of Duty series. Since its 2003 debut as a Second World War simulation, the first-person shooter franchise has evolved into a global phenomenon, selling more than half a billion copies worldwide. Its success has spawned a live-action film currently in production with Paramount Pictures.
Beyond Call of Duty, his leadership at Respawn Entertainment led to critically acclaimed titles including the action-adventure games Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, further cementing his status as a defining figure in the industry.
The sudden loss of Vince Zampella leaves a significant void in the world of video games. He is remembered not just for the blockbuster franchises he helped build, but for his profound impact on the craft of game-making itself, inspiring a new era of developers and captivating players across the globe.
