Gaming Industry Mourns Loss of Vince Zampella, Co-Creator of Call of Duty, Killed in Car Crash

Los Angeles, CA - December 28, 2025--The video game community is grieving the sudden death of Vince Zampella, the influential developer and co-creator of the blockbuster Call of Duty franchise, who died at age 55 in a single-vehicle crash on December 21.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the accident occurred around 12:45 p.m. on the Angeles Crest Highway in the San Gabriel Mountains north of Los Angeles. Zampella was driving a 2026 Ferrari 296 GTS southbound when the vehicle veered off the road shortly after exiting a tunnel, struck a concrete barrier, and burst into flames.

Zampella, trapped in the driver's seat, was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger was ejected from the vehicle and later died at a hospital. The identity of the passenger has not been released, and authorities have not determined the cause of the crash, including whether drugs or alcohol were factors.Electronic Arts (EA), 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. Vince's influence on the video game industry was profound and far-reaching.

Zampella was driving a 2026 Ferrari 296 GTS southbound when the vehicle veered off the road shortly after exiting a tunnel, struck a concrete barrier, and burst into flames

A friend, colleague, leader and visionary creator, his work helped shape modern interactive entertainment and inspired millions of players and developers around the world. His legacy will continue to shape how games are made and how players connect for generations to come."Zampella's career began in the 1990s, notably contributing to Medal of Honor: Allied Assault. In 2002, he co-founded Infinity Ward with Jason West and Grant Collier, where they developed the original Call of Duty in 2003 as a rival to the Medal of Honor series. Under his leadership, the studio produced several early entries, including the groundbreaking Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare.After parting ways with Activision (Infinity Ward's publisher at the time), Zampella co-founded Respawn Entertainment in 2010.

The studio, acquired by EA, released hits such as Titanfall, Apex Legends, and the Star Wars Jedi series. More recently, Zampella oversaw the Battlefield franchise, contributing to its direction.Tributes poured in from across the industry. Infinity Ward stated that Zampella "will always have a special place in our history," adding that his "legacy of creating iconic, lasting entertainment is immeasurable." Colleagues and fans alike highlighted his role in defining modern shooters and fostering creative teams.Zampella is survived by three children. His contributions have touched billions of hours of gameplay worldwide, ensuring his impact endures through the franchises he helped build.