Vince Zampella, co-creator of Call of Duty and Respawn head, died in a California car crash at 55. Gaming world mourns the loss of a visionary industry leader.
Vince Zampella, co-creator of Call of Duty and Respawn head, died in a California car crash at 55 [Photo: X]
Vince Zampella, the legendary video game developer best known as the co-creator of Call of Duty, has died in a fatal car crash in California at the age of 55. The accident occurred on a mountain highway in Southern California, sending shockwaves through the global gaming community. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash as tributes pour in from fans and industry leaders worldwide.
Vince Zampella was an American video game designer who helped shape modern gaming. He co-founded Infinity Ward in 2002, where he played a key role in creating the Call of Duty franchise, which became one of the most successful series in entertainment history.
In 2010, Vince Zampella launched Respawn Entertainment with partner Jason West, later acquired by Electronic Arts. Respawn produced hits including Titanfall, Titanfall 2, Apex Legends and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. At the time of his death, Vince Zampella had also taken on leadership for the Battlefield series at EA.
According to the California Highway Patrol, Vince Zampella was driving a 2026 Ferrari 296 GTS on Angeles Crest Highway north of Los Angeles when the car veered off the road shortly after exiting a tunnel. The vehicle struck a concrete barrier and burst into flames. Both Zampella and a passenger later died from their injuries, Vince Zampella at the scene, and the passenger in the hospital.
Video circulating online shows the Ferrari speeding out of a mountain tunnel moments before the fiery impact on the narrow, twisty route that runs through the San Gabriel Mountains.
