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Vince Zampella, co-creator of Call of Duty, dies in California crash
Vince Zampella, the video game developer who helped launch the Call of Duty franchise, has died in a car accident in Los Angeles. He was 55. His death was confirmed by Electronic Arts, the parent company of Respawn Entertainment, the studio Zampella co-founded.
Crash details
The accident occurred on Sunday when the Ferrari Zampella was traveling in veered off a Los Angeles highway, struck a concrete barrier, and burst into flames, according to the California Highway Patrol. Both occupants of the vehicle died at the scene.
The passenger was ejected from the car, while the driver remained trapped inside. Authorities have not confirmed whether Zampella was driving or identified the second victim.
Legacy in gaming
Zampella co-created Call of Duty in 2003 alongside Jason West and Grant Collier. The franchise, inspired by World War II, has sold over 500 million copies, making Microsoft's Activision one of the most profitable gaming companies globally. A live-action film adaptation is currently in development.
Beyond Call of Duty, Zampella was instrumental in developing other major titles, including Medal of Honor, Titanfall, and Apex Legends. Colleagues and industry figures praised his focus on player experience.
"He really cared about the player experience, he cared about making games, he cared about how people felt when they played-and that really came across whenever you spoke to him."
Keza MacDonald, The Guardian video games editor, speaking to BBC Newshour
Career highlights and disputes
In 2010, Zampella and West were fired from Activision, the publisher behind Call of Duty. The dismissal led to a prolonged legal battle, which the pair settled out of court in 2012.
At Electronic Arts, Zampella worked on Battlefield 6, a title viewed as a direct rival to Call of Duty. Infinity Ward, the studio behind the original Call of Duty, paid tribute to Zampella on X, calling his legacy of "iconic, lasting entertainment" immeasurable.
Tributes pour in
Electronic Arts described Zampella's death as "an unimaginable loss," extending condolences to his family, friends, and those influenced by his work.
"This is a devastating moment for the gaming community," the company's spokesperson told the BBC. "Vince's contributions redefined interactive entertainment."
