Gaming Legend Vince Zampella Dies in Ferrari Crash at 55

The gaming world mourns the loss of Vince Zampella, co-creator of the iconic “Call of Duty” franchise and founder of Respawn Entertainment, who died in a car accident north of Los Angeles on Sunday. Zampella was 55.

According to local authorities, Zampella’s Ferrari veered off a scenic mountain road, hitting a concrete barrier before catching fire. Both Zampella and a passenger in the car were killed. The California Highway Patrol said the cause of the crash remains under investigation, and no further details on the passenger have been released.

Industry Icon Behind Call of Duty and Respawn Games

Zampella’s influence on gaming spanned more than two decades. He co-founded Infinity Ward in 2002 and played a key role in launching the first “Call of Duty” in 2003, a franchise that now boasts over 100 million active players worldwide. After leaving Activision, he founded Respawn Entertainment in 2010, which later became part of Electronic Arts. Respawn is known for hit titles such as “Titanfall,” “Apex Legends,” and the “Star Wars Jedi” games.

This year, Zampella oversaw the release of “Battlefield 6,” which set new sales records for the franchise. In interviews, he often expressed gratitude for the global reach of his games, saying that creating immersive and engaging experiences for players was always his top priority.

“Vince’s influence on the video game industry was profound and far-reaching,” Electronic Arts said in a statement. “His work helped shape modern interactive entertainment.” Respawn echoed the sentiment, highlighting his dedication to his teams, his encouragement of creative risks, and his unwavering commitment to players.

Saudi-Led Consortium to Acquire Electronic Arts in $55 Billion Record Deal

Experts and journalists also reflected on Zampella’s storytelling approach, noting his ability to combine intense action, political undertones, and human emotion in ways few game designers could match. “He really knew how to create stories and experiences that resonated deeply with players,” said Washington Post video game reporter Gene Park.

Zampella’s legacy extends beyond the games themselves; he helped define the modern first-person shooter genre and influenced countless developers and studios across the industry. Players and colleagues alike are remembering him as a visionary who pushed the boundaries of interactive entertainment.

The gaming community continues to pay tribute to Zampella on social media, sharing memories of his games and the impact he had on players around the world.