Call of Duty Creator Vince Zampella Dead at 55 After Fatal Car Crash in California, Video Game Industry In Shock

Los Angeles, Dec 23: Vince Zampella, one of the most influential figures in modern video gaming and a co-creator of the global phenomenon Call of Duty, has died in a car crash in California, Electronic

Arts confirmed. He was 55.

According to local broadcaster NBC4, the accident occurred on Sunday (December 21) on a road north of Los Angeles. The California Highway Patrol said the vehicle Zampella was driving veered off the road shortly after exiting a tunnel and struck a concrete barrier. The car subsequently caught fire, trapping Zampella inside. A passenger was ejected from the vehicle and later died in hospital.

Zampella was widely regarded as one of the most consequential designers and executives in the video game industry. Over a career spanning nearly three decades, he helped shape the modern military shooter genre and build multiple blockbuster franchises.

Architect of a Global Gaming Phenomenon

Zampella rose to prominence as the former CEO of Infinity Ward, the studio behind the original Call of Duty, which launched in 2003. Co-created alongside longtime collaborators Jason West and Grant Collier, the franchise drew inspiration from World War II and quickly set new standards for cinematic storytelling and multiplayer gameplay.

Over the years, Call of Duty evolved into one of the most lucrative entertainment properties in history, selling more than 500 million copies worldwide and becoming a cornerstone of Activision, now owned by Microsoft.

Respawn Entertainment and a Second Act

Following a high-profile legal dispute with Activision in 2010 over unpaid royalties, Zampella co-founded Respawn Entertainment. The studio quickly established itself as an industry leader, delivering critically acclaimed titles such as Titanfall, Titanfall 2, Apex Legends, and STAR WARS Jedi: Fallen Order.

Respawn was acquired by Electronic Arts in 2017, after which Zampella took on broader leadership responsibilities within EA. He later assumed oversight of the Battlefield franchise, guiding its creative direction. The most recent instalment, Battlefield 6, released in October to strong critical response.

🚨 BREAKING | Gaming World Shocked by Unverified Reports 🚨
Reports circulating online claim that Vince Zampella, the co-developer of the iconic Call of Duty franchise, has died in a fiery car crash. According to these reports, his daughter has spoken out, sharing emotional words… pic.twitter.com/DQDfwL3Nan

- Usa Digital Report (@report_usa15062) December 23, 2025

Tributes from Across the Industry

Tributes poured in following news of Zampella's death. Electronic Arts said his influence on gaming was "profound and far-reaching," adding that his work inspired millions of players and developers worldwide.

Respawn Entertainment praised him for trusting his teams and encouraging bold ideas, while Infinity Ward said Zampella would "always have a special place in our history," crediting him with creating iconic and lasting entertainment.

Zampella is survived by his family. His death marks the loss of a visionary whose creative and leadership legacy helped define an era of interactive entertainment.