The gaming world is mourning the sudden loss of Vince Zampella, co-creator of Call of Duty and a pivotal figure in modern video games, who died in a car crash on December 21, 2025.
Vince Zampella, aged 55, was tragically killed when his Ferrari veered off the Angeles Crest Highway in California, struck a concrete barrier, and burst into flames. The accident, which occurred around 12:45 p.m. north of Los Angeles, also claimed the life of a passenger who was ejected from the vehicle. Authorities are currently investigating the crash, with the cause still undetermined.
Vince Zampella has a legacy that defined modern shooters
Zampella’s impact on the video game industry is immeasurable. In 2002, he co-founded Infinity Ward with Jason West and Grant Collier, and in 2003, they launched the original Call of Duty. The game revolutionized the first-person shooter genre with its cinematic storytelling and immersive multiplayer, laying the foundation for a franchise that has since sold over 500 million copies and become a cultural phenomenon.
His influence extended far beyond Call of Duty. After leaving Activision in 2010 amidst a high-profile dispute, Zampella co-founded Respawn Entertainment under Electronic Arts (EA). There, he continued his streak of hits with:
- Titanfall: A critically acclaimed shooter that introduced advanced movement mechanics.
- Apex Legends: A battle royale juggernaut that reshaped the genre with its squad-based gameplay and "ping" system.
- Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order: A massive single-player success that revitalized Star Wars gaming.
Before his passing, Zampella was also overseeing the Battlefield franchise at EA, working on Battlefield 6 as a direct competitor to the series he originally created.
Tributes from across the industry
The news of Zampella’s death has drawn tributes from colleagues, competitors, and fans alike. Electronic Arts described his passing as an “unimaginable loss,” praising his profound influence on gaming and expressing support for his family.
Geoff Keighley, host of The Game Awards and a close friend, remembered Zampella as a “visionary leader” who cared deeply about honesty and transparency.
“While he created some of the most influential games of our time, I always felt he still had his greatest one ahead of him,” Keighley wrote. “It’s heartbreaking that we’ll never get to play it.”
We're heartbroken by the passing of our founder and dear friend Vince Zampella.
— Respawn (@Respawn) December 22, 2025
Vince was a titan and legend of this industry, a visionary leader and a force who shaped teams and games like Call of Duty, Titanfall, Apex Legends, the Star Wars Jedi series and Battlefield for our... pic.twitter.com/L51gG9tbRo
Infinity Ward, the studio he co-founded, also paid respects, stating that Zampella “will always have a special place in our history” and that his legacy of creating iconic entertainment is “immeasurable.” Content creators like YouTuber MrRoflWaffles called him a “staple” on the “Mount Rushmore of gaming,” crediting him with inspiring an entire generation of players and creators.
Now, while the investigation into the crash continues, the gaming community is left to reflect on the sudden loss of a true pioneer whose creative vision shaped the way millions of people play and connect.