Gaming World Mourns as Vince Zampella, Co-Creator of ‘Call of Duty,’ Dies in Tragic Crash
The video game industry is reeling from the sudden loss of Vince Zampella, the visionary developer who co-created the Call of Duty franchise and founded Respawn Entertainment. Zampella, 55, died on December 21, 2025, in a fiery single-car crash while driving a Ferrari on Southern California’s Angeles Crest Highway.
Details of the Tragic Accident
The fatal crash occurred around 12:45 p.m. PST. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the 2026 Ferrari 296 GTS Zampella was driving veered off the winding mountain road shortly after exiting a tunnel, collided with a concrete barrier, and burst into flames.
Zampella, who was behind the wheel, became trapped and died at the scene. A passenger, whose identity has not been released, was ejected from the vehicle and later succumbed to injuries at a hospital. The cause of the crash, including potential factors like speed or mechanical failure, remains under investigation. Witness video shows the red Ferrari exiting the tunnel at high speed before the impact.
A Titan of the Gaming Industry
Zampella’s death marks the loss of one of gaming’s most influential figures. He first rose to prominence as a co-founder of Infinity Ward, the studio that launched the groundbreaking Call of Duty series in 2003. The franchise went on to become one of the best-selling in history, defining the modern first-person shooter genre.
After leaving Infinity Ward, Zampella co-founded Respawn Entertainment in 2010. Under his leadership, Respawn produced a string of critical and commercial hits, including the Titanfall series, the battle-royale phenomenon Apex Legends, and the acclaimed Star Wars Jedi games (Fallen Order and Survivor). Respawn was acquired by Electronic Arts (EA) in 2017, and Zampella later also took on a leadership role for EA’s Battlefield franchise.
An Outpouring of Industry Tributes
News of his passing prompted an immediate and profound outpouring of grief from across the industry. Electronic Arts issued a statement honoring his “profound and far-reaching” impact, extending condolences to his family and colleagues.
Video game journalist Geoff Keighley remembered Zampella as an “extraordinary person” with a rare talent for nurturing creative vision. Tributes from developers, critics, and fans flooded social media, highlighting how his work on franchises like Call of Duty and Apex Legends shaped the gaming landscape for millions.
A Lasting Legacy
Born in October 1970, Vince Zampella’s career was defined by a relentless drive for innovation and storytelling excellence. He is survived by his three children. While the circumstances of his tragic death are investigated, the global gaming community mourns a true pioneer whose legacy will continue to inspire players and creators for generations to come.
