Vince Zampella, co-creator of Call of Duty, dies at 55.

Vince Zampella, a central figure in the video game industry and co-creator of Call of Duty, passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2025, following a car accident on the Angeles Crest Highway, in the San Gabriel Mountains, north of Los Angeles. He was 55 years old.

Confirmed details of the accident

According to information from the California Highway Patrol, the accident occurred around 12:45 p.m. The vehicle driven by Zampella left the roadway for reasons still under investigation, struck a concrete barrier, and caught fire. The developer was pronounced dead at the scene.

A passenger traveling with him was ejected from the vehicle and later died at a hospital. So far, no other vehicles have been reported as involved, and no external factors have been confirmed. The official investigation remains ongoing.

Industry reactions

The news had a wide impact across the video game community. Electronic Arts (EA), owner of Respawn Entertainment, expressed its condolences through a statement highlighting Zampella’s influence on modern interactive entertainment.

Respawn Entertainment also shared its grief, recalling his role as founder and creative leader.
Producer and host Geoff Keighley pointed out on social media the developer’s legacy and his contribution to the growth of new generations of creators.

Professional career

Zampella began his career in the 1990s and gained recognition as the lead designer of Medal of Honor: Allied Assault. In 2002, he co-founded Infinity Ward, the studio that launched Call of Duty in 2003, a franchise that redefined the first-person shooter genre.

After a dispute with Activision over bonuses and creative control, he left Infinity Ward in 2010 alongside Jason West and founded Respawn Entertainment. There, he led projects such as Titanfall, Apex Legends, and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, expanding his influence beyond traditional shooters.

In 2017, EA acquired Respawn. Years later, Zampella took charge of the Battlefield franchise, aiming to reorganize its development after entries with mixed reception.

A lasting legacy

Vince Zampella’s work left a clear mark on modern shooter design, the way creative studios are built, and the evolution of major franchises. His focus on strong teams and gameplay innovation influenced millions of players and developers worldwide.

Authorities have not revealed the identity of the passenger, and no official statements from the family have been released. The video game industry says goodbye to one of its most influential figures of the past decades.