Vince Zampella, co-creator of ‘Call of Duty’ and head of ‘Battlefield,’ dies at 55 in a Ferrari crash.
As of December 22, 2025, video game industry pioneer Vince Zampella has tragically passed away at age 55 following a car crash, leaving a profound void in the world of gaming. Known as the co-creator of the blockbuster “Call of Duty” franchise and a key figure in titles like “Titanfall” and “Apex Legends,” his death has sparked widespread mourning on social media, with hashtags such as #RIPVinceZampella and #CallofDuty trending as fans and colleagues share tributes to his innovative legacy.
The Fatal Crash
Zampella was killed in a single-car accident involving a 2026 Ferrari 296 GTS on Angeles Crest Highway in the San Gabriel Mountains north of Los Angeles. The crash occurred around 12:45 p.m. on Sunday, December 21, 2025, according to the California Highway Patrol. Zampella, the driver, was pronounced dead at the scene, while his passenger was ejected from the vehicle and later died at a hospital. Authorities have not released the passenger’s identity, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation. Footage of a similar incident has circulated online, though not officially confirmed as related.
A Pioneering Career in Gaming
Vince Zampella began his career in the mid-1990s, co-founding Infinity Ward in 2002 with Grant Collier and Jason West. At Infinity Ward, he led the development of the “Call of Duty” series, including groundbreaking titles like “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare” (2007) and “Modern Warfare 2” (2009), which helped the franchise sell over 500 million copies worldwide. Prior to that, he contributed to the “Medal of Honor” series.
In 2010, after a high-profile lawsuit against Activision over unpaid royalties, Zampella and West founded Respawn Entertainment, which was acquired by Electronic Arts (EA) in 2017. Under Respawn, Zampella oversaw hits like the “Titanfall” series, the battle royale sensation “Apex Legends,” and “Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.” Recently promoted to head the “Battlefield” franchise at EA, he contributed to “Battlefield 6,” released in October 2025 to critical acclaim. [His leadership emphasized rapid iteration and player-focused design, influencing modern gaming profoundly.
Tributes and Industry Impact
The gaming community has responded with heartfelt tributes. EA issued a statement mourning Zampella’s loss, highlighting his visionary contributions. Former Epic Games chief creative officer Donald Mustard commented on his passing, reflecting on Zampella’s influence. Fans and developers alike have described him as a “visionary” who “shaped the industry,” with posts noting the untimely void left in ongoing projects like “Battlefield.”
Zampella’s death underscores the fragility of life amid his recent successes, potentially affecting EA’s “Battlefield” direction and Respawn’s future titles. Online discussions range from shock over the crash details to appreciation for his role in creating immersive, high-stakes gaming experiences that defined a generation.
Conclusion
Vince Zampella’s sudden passing at 55 marks a significant loss for the video game world, where his innovative mind revolutionized first-person shooters and multiplayer gaming. His enduring creations will continue to inspire players and developers alike.
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