‘Call of Duty’ Co-Creator Vince Zampella, 55, Has Been Killed

Vince Zampella, the renowned video game developer behind some of the world’s most popular games, has been killed in a car accident at the age of 55.

NBC4 Investigates reports that the crash occurred Sunday afternoon on Angeles Crest Highway, a scenic road in Southern California’s San Gabriel Mountains.

Zampella was the head of Respawn Entertainment, the studio he co-founded in 2010, and the former CEO of Infinity Ward, the team behind the blockbuster “Call of Duty” franchise. Respawn, acquired by EA in 2017, is known for hits such as “Titanfall,” “Titanfall 2,” “Apex Legends,” and “STAR WARS Jedi: Fallen Order.” At the time of his death, Zampella was leading EA’s team behind the “Battlefield” series.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash involved a single vehicle, a 2026 Ferrari 296 GTS. The southbound car veered off the road, struck a concrete barrier, and caught fire. One passenger was ejected and later died at a hospital, while the driver died at the scene.

The CHP said details about the cause of the crash were not yet clear. A witness provided video of the incident, showing the high-performance hybrid sports car, which is capable of more than 819 horsepower.

Zampella’s contributions to the gaming world have been widely celebrated. He helped create franchises that shaped modern gaming and inspired millions of players worldwide. NBC4 Investigates confirmed the details of the crash and Zampella’s role in the industry.

This is a tragic loss for the gaming community and fans around the world. Zampella’s legacy as a pioneering developer will not be forgotten.

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