Vince Zampella, one of the most influential developers in the world of video games and co-creator of the successful Call of Duty franchise, passed away last December 21, 2025 in a car accident in Los Angeles County, California.
He was 55 years old and his death has generated a wave of sadness in the global gaming community and the interactive entertainment industry.
The accident and the circumstances of his death
Vince Zampella, creator of Call of Duty and his passenger was killed on Angles Crest highway when he crashed his Ferrari
Zampella died at the scene. The passenger was thrown from the car by the impact and later died in hospital. pic.twitter.com/p1rnrFJqIg
– Meccanica (@dictionaryhill) December 23, 2025
According to official records and U.S. media reports, the accident occurred on the Angeles Crest Highway, a mountainous route north of Los Angeles.
Vince Zampella was driving a Ferrari 296 GTS when, while exiting a tunnel, his vehicle left the road, hit a concrete barrier and caught fire.
He died at the scene.
A passenger riding with him was ejected from the car on impact and later died at the hospital, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Electronic Arts (EA), parent company of Respawn Entertainment – the studio that Vince Zampella co-founded – issued a statement saying the news is “an unimaginable loss”.
He also sent his condolences to his family, colleagues and millions of fans who admired his work.
A legacy that marked the history of gaming
This is an unimaginable loss, and our hearts are with Vince’s family, his loved ones, and all those touched by his work. Vince’s influence on the video game industry was profound and far-reaching. A friend, colleague, leader and visionary creator, his work helped shape modern. .. https://t.co/af2C4bvsmE
– Electronic Arts (@EA) December 22, 2025
Vince Zampella is recognized as a key figure in the modern video game industry.
Born on October 1, 1970, his career spanned more than three decades and left a deep imprint on the development of games that defined entire genres.
He co-founded Infinity Ward with Jason West in 2002, the studio that brought Call of Duty to life in 2003.
It is a franchise that in the last 20 years sold more than 500 million copies worldwide and became one of the most popular video games on the planet.
Following his departure from Infinity Ward in 2010, Vince Zampella co-founded Respawn Entertainment, where he led acclaimed titles such as Titanfall, Apex Legends and the Star Wars Jedi games.
In 2017, Respawn was acquired by EA, and in recent years Zampella also took on executive roles within major franchises such as Battlefield, serving as creative lead for Battlefield 6, one of the most important releases of 2025.
Reactions in the industry and networks
Thank you for all the incredible experiences and defining memories, Vince Zampella ❤️ pic.twitter.com/LuAbtgRIOa
– Cory Johnston (@LittleBigSpikey) December 22, 2025
Following the confirmation of his death, several studios and industry figures paid tribute to Zampella on social networks.
Companies such as Infinity Ward, Respawn, Battlefield and other developers highlighted his creativity, leadership and ability to inspire generations of developers and gamers.
Call of Duty became a cultural phenomenon that accompanied generations from consoles to PCs and mobile devices, creating spaces for entertainment, competition and sociability.
His work has also inspired many Latino developers who are now seeking opportunities in the video game industry, one of the fastest growing technology sectors in the U.S.
While the interactive entertainment industry mourns the loss of one of its great visionaries, Vince Zampella’s story and impact will live on in every game, every technological breakthrough and every gaming community.
