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Los Angeles, December 23, 2025 – The video game industry is in mourning following the sudden and tragic death of Vince Zampella, the influential co-creator of the iconic Call of Duty franchise and co-founder of Respawn Entertainment. Zampella, aged 55, was killed in a single-vehicle crash on Sunday afternoon along the scenic but treacherous Angeles Crest Highway in the San Gabriel Mountains north of Los Angeles. A passenger in the vehicle also perished in the accident.
According to reports from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and local media outlets including NBC Los Angeles, the crash occurred around 12:45 p.m. on December 21. Zampella was driving a red 2026 Ferrari 296 GTS, a high-performance hybrid convertible known for its 819 horsepower, when the vehicle veered off the winding two-lane road shortly after exiting a tunnel. The Ferrari struck a concrete barrier, burst into flames, and became fully engulfed. Zampella, trapped inside, was pronounced dead at the scene. The unidentified passenger was ejected from the car and succumbed to injuries at a nearby hospital.
Eyewitness video of the incident, which has circulated online, shows the Ferrari traveling at high speed before losing control. The CHP has stated that the cause of the crash remains under investigation, with no confirmation yet on factors such as speed, road conditions, or impairment. Angeles Crest Highway, a popular route among car enthusiasts for its sharp curves and stunning views, has a history of dangerous accidents.
Electronic Arts (EA), the parent company of Respawn Entertainment, confirmed Zampella’s passing in an emotional statement: “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 interactive entertainment and inspired millions of players and developers around the world. His legacy will continue to shape how games are made and how players connect for generations to come.”
Respawn Entertainment, the studio Zampella co-founded in 2010, echoed the sentiment on social media: “We’re heartbroken by the passing of our founder and dear friend Vince Zampella. Vince was a titan and legend of this industry, a visionary leader and a force who shaped teams and games like Call of Duty, Titanfall, Apex Legends, the Star Wars Jedi series and Battlefield for our community in ways that will be felt for generations.”
Zampella’s career in gaming began in the mid-1990s, but he rose to prominence after co-founding Infinity Ward in 2002 with Jason West and Grant Collier. The studio’s breakthrough came with the 2003 release of Call of Duty, developed as a rival to EA’s Medal of Honor series. Under Zampella’s leadership, Infinity Ward produced several early entries, including the groundbreaking Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare in 2007, which shifted the franchise from World War II settings to contemporary conflicts and revolutionized multiplayer gaming. The series has since sold over half a billion copies worldwide and maintains more than 100 million monthly active players.
In 2010, following a high-profile dispute and dismissal from Activision (which was later settled), Zampella and West founded Respawn Entertainment. Acquired by EA in 2017, Respawn delivered massive hits under Zampella’s guidance, including Titanfall (2014), the battle royale phenomenon Apex Legends (2019), and the critically acclaimed Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (2019) and its sequel Jedi: Survivor (2023). More recently, Zampella oversaw the Battlefield franchise, contributing to the record-breaking success of Battlefield 6 earlier this year.
Known for his passion for cars—often sharing photos of his luxury collection on social media—Zampella’s personal life included three children from his previous marriage. Tributes have poured in from across the industry. Geoff Keighley, host of The Game Awards and a close friend, described him as “an extraordinary person—a gamer at heart, but also a visionary executive” who prioritized talent and player experience.
Infinity Ward also paid respects: “Your legacy of creating iconic, lasting entertainment is immeasurable.”
Zampella’s untimely death marks the end of an era for first-person shooters and modern gaming. His innovations not only defined blockbuster franchises but also inspired countless developers to push boundaries in storytelling, multiplayer design, and immersive worlds. As the investigation continues, the gaming community reflects on a legacy that will endure through the games he helped create and the lives he touched.
