Call of Duty Co-Creator Vince Zampella Dies in Los Angeles Crash
Vince Zampella Killed in Los Angeles Car Crash
Vince Zampella, the 55-year-old co-creator of the Call of Duty video game series, died in a car crash on a highway in Los Angeles, California, on Sunday. Electronic Arts, the owner of Respawn Entertainment, the game studio Zampella co-founded, confirmed his death.
Details of the Fatal Collision
According to information released by the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred when the Ferrari in which Zampella was traveling veered off the roadway for unknown reasons. The vehicle struck a concrete barrier and became fully engulfed in fire. Officials reported that the person in the passenger seat was ejected from the car, while the driver remained trapped inside. Both individuals in the vehicle died. Authorities have not confirmed whether Zampella was driving or identified the other person in the car.
Confirmation from Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts confirmed Zampella's death and stated that he was traveling in a Ferrari with another person when the incident occurred. A spokesperson for the company said their thoughts were with Zampella's family, his loved ones, and those affected by his work.
Career and Contributions to Video Games
Vince Zampella co-created Call of Duty in 2003 with collaborators Jason West and Grant Collier. The game, partly inspired by events in World War II, has sold more than 500 million copies. The franchise has contributed to making its current owner, Microsoft's Activision, one of the most profitable gaming companies and has led to an upcoming live-action film.
Zampella also played key roles in the development of other video game titles, including Medal of Honor, Titanfall, and Apex Legends. He co-founded Respawn Entertainment and, at Electronic Arts, worked on Battlefield 6, a title regarded as a direct competitor to Call of Duty.
Industry Responses and Legacy
Infinity Ward, the American company that developed Call of Duty, stated that Zampella "will always have a special place in our history" and described his legacy of creating iconic and lasting entertainment as "immeasurable." Journalist and Game Awards host Geoff Keighley, who wrote a book about the making of Titanfall, referred to Zampella as a "dear friend" and a "visionary executive" in a public message. YouTuber MrRoflWaffles, known for Call of Duty content, credited Zampella with inspiring a generation of creators through the franchise.
Earlier Dispute with Activision
In 2010, Zampella and Jason West were dismissed from Activision, the publisher of Call of Duty. The two were involved in a long dispute with the company that concluded in 2012 with an out-of-court settlement.
Vince Zampella's death in the Los Angeles car crash marks the end of a career that included the creation and development of several major video game franchises and long-standing collaborations within the industry.