Vince Zampella, one of the most influential figures in the video game industry, was killed Sunday afternoon in a tragic car accident on a mountainous road in Southern California. As head of Respawn Entertainment and former CEO of Infinity Ward, he helped shape the global success of Call of Duty, Apex Legends, and more.
The video game world was shocked by the news that Vince Zampella, former head of the Call of Duty franchise and president of Respawn Entertainment, died in a car crash on Southern California’s Angeles Crest Highway. According to reports, the accident occurred Sunday afternoon around 12:45 p.m. in the San Gabriel Mountains, when the vehicle Zampella was driving veered off the road, struck a concrete barrier, and caught fire. Zampella died at the scene, while the passenger later passed away at a hospital. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash.
Zampella was 55 years old, and his name became synonymous with modern first-person shooters. He co-founded Infinity Ward, where Call of Duty rose to worldwide prominence. In 2010, he co-founded Respawn Entertainment with Jason West, which went on to create Titanfall, Apex Legends, STAR WARS Jedi: Fallen Order, and other major hits. Respawn was acquired by Electronic Arts in 2017, and Zampella later played a role in shaping the Battlefield franchise.
According to local police and the California Highway Patrol, the crash involved a single vehicle that lost control, though no details have yet been released regarding why it left the roadway. The investigation into the accident remains ongoing.
Industry Mourning and Tributes
Tributes from across the video game community began pouring in almost immediately following the news. While Zampella’s family has not yet issued an official statement, colleagues and studio partners have shared memories and condolences on social media, often describing him as one of the architects of the modern shooter era.
Industry insiders say developers and players alike are deeply affected, with plans for in-game tributes, memorials, and other forms of remembrance being discussed. Although no official statement has yet been released by EA or Respawn Entertainment, messages of respect continue to flood social platforms.
Source: NBC Los Angeles, TMZ, Dexerto
