Vince Zampella, 'Call of Duty' Co-Creator and Gaming Titan, Dies at 55 in Car Crash
Vince Zampella, the co-creator of 'Call of Duty' and founder of Respawn Entertainment ('Apex Legends'), has died at 55 in a car crash north of Los Angeles. We cover the details of the accident, his monumental career, and the legacy he leaves behind.
Vince Zampella, the influential co-creator of the juggernaut and a towering figure in modern gaming, has died in a car crash at the age of , publisher confirmed Monday.
The Accident: What We Know
According to local broadcaster NBC4, the developer died on Sunday while driving his Ferrari on a scenic road north of Los Angeles. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) stated that "for unknown reasons, the vehicle veered off the roadway, struck a concrete barrier, and became fully engulfed" in flames. The CHP confirmed that both the driver and a passenger, who was ejected from the vehicle, died from their injuries. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
A Career That Shaped the FPS Genre
Zampella's impact on the first-person shooter genre is hard to overstate. In 2002, he co-founded , which launched the original in 2003. The franchise grew into a global phenomenon that, to this day, boasts more than active monthly players.
After a contentious departure from Activision, he established in 2010. There, he spearheaded the creation of beloved series like `Titanfall`, `Apex Legends`, and the `Star Wars Jedi` games. acquired Respawn in 2017, and Zampella eventually took charge of revitalizing the `Battlefield` franchise, cementing his reputation as a master franchise-builder.
Tributes Pour In for an Industry Giant
"This is an unimaginable loss, and our hearts are with Vince's family, his loved ones, and all those touched by his work," said in a statement, adding that his influence was "profound and far-reaching." A statement posted on the `Battlefield` X account praised Zampella for "how he showed up every day, trusting his teams, encouraging bold ideas, and believing in Battlefield and the people building it."
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Vince Zampella, the celebrated developer behind franchises like Call of Duty and Apex Legends, has died in a car crash at age 55, the California Highway Patrol confirmed.