The global gaming community is in shock following the confirmed passing of Vince Zampella, the legendary co-creator of Call of Duty and founder of Respawn Entertainment. Zampella, 55, was killed in a high-speed, single-vehicle car accident on the Angeles Crest Highway north of Los Angeles on Sunday, December 21, 2025.
Authorities from the California Highway Patrol reported that Zampella was driving a high-performance Ferrari when the vehicle veered off the winding mountain road, struck a concrete barrier, and was quickly engulfed in flames. A passenger in the vehicle was ejected upon impact and later succumbed to injuries at a nearby hospital.
Tributes Pour in for an Industry Giant
News of the tragedy has prompted an outpouring of grief from across the entertainment world. Electronic Arts (EA), the parent company of Respawn, described Zampella’s death as an “unimaginable loss,” calling him a “visionary creator whose work helped shape modern interactive entertainment.”
Geoff Keighley, creator of The Game Awards and a close friend, paid tribute to Zampella on social media, describing him as a “gamer at heart” with a rare ability to recognize talent. “While he created some of the most influential games of our time, I always felt he still had his greatest one ahead of him,” Keighley wrote.
A Peerless Professional Legacy
Zampella’s influence on the first-person shooter (FPS) genre is immeasurable. In 2002, he co-founded Infinity Ward, where he led the development of the original Call of Duty. He was the driving force behind the Modern Warfare sub-series, which revolutionized online multiplayer and cinematic storytelling in gaming.
After a high-profile exit from Activision, Zampella founded Respawn Entertainment, delivering hits like Titanfall, the massive battle-royale success Apex Legends, and the Star Wars Jedi series. At the time of his passing, he was overseeing the future of the Battlefield franchise, having recently launched Battlefield 6 to critical acclaim.
A Final Loss to the Industry
The accident occurred just days before Christmas, adding a layer of seasonal tragedy to the loss of a man many considered the “GOAT of FPS.” While investigators continue to look into the exact cause of the crash, the industry has already begun reflecting on a 30-year career that fundamentally changed how millions of people play and connect through digital worlds.