Vince Zampella, the renowned video game creator known for his pivotal role in the Call of Duty franchise, tragically passed away on Sunday in a single-car accident on a highway near Los Angeles. He was 55 years old.
The incident, which occurred around 12:45 p.m. on the Angeles Crest Highway, was reported by NBC Los Angeles. According to a statement from the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Zampella’s vehicle veered off the road, struck a concrete barrier, and subsequently became engulfed in flames. Both Zampella and his passenger, who has also been confirmed deceased, succumbed to their injuries at the scene.
CHP has not yet officially confirmed the identities of the individuals involved, as notifications to next of kin are pending. The cause of the accident is still under investigation, with authorities looking into whether alcohol or drugs played a role.
Zampella was a co-founder of game development studios Infinity Ward and Respawn Entertainment, contributing significantly to the creation of the wildly popular Call of Duty series. His career, however, also included a chapter marked by controversy; he left Infinity Ward in 2010 following its acquisition by Activision alongside co-founder Jason West. Together, they established Respawn, which later produced highly regarded titles like Titanfall and the Star Wars Jedi franchise. Zampella was also instrumental in leading the Electronic Arts team behind the Battlefield series.
Witnesses report that Zampella was driving a Ferrari south on the Crest Highway at the time of the accident. The shock of his passing has reverberated throughout the gaming community, with fellow industry professionals expressing their grief over the loss of a true legend and visionary in video game development.
The impact of Zampella’s work continues to be felt in the gaming industry, where his innovations have shaped the landscape of first-person shooters and interactive entertainment. As the community mourns his loss, it reflects on his lasting legacy and the inspiration he provided to countless gamers and creators alike.