Vince Zampella, the co-founder of Respawn Entertainment and head of EA’s Battlefield series, tragically passed away at the age of 55 following a car accident on Southern California’s Angeles Crest Highway on December 21. Reports from NBC Los Angeles indicate that the driver was pronounced dead at the scene, while the passenger succumbed to their injuries later at a hospital. It has yet to be confirmed which individual was Zampella.
Zampella played a significant role in the gaming industry, founding Respawn Entertainment in 2010 with Jason West. Under his leadership, the studio launched several acclaimed titles, including Titanfall, Titanfall 2, Apex Legends, and the Star Wars Jedi series. Previously, he had been a pivotal figure at Infinity Ward, contributing to the development of the iconic Call of Duty: Modern Warfare franchise.
In 2017, Electronic Arts acquired Respawn, and Zampella has served as its CEO since then. He took on the role of Head of Battlefield for EA in 2021, as the company aimed to revitalize the franchise with innovative directions and the creation of a Battlefield universe. His leadership was instrumental in the successful launch of Battlefield 6, marking a significant turnaround for the series following the challenges faced by Battlefield 2042 in 2022.
The news of Zampella’s untimely passing has resonated deeply within the gaming community, eliciting heartfelt condolences from fans and colleagues alike. Game Informer extends its sympathies to Zampella’s family during this difficult time, honoring his contributions to the gaming world and the legacy he leaves behind.