LOS ANGELES — Video game development figure Vince Zampella, known for the creation of the hit “Call of Duty” franchise, has died, Electronic Arts said Monday. He was 55.
Electronic Arts did not disclose a cause of death.
NBC Los Angeles reported Monday that Zampella died in a car crash Sunday afternoon on the Angeles Crest Highway.
The California Highway Patrol said that it was called for a report of a crash on that highway at 12:43 p.m. Sunday and that the driver and a passenger died. The CHP did not name the people who died in the crash in unincorporated Los Angeles County, citing the notification of next of kin.
It said that “for unknown reasons, the vehicle veered off the roadway” and struck a concrete barrier.
Electronic Arts, commonly known as EA, said Monday that Zampella was a visionary whose “work helped shape modern interactive entertainment and inspired millions of players and developers around the world.”
“This is an unimaginable loss, and our hearts are with Vince’s family, his loved ones, and all those touched by his work,” EA said in a statement. “Vince’s influence on the video game industry was profound and far-reaching.”
Zampella co-created Infinity Ward, which is the studio that published “Call of Duty” in 2003. The title has had many versions since and is a very popular first-person shooter game. “Call of Duty: Black Ops 7” was released last year.
Zampella also co-founded Respawn Entertainment, which created the “Titanfall” games, among others. EA acquired Respawn Entertainment in 2017.
Zampella also led the team at DICE LA, according to his biography at the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences, where he was a member of the board of directors. The academy said it was heartbroken by his death.
“His leadership, creativity, & generosity inspired all who worked with him. Vince’s impact will be felt for generations. Our thoughts are with his family & friends during this difficult time,” the academy, known as AIAS, said on X.
DICE created the "Battlefield" series, which is another first-person military shooter. The latest in that franchise, "Battlefield 6," was published in October.
The official X account for that game said Battlefield Studios was heartbroken and called Zampella "a creative leader whose work shaped generations of players and helped define what modern shooters and action games could be."
"Across a remarkable career, Vince played a foundational role in franchises including Call of Duty, Titanfall, Apex Legends, and the Star Wars Jedi series," it said in a statement. "During his time guiding Battlefield, he led with care and purpose, always grounding decisions in what mattered most to the community and the long-term future of the franchise."
