Vince Zampella, the game developer who helped create Call of Duty and led studios behind Titanfall, Apex Legends and other major series, has died at age 55. Electronic Arts confirmed his death, the Associated Press reported.
What is known about Zampella’s death
EA confirmed Zampella’s death but did not disclose a cause, according to the Associated Press. Ars Technica, citing the California Highway Patrol, reported that a fatal crash occurred on Angeles Crest Highway on December 21, 2025. The CHP account cited by Ars did not establish whether Zampella was driving or a passenger.
How Zampella helped shape major game franchises
Call of Duty and Infinity Ward
Zampella co-founded Infinity Ward with Jason West and Grant Collier in 2002, Ars Technica reported. The studio’s first game was Call of Duty, released in 2003. Zampella was one of the people who helped create the franchise; he did not create it alone. The Associated Press reported in 2025 that the series had sold more than 500 million games worldwide.
Respawn Entertainment
Zampella founded Respawn Entertainment in 2010, according to the Associated Press. Its later games included Titanfall 2, Apex Legends and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Ars Technica reported. Electronic Arts completed its acquisition of Respawn on December 1, 2017, according to EA’s announcement.
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Respawn’s own tribute also credited Zampella’s influence across Call of Duty, Titanfall, Apex Legends, the Star Wars Jedi series and Battlefield. The studio remembered him as someone who trusted his teams, encouraged bold ideas and believed in Respawn and Battlefield.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How colleagues remembered him
In a statement reported by the Associated Press, an EA spokesperson called Zampella “a friend, colleague, leader and visionary creator” and said his work had shaped modern interactive entertainment and inspired players and developers around the world. Respawn’s tribute emphasized his day-to-day leadership and the teams he supported.
Quick Recap
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