From the birth of Call of Duty to the revival of Battlefield, we look back at the career of the man who defined the modern shooter.
The gaming world is currently in a state of shock following the loss of one of its most influential figures. Vince Zampella, the co-founder of Infinity Ward and Respawn Entertainment, passed away on December 21, 2025, at the age of 55.
Zampella was more than just a studio head; he was a creative force whose vision for cinematic action and tight multiplayer loops set the standard for the industry for over two decades. Whether you’re sliding into a firefight in Apex Legends or storming a beach in Call of Duty, you are playing a game built on the foundation he laid.
The Tragic Crash on Angeles Crest
The accident occurred on the afternoon of Sunday, December 21, on the Angeles Crest Highway in the San Gabriel Mountains.
According to reports, Zampella was driving a 2026 Ferrari 296 GTS when the vehicle veered off the road and struck a concrete barrier, subsequently catching fire. Zampella was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger was ejected from the vehicle and rushed to a hospital but tragically did not survive their injuries.
The California Highway Patrol is currently investigating the cause of the crash, focusing on road conditions along the notorious mountain route.
A Career of Revolutions
Vince Zampella didn’t just follow trends—he created them. His career trajectory reads like a “Best Of” list for the FPS genre.
The Birth of Modern Warfare
In 2002, Zampella co-founded Infinity Ward. While their early work on Call of Duty was successful, it was the 2007 release of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare that changed everything. It introduced the world to the “prestige” system, killstreaks, and the modern-day military aesthetic that became the industry’s primary language.
The Respawn Era
After a high-profile split and legal battle with Activision, Zampella founded Respawn Entertainment in 2010. Under his leadership, the studio broke new ground with:
- Titanfall & Titanfall 2: Games that mastered movement mechanics like wall-running and double-jumping.
- Apex Legends: A surprise-launch battle royale that reached 100 million players and redefined squad-based communication.
- Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Survivor proved that single-player, narrative-driven experiences could still reach blockbuster status.
The Battlefield Revival
In his final years, Zampella took on the monumental task of overseeing the Battlefield franchise at EA. His leadership was credited as the driving force behind the successful launch of Battlefield 6 in October 2025, a game praised for returning the series to its “modern-era” roots and winning back the community.
Industry Tributes
The outpouring of grief from the development community has been immense. Longtime peers like Geoff Keighley and Mark Rubin have shared personal memories, describing him as a mentor and a “titan” who never lost his passion for the games he played.
EA also released a statement:
InfinityWard:
Zampella is survived by his three children. His influence will continue to be felt every time a player enters a lobby or experiences a cinematic set-piece in a first-person shooter.
Rest in Peace, Vince. GG.
