Call of Duty Creator Vince Zampella Dies Aged 55, Industry Pays Tribute

Overnight it was revealed that the creator of Call of Duty Vince Zampella has died at the age of 55.

Best known for being the co-creator of the Call of Duty franchise before later working on some hit titles such as Titanfall, Apex Legends, and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Zampella had a profound impact on the gaming industry and his presence will be missed.

Courtesy of a report by NBC Los Angeles, Zampella and an unknown passenger were both involved in a car accident in LA on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of both.

According to the report, "the single-car crash was reported at about 12:45 p.m. on the scenic road north of Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Mountains.

The southbound car veered off the road, hit a concrete barrier and a passenger was ejected, the California Highway Patrol said.

The driver was trapped in the ensuing car fire, the CHP said. The driver died at the scene and the passenger died at a hospital, authorities told NBC4 Investigates."

Co-creating the Call of Duty franchise at Infinity Ward with Jason West back in 2003, Zampella found himself in the middle of a major lawsuit against Activision not long after.

It was alleged that Activision owed both Zampella and the Infinity Ward team millions of dollars in unpaid Call of Duty royalties.

As a result, Zampella and West ended up taking many of the Infinity Ward developers and created Respawn Entertainment.

Even if you have not played any of its games, everybody in the gaming industry would have heard of the incredible games produced from Respawn Entertainment. This includes: Titanfall, Titanfall 2, Apex Legends, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.

Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The Industry Pays Tribute

Put simply, Zampella and his work with West have had a profound impact on the gaming industry so it is no surprise that the news of his death has hit us hard.

“This is an unimaginable loss, and our hearts are with Vince’s family, his loved ones, and all those touched by his work,” a statement by EA reads.

“Vince’s influence on the video game industry was profound and far-reaching. A friend, colleague, leader and visionary creator, his work helped shape modern interactive entertainment and inspired millions of players and developers around the world.

“His legacy will continue to shape how games are made and how players connect for generations to come.”

Respawn Entertainment itself also released a statement.

“We're heartbroken by the passing of our founder and dear friend Vince Zampella.

“Vince was a titan and legend of this industry, a visionary leader and a force who shaped teams and games like Call of Duty, Titanfall, Apex Legends, the Star Wars Jedi series and Battlefield for our community in ways that will be felt for generations.

“His impact reached far beyond any one game or studio. We will remember Vince for how he showed up every day, trusting his teams, encouraging bold ideas, and believing in Respawn & Battlefield. Most importantly, he championed what he believed was right for the people behind those studios and our players because it mattered.

“We will miss him greatly.

“Our hearts are with his family, friends, and all who love him.”

We at GAMINGbible also send love and strength to the family and friends of Vince Zampella.