LOS ANGELES — Renowned video game developer Vince Zampella, co-creator of the Call of Duty franchise and a leading figure in modern gaming, has died at age 55 after a single-vehicle crash on Southern California’s Angeles Crest Highway, authorities and industry officials announced Monday.
The California Highway Patrol reported that the accident occurred at about 12:45 p.m. on Sunday, December 21, when a 2026 Ferrari 296 GTS, driven south on the scenic, winding two-lane road in the San Gabriel Mountains, veered off the roadway shortly after exiting a tunnel and struck a concrete barrier. The vehicle then caught fire. Zampella was pronounced dead at the scene, and a passenger later died at a hospital, officials said; the identities of the victims have not been publicly released while next-of-kin notifications are completed.
Zampella was widely celebrated in the gaming world for his role as a co-founder of Infinity Ward in 2002 and his work on the blockbuster Call of Duty series, which has sold hundreds of millions of copies worldwide since its debut in 2003. After leaving Infinity Ward, he co-founded Respawn Entertainment in 2010, where he helped lead acclaimed franchises including Titanfall, Apex Legends and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. Respawn was acquired by Electronic Arts (EA) in 2017, and Zampella later took on leadership of EA’s Battlefield franchise, most recently overseeing the success of Battlefield 6.
Industry peers and critics are mourning his passing as the loss of a true visionary creator whose influence reshaped interactive entertainment. In a statement, EA said the company was “heartbroken” and called Zampella’s impact on gaming “profound and far-reaching,” noting that his work inspired “millions of players and developers around the world.”
Friends, colleagues and fans took to social media to remember Zampella’s contributions and legacy. Video game journalist Geoff Keighley praised him as an “exceptional creative force” who often supported fellow developers, while gamers around the globe reacted with shock and sorrow at the sudden news.
Investigators with the CHP said the cause of the crash remains under review, and authorities have not indicated whether alcohol or drugs were factors. The Angeles Crest Highway, known for its tight curves and scenic views, has been the site of multiple serious accidents due to its challenging driving conditions.
