'Call of Duty' visionary Vince Zampella dies in California Ferrari crash

According to local broadcaster NBC4, the crash occurred on Sunday on a road north of Los Angeles when Zampella’s Ferrari veered off the roadway shortly after exiting a tunnel and slammed into a concrete barrier. 

The California Highway Patrol said the vehicle caught fire after impact.

Zampella, who was driving, became trapped inside and was pronounced dead at the scene.

A passenger was ejected from the vehicle and later succumbed to injuries at a hospital.

A titan of modern gaming industry

Zampella was widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in contemporary video game development.

At the time of his death, he was the head of Respawn Entertainment and a senior executive at Electronic Arts, overseeing some of the company’s most high-profile franchises.

He began his career in the mid-1990s and quickly established himself as a creative force, helping redefine the first-person shooter genre.

Industry observers credit his leadership style—marked by creative freedom and trust in development teams—for producing some of gaming’s most enduring titles.

Architect of the 'Call of Duty' empire

Zampella rose to global prominence as the former CEO of Infinity Ward, where he co-created Call of Duty in 2003 alongside Jason West and Grant Collier.

Drawing inspiration from World War II, the original title set the stage for a franchise that would grow into one of the most successful entertainment properties of all time.

Over the years, Call of Duty has sold more than 500 million copies worldwide, becoming a cornerstone of Activision’s business and a cultural phenomenon spanning console, PC, mobile gaming, and even a forthcoming live-action film.

Tributes from across the gaming world

Following confirmation of his death, tributes poured in from studios and industry leaders.

Respawn Entertainment described Zampella as a leader who empowered teams and encouraged bold creativity.

Electronic Arts said his impact on gaming was “profound,” noting that his work influenced generations of developers and players.

Infinity Ward also honoured its former chief, saying Zampella would forever remain a foundational figure in the studio’s legacy.

From legal battle to reinvention

In 2010, Zampella and several former Infinity Ward colleagues became embroiled in a major legal dispute with Activision over unpaid royalties.

That same year, he co-founded Respawn Entertainment, launching a new chapter in his career.

Respawn went on to deliver critically acclaimed hits such as Titanfall, Titanfall 2, Apex Legends, and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.

The studio was acquired by Electronic Arts in 2017, further cementing Zampella’s influence within the industry.

Within EA, Zampella later assumed responsibility for the Battlefield franchise, guiding its creative direction.

The most recent release, Battlefield 6, launched to strong reviews, marking another milestone in his storied career.