Video game industry pioneer Vince Zampella, globally recognized as the co-founder of Infinity Ward and a pivotal creative force behind the original *Call of Duty* franchise, has tragically passed away. His death resulted from a devastating single-vehicle crash that occurred on Sunday, December 21st, in the San Gabriel Mountains.
Initial reports indicate that the vehicle veered off the road before colliding with a concrete barrier. Local news outlet NBC4 Los Angeles reported that the driver perished in the ensuing car fire. A passenger, who was ejected during the impact, was transported to a hospital but later died from their injuries. Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the specifics of the incident.
A Career Defined by Innovation
Zampella began his journey in the video game sector in the late 1990s, holding positions at companies including GameTek, Atari, and SegaSoft. By 1999, he had joined 2015 Inc. where he served as the lead designer for the third installment of the *Medal of Honor* series, *Medal of Honor: Allied Assault*, which was published by Electronic Arts (EA).
Following a significant professional dispute with EA, Zampella, alongside Grant Collier and Jason West, established Infinity Ward. This new studio partnered with Activision, resulting in the launch of the landmark *Call of Duty* franchise in 2003. Reflecting on the origins of the genre-defining series, Zampella once stated:
“The only reason that Call of Duty exists is because EA were dicks.”
Zampella and West remained at the helm of Activision`s flagship shooter series until 2010, when they were dismissed by the company over allegations of insubordination. The duo subsequently filed a high-profile lawsuit against Activision, which was ultimately settled out of court for undisclosed terms.
Immediately following their departure, they co-founded Respawn Entertainment. Under this banner, they released highly successful and influential titles such as *Titanfall*, *Apex Legends*, and the *Star Wars Jedi* series. Respawn was later acquired by EA, bringing Zampella full circle.
Revitalizing Battlefield
In 2020, EA placed Zampella in charge of DICE, tasking him with the mission of fundamentally revitalizing the struggling *Battlefield* franchise. These efforts culminated earlier this year with the release of *Battlefield 6*, which was met with widespread critical acclaim and achieved sales figures that exceeded expectations, showcasing Zampella`s enduring ability to steer major AAA development.
Vince Zampella`s passing leaves a massive void in the games industry. His impact on first-person shooters and competitive online gaming is immeasurable, and countless colleagues, developers, and fans have shared tributes across social media honoring his legacy.