Key Takeaways
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- Vince Zampella, a renowned game creator and founder of Infinity Ward and Respawn Entertainment, passed away at the age of 55 following a car accident. His contributions to the gaming industry include iconic franchises such as Call of Duty, Titanfall, Apex Legends, Star Wars Jedi, and Battlefield.
- Zampella was remembered by colleagues and peers in the gaming community for his visionary leadership and ability to empower teams and players. Notable tributes came from Geoff Keighley, Andy McNamara, Hideo Kojima, and Respawn Entertainment.
- Activision and Electronic Arts honored Zampellas final contribution to the Battlefield series with the release of Battlefield 6 this year, following his takeover of the franchise in 2021.
- Despite Zampellas passing, his legacy as a visionary leader and driving force behind some of gamings most beloved franchises is expected to endure.
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Electronic Arts
Legendary Game Creator Vince Zampella Honored in Gaming Community Mourning
Vince Zampella, a founder of both Infinity Ward and Respawn Entertainment, passed away on December 21, 2025, at age 55 following a car accident on Angeles Crest Highway. The news prompted an outpouring of grief and respect throughout the gaming industry. Zampella pioneered iconic franchises such as Call of Duty, Titanfall, Apex Legends, and Star Wars Jedi. Geoff Keighley and Andy McNamara were among the first to express their condolences. Hideo Kojima recalled meeting Zampella during the development of Modern Warfare 2 at Infinity Ward. According to Kojima, the two forged a close bond after Zampella left Infinity Ward to found Respawn Entertainment, a period when Kojima himself faced similar challenges. “I have no words,” Kojima wrote. “Its too soon. This has shattered my heart.” Respawn Entertainment remembered Zampella as a visionary leader and a force that shaped games like Call of Duty, Titanfall, Apex Legends, and the Star Wars Jedi and Battlefield series for generations of players. The studio also extended condolences to Zampella’s family and friends, emphasizing his talent for empowering teams and players.
Visionary Zampella’s Final Battlefield Contribution Honored at Activision and Electronic Arts
Activision, where Zampella contributed to Modern Warfare 2, also paid respects. Zampella inspired teams to create exceptional player experiences, especially in his more recent work with the Battlefield studios. Zampella took over the Battlefield franchise in 2021, following Electronic Arts’ acquisition of Respawn Entertainment in 2017. Battlefield 6, released this year, marks his final contribution to the series. Zampella’s legacy as a visionary leader and a driving force behind some of gaming’s most beloved franchises will endure.
In Case You Missed It
Recently, we’ve been shocked by the sudden passing of Vince Zampella, a true giant in the gaming industry. Ahmed Hassan pays touching tribute to this influential figure in his piece “Vince Zampella, Creator of Call of Duty and Leader of Respawn and Battlefield, Passes Away” (published on 2025-12-22). From his early days at Atari and Sega, through his monumental contributions to the first-person shooter genre with titles like Call of Duty, Titanfall, and Apex Legends, Zampella’s legacy is undeniable. Another heartfelt tribute comes from John Romero himself, the legendary creator of Doom, who mourns the loss of Vince in a recent blog post titled “John Romero, Doom Creator, Mourns Death of Vince Zampella, Call of Duty Creator”. Published December 23rd by Bruno Pferd, Romero highlights Zampella’s monumental contribution to the FPS genre and his commitment to honesty and prioritizing player experiences. In a shocking turn of events, Marcus Thompson also pays tribute to Vince with “Vince Zampella, Co-creator of Call of Duty, Dies in Car Accident at 55”. Dying tragically young at just 55 following a car accident on Angeles Crest Highway, Vince leaves behind an unparalleled legacy in shaping FPS gameplay and storytelling. Be sure to check out these insightful pieces to reminisce about this gaming legend: Ahmed’s article here Vince Zampella, Creator of Call of Duty and Leader of Respawn and Battlefield, Passes Away, John Romero’s tribute here John Romero, Doom Creator, Mourns Death of Vince Zampella, Call of Duty Creator, and Marcus Thompson’s piece here Vince Zampella, Co-creator of Call of Duty, Dies in Car Accident at 55.