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Digital Phablet – Vince Zampella, a renowned video game developer best known for co-creating the widely acclaimed FPS Call of Duty, tragically lost his life in a car accident in California at age 55.
According to reports from the BBC, his passing was confirmed by Electronic Arts, the company behind Respawn Entertainment, which is famous for titles like Titanfall, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, and Apex Legends — all of which Zampella co-founded.
An EA representative commented, “A friend, colleague, leader, and visionary creator, his contributions shaped the landscape of modern interactive entertainment and inspired countless players and developers worldwide.”
She further stated, “His legacy will continue to influence game development and how players connect for generations to come.”
### Vince Zampella, Creator of Call of Duty, Dies in Car Accident
Sources indicate that Zampella was driving a Ferrari at high speed with a passenger when the accident occurred on a highway in Los Angeles. Footage circulating on social media captured the tragic moment when the vehicle crashed and burst into flames.
Both individuals involved in the crash are confirmed to have perished, though the passenger’s identity remains undisclosed.
The California Highway Patrol explained to the BBC, “For unknown reasons, the vehicle veered off the road, collided with a concrete barrier, and was entirely engulfed in flames.”
Zampella is best celebrated for establishing the Call of Duty franchise, which has sold over half a billion copies globally. Following this success, he went on to develop other projects under Respawn Entertainment, including Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and its sequel, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.
Geoff Keighley, the creator and host of The Game Awards, took to social media to honor Zampella: “Vince was an extraordinary person — a passionate gamer at heart and a visionary executive with a rare talent for recognizing potential and empowering others to achieve greatness.”
He added, “I will deeply miss our dinners and long conversations. Despite creating some of the most influential games of our era, I believed his greatest work was still ahead of him. It’s heartbreaking that we’ll never get to experience it.”
### Reflecting on a Legendary Industry Figure
Keighley also tweeted, “I can’t believe I’m writing this. Vince Zampella, a titan in the gaming world, co-creator of Call of Duty, co-founder of Respawn Entertainment, and a dear friend, passed away yesterday in Los Angeles.” His tribute included a poignant photo, expressing the deep loss felt across the gaming community.
The legacy of Vince Zampella endures through his groundbreaking contributions to the gaming industry, leaving an indelible mark that will inspire future generations of developers and players alike.





