Entertainment

'Call of Duty' Co-Creator Vince Zampella Dies in California Car Crash

Published DEC 23 2025

Story

Above: Vince Zampella at EA's "Battlefield 6" reveal party in Los Angeles, California, on July 31, 2025. Image credit: Gilbert Flores/Variety/Getty Images

The Facts

Vince Zampella, an acclaimed video game developer, was one of two people killed on Sunday after a single-car crash on Southern California's Angeles Crest Highway, multiple reports and officials confirmed.
Los Angeles Times
NBC Los Angeles
Footage of the crash has since been shared on social media and showed a red Ferrari veering off the road and crashing into a concrete block after emerging from a tunnel. Bystanders could be seen attending to one of the victims as the badly damaged car started to catch fire.
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A statement from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) said: "For unknown reasons, the vehicle veered off the roadway, struck a concrete barrier, and became fully engulfed. The passenger was ejected from the vehicle and the driver remained trapped. Both parties succumbed to their injuries. It is currently unknown whether alcohol and/or drugs were a factor in this crash."
CharlieIntel on X
Deadline
Meanwhile, according to a CHP official who spoke to NBC Los Angeles, Zampella had been driving the car — identified as a 2026 Ferrari 296 GTS — and he died in the ensuing fire. The passenger, who remains unidentified at this stage, later died from his injuries at the hospital.
NBC Los Angeles
Dw.Com
Zampella, who was 55, had been one of the founders of the Infinity Ward studio behind the popular "Call of Duty" game series that was acquired by Activision shortly after its launch. In 2010, following a dispute with Activision, he went on to co-found Respawn Entertainment, overseeing the release of titles that included "Apex Legends" and "Titanfall." In 2017, it was acquired by Electronic Arts.
Los Angeles Times
Guardian
Electronic Arts
"This is an unimaginable loss, and our hearts are with Vince's family, his loved ones, and all those touched by his work," a statement from Electronic Arts read, adding that he had a far-reaching impact on the video game industry. "His legacy will continue to shape how games are made and how players connect for generations to come."
Electronic Arts on X

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The Spin

Narrative A

This is a huge loss for the video game industry. Not only was Zampella one of the titans of the field, creating extraordinary games that always prioritized the player experience, he was also a great friend, colleague and leader to many. He will be missed and condolences go out to all who loved him.

BBC News

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Narrative B

The scene of the crash — the Angeles Crest Highway — is a popular route for motorcycle and car enthusiasts, given its winding roads and breathtaking vistas. But sadly, it also has a track record for deadly crashes. Zampella was a known car enthusiast, frequently posting his luxury cars and visits to car races to Instagram.

NBC Los Angeles