Gaming Legend: Call of Duty Creator Vince Zampella Dies Aged 55

Tragic Loss Shakes Gaming Industry

Video game developer Vince Zampella, best known for co-creating Call of Duty, died in a car crash on Sunday at the age of 55. A red Ferrari 296 GTS reportedly being driven by Vince Zampella crashed on California’s Angeles Crest Highway, sending shockwaves through the global gaming community.

A Revolutionary Career in Gaming

Zampella co-created Call of Duty in 2003 with longtime collaborators Jason West and Grant Collier. The game drew inspiration from World War II and quickly became a cultural force. The franchise has sold more than 500 million copies worldwide. His influence extended far beyond the iconic shooter series that defined a generation of gamers.

He led Medal of Honor: Allied Assault, co-created Call of Duty and Modern Warfare, and his studio Respawn created Titanfall and Apex Legends. Most recently, Zampella served as creative director for Battlefield 6, the first-person shooter game that is the best-selling game of 2025 to date, according to market research company Circana.

Enduring Legacy and Industry Impact

Following his controversial departure from Activision in 2010, Vince Zampella bounced back to create Respawn Entertainment. The studio gave birth to Titanfall, Apex Legends and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. His ability to innovate and lead successful projects made him one of the most respected figures in the industry.

The gaming community has united in grief, with developers and players worldwide paying tribute to his contributions. Zampella was one of the most prominent figures in video games, best known for his significant influence on the first-person shooter genre. His legacy continues through the millions of players who engage with the franchises he helped create, cementing his place in gaming history.