Vince Zampella, Call of Duty co-creator and legendary studio executive, has died.
According to NBC4Vince and a passenger were killed while leaving a tunnel in the San Gabriel Mountains in Los Angeles. The car collided with a concrete barrier, causing a fire. A passenger thrown from the car during the accident died in hospital. Zampella died at the scene.
Known for his pioneering career in the video game industry, Zampella co-founded the Call of Duty franchise. He later founded Respawn Entertainmentthe studio behind beloved games like Titanfall And Apex Legends. Zampella recently led the charge against Battlefield 6development, a game that will make a splash in the world of first-person shooters this year.
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Following the news of his death, many industry professionals came forward to eulogize Zampella. Stig Asmussen, former game director for the Star Wars Jedi series at Respawn, wrote his farewell on LinkedIn.
Asmussen wrote: “I feel very sad today. Still working, like many of us. Vince was my friend and he made me a better person.” Daniel Suarez, Senior Vice President of Respawn Entertainment, stated: “The industry has lost a Titan and a Legend. Rest in peace, Vince Zampella. I will always be in awe of the games you helped create, grateful for the opportunity you gave me at Respawn, and for the friendship and laughter we shared over the years. Words cannot express how much you will be missed.”
Respawn Entertainment itself published a statement regarding Zampella's death. In a post on social media, the company said: “We are heartbroken by the passing of our founder and dear friend Vince Zampella. “Vince was a titan and a legend in the industry, a visionary leader and a force that shaped teams and games like Call of Duty, Titanfall, Apex Legends, the Star Wars Jedi series and Battlefield for our community in a way that will be felt for generations.”
“His influence went far beyond any one game or studio. We will remember Vince for the way he showed up every day by trusting his teams, encouraging bold ideas, and believing in Respawn and Battlefield. Most importantly, he stood up for what he believed was right for the people behind these studios and our players, because it mattered. We will miss him very much. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and everyone who loves him.”
EA also stepped forward and paid tribute to Zampella. in a statement provided to Kotaku. The company wrote: “This is an unimaginable loss and our hearts are with Vince’s family, his loved ones and everyone touched by his work. Vince's influence on the video game industry was profound and far-reaching. His work as a friend, colleague, leader and visionary creator has helped shape modern interactive entertainment and inspired millions of gamers and developers around the world. His legacy will continue to shape how games are made and how players interact for generations to come.”
