Yesterday, it was confirmed that Vince Zampella, the head of Respawn also known for his work as a lead developer on Call of Duty and Battlefield, was killed in a car accident on Sunday, December 21. Zampella had a storied career, co-founding Infinity Ward in 2002, which would go on to spend the next two decades creating Call of Duty games. After a messy breakup with Activision, he went on to found Titanfall developer Respawn Entertainment and was eventually made the lead of the Battlefield franchise in 2021.
We are heartbroken by the loss of Vince Zampella, a creative leader whose work shaped generations of players and helped define what modern shooters and action games could be.
Across a remarkable career, Vince played a foundational role in franchises including Call of Duty,… pic.twitter.com/M2NgyJRWu2
— Battlefield (@Battlefield) December 22, 2025
When you have a career that spans decades and helped launch some of the most influential shooters in the genre, you’re bound to touch the lives of many people in the video game industry. After news of Zampella’s death began to spread, fans and colleagues began flooding social media with tributes.
I cannot believe I am writing this.
Vince Zampella, a titan of the video game industry, the co-creator of Call of Duty and co-founder of Respawn Entertainment, not to mention a dear friend, died in a car crash yesterday in Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/jW3bT88gsE
— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) December 22, 2025
I can’t believe this. It’s so tragic. I just saw him at TGA’s. I’ve known Vince for years, and traveled the world with him at Activision. He’s truly brilliant and such a nice person. This loss will be felt in our industry for years. pic.twitter.com/77CPKAuCA0
— Tim Willits (@TimWillits) December 22, 2025
No matter where and what he was up to, Vince would always find half an hour to catch up on life & work at every event. It never seemed to matter to him that I make arcade games & help indies out, while he was in charge of some of the most impactful games ever. Giving a shit was what mattered to him.
— Rami Ismail (رامي) (@ramiismail.com) 2025-12-22T21:29:10.386Z
I first got to know Vince in 2013/2014 when he was on the road showing off titanfall and we were showing Dance Central or Fantasia or something. Had no reason to be kind or pay me any attention but was always thoughtful and kind despite shouldering a(mother) huge franchise.
— John Drake (@johndrake.bsky.social) 2025-12-22T22:32:49.305Z
Vince was awesome. A real one – chill, but with a strong will and powerful heart. We have been friends for a long time and he and my wife Kristy were very close – confidants and allies. He leaves behind great children and many who love and respect him. When we were respectful…
— Randy Pitchford (@DuvalMagic) December 22, 2025
Vince Zampella was not just an amazing game creator. He was also a friend.
In absolute shock right now. Rest in peace to an absolute legend and giant of our industry. pic.twitter.com/acqJxlD1u1
— JP Kellams (@synaesthesiajp) December 22, 2025
Sometimes people throw around terms like “industry legend” to describe famous game developers, but Vince Zampella was genuinely legendary.
Most people have no idea how influential the man was. Director on Medal of Honor: Allied Assault. Co-creator of Call of Duty. Then he… https://t.co/9UACRlcWre
— Ryan K. Rigney (@RKRigney) December 22, 2025
Devastating and beyond heartbroken for the family of Vince Zampella. His path and impact on the industry are how I got my start and I will deeply mourn his loss. https://t.co/p6sKhQyH6E
— rebb ford (@rebbford) December 22, 2025
I’m deeply saddened by the loss of Vince Zampella, a friend and a force in our industry. Vince helped shape modern gaming and inspired so many of us along the way.
My thoughts are with his family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
-Patrick Söderlund
— Embark Studios (@EmbarkStudios) December 23, 2025
Absolutely heartbroken.
Vince Zampella created and lead so much incredible entertainment and innovation in games over his legendary life.
My tears and condolences to his dear family, his friends, and his colleagues.
So grateful I got to see him last week. So grateful for the…
— Donald Mustard (@DonaldMustard) December 22, 2025
Fuck, where to even begin when it comes to Vince Zampella.
While most knew him as the co-creator of Call of Duty and head of Respawn, I had the great fortune of also witnessing his particular brand of leadership, which often included standing up for what he believed in over… https://t.co/7C3dnPG2pq
— Alex Frostwolf🌙 (@alex_frostwolf) December 22, 2025
Utterly devastating news. Vince shaped the industry we all play in today. We simply would not have the games & genres we have without Vince’s work. He & his creations truly inspired and challenged me & I’m a better creator thx to Vince. My condolences to his family & friends. 🙏
— Bruce Straley (@bruce_straley) December 22, 2025
Still processing this. Can’t believe we lost another legend in gaming. Don’t know if its possible to overstate the impact Vince Zampella has made on games. Co-creator of Call of Duty (biggest game franchise of all?) Co-founded @InfinityWard & @Respawn.
Unbelievable loss.… pic.twitter.com/YEJcjcxyXe
— Ed Boon (@noobde) December 22, 2025
Two Vince memories I’ll never forget… I remember going to the first Respawn office right after the E3 unveil to play Titanfall. It was the one of the first times anyone outside Respawn had gone hands on. I’ll never forget how excited and nervous he looked as we played. I was in…
— JP Kellams (@synaesthesiajp) December 22, 2025
I just saw that Vince Zampella passed away yesterday in a car crash. I had to read it multiple times to believe it. He was an amazing mentor and friend. He will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to his family. RIP my friend!
— Mark Rubin (@PixelsofMark) December 22, 2025
I heard the tragic news that Vince has passed away. I still can’t believe it.
I first met Vince during his time at Infinity Ward, when he and Jason were creating “COD: MW2.” After they were forced out of Infinity Ward, Vince went on to found Respawn. When I was preparing to go… pic.twitter.com/qLuy6sSC9w
— HIDEO_KOJIMA (@HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN) December 23, 2025
The industry lost a legend.
I lost a friend.
RIP Vince. Gonna miss you. pic.twitter.com/ekl2dtgh6d
— Andy McNamara (@TheRealAndyMc) December 22, 2025
Following the news, Respawn parent company and Battlefield publisher Electronic Arts released its own statement to Kotaku and other outlets:
This is an unimaginable loss, and our hearts are with Vince’s family, his loved ones, and all those touched by his work. Vince’s influence on the video game industry was profound and far-reaching. A friend, colleague, leader and visionary creator, his work helped shape modern interactive entertainment and inspired millions of players and developers around the world. His legacy will continue to shape how games are made and how players connect for generations to come.
Zampella was 55, and is survived by three children.
