Vince Zampella, Force Behind Call of Duty and Titanfall, Dies in LA Crash

Vince Zampella, the powerhouse co-creator of Call of Duty and the visionary who launched Respawn Entertainment, has died after a devastating car crash in Los Angeles’ San Gabriel Mountains.

The accident claimed his life at the scene. A passenger in the vehicle was ejected during the collision and died later at the hospital, according to an NBC4 report. The car slammed into a concrete barrier emerging from a mountain tunnel, ultimately igniting a fire that left no chance for recovery.

The Life and Legacy Shaping Modern Gaming

Zampella was more than an executive; he was a pioneer. He helped build Call of Duty from nothing into a cultural phenomenon. He wasn’t done after that. At Respawn Entertainment, the studio he co-founded, he went on to steer modern classics like Titanfall and Apex Legends.

Recently, Zampella became the public face and driving force for Battlefield 6. His leadership brought renewed critical attention to the franchise, with this year’s instalment making a noticeable impact in the crowded FPS genre. His influence continually pushed the boundaries of what shooters could do. Whether you played as Jack Cooper wall-running in Titanfall or dropped into Apex’s islands, you were feeling Zampella’s creative fingerprint.

Industry Mourns a Titan: Tributes From Friends and Colleagues

The shockwaves of his loss hit his peers and fans just as hard as his games have over the years. Stig Asmussen, former Star Wars Jedi director at Respawn, remembered Zampella on LinkedIn, writing, “Truly saddened today. Still processing, like a lot of us. Vince was my friend, and he made me a better person.”

Daniel Suarez, Respawn’s senior vice president, struggled to find words: “The industry has lost a Titan and a Legend. Rest in peace, Vince Zampella. I will forever be in awe of the games you helped create, thankful for the opportunity you gave me at Respawn, and for the friendship and laughs we shared over the years. Words cannot express how much you will be missed.”

In a statement shared on social media, Respawn Entertainment celebrated its founder’s spirit and leadership. “We’re heartbroken by the passing of our founder and dear friend Vince Zampella. Vince was a titan and legend of this industry, a visionary leader and a force who shaped teams and games like Call of Duty, Titanfall, Apex Legends, the Star Wars Jedi series and Battlefield for our community in ways that will be felt for generations.

His impact reached far beyond any one game or studio. We will remember Vince for how he showed up every day, trusting his teams, encouraging bold ideas, and believing in Respawn & Battlefield. Most importantly, he championed what he believed was right for the people behind those studios and our players because it mattered. We will miss him greatly. Our hearts are with his family, friends, and all who love him.”

EA, the publisher behind many of Zampella’s later projects, echoed similar sentiments in a statement to Kotaku: “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’s career has changed the shape of modern gaming. He demanded big ideas, trusted teams to deliver, and always fought for what mattered most: the people behind the games and the players logging in every night. His loss is more than personal; it’s cultural and creative, and the effects will be felt all across the industry for years.