‘Call of Duty’ creator dies in fatal car crash

It’s a dark time for the gaming community across all consoles as gamers mourn the passing of Vince Zampellaone of the creators of the hit “Call of Duty” video game franchise. He died at the age of 55 following a fatal car accident. Zampella also served as director of Respawn Entertainment and former CEO of Infinity Ward. Our condolences go to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

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Vince Zampella dies after tragic car accident

On Monday, reports circulated online that Vince Zampella had died in a fatal car accident. According to TMZThe car crash happened this weekend on a mountainous stretch of highway near Los Angeles. Authorities say the single-vehicle crash happened around 12:45 a.m. Sunday on Angeles Crest Highway in Altadena.

Authorities said the vehicle left the roadway, struck a concrete barrier and caught fire. Two people were involved in the accident. Vince Zampella was pronounced dead at the scene, while the passenger later died at the hospital. Authorities have not released the identity of the passenger.

The video allegedly obtained by the news outlet shows a red Ferrari exiting a tunnel along the Angeles Crest Highway before losing control and hitting concrete barriers near the side of the road. The vehicle immediately caught fire. Authorities reported that the passenger was ejected from the vehicle, while Vince was trapped inside the burning sports car.

Tributes highlight Zampella’s lasting impact on the game

In addition to his work on Call of Duty, Vince Zampella also led a team at the Electronic Arts studio in Playa Vista behind the Battlefield franchise. Following the news of his death, Electronic Arts released a statement describing Zampella’s influence on the video game industry as “deep and far-reaching.”

“This is an unimaginable loss, and our hearts go out to Vince’s family, his loved ones and all those touched by his work,” the company said. “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 gamers and developers around the world. His legacy will continue to shape the way games are made and the way gamers connect for generations to come.”

Respawn Entertainment also released a statement honoring Zampella’s legacy and impact on the industry.

“We are 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 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. Its impact has extended far beyond a single game or studio. We will remember Vince for the way he showed up every day, trusting his teams, encouraging bold ideas, and believing in Respawn & 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.

Others who knew Zampella personally also reflected on his creative impact. Washington Post video game review Genetic parkwho spoke with NBCLos Angeles, shared his thoughts after meeting Zampella.

“He really knew how to create stories and create experiences that really got to the heart of the human experience, whether it was terror, whether it was dread, whether it was heroism.“Park said.”I think he really managed to encapsulate that through the design of the video games he created.

Park also described Zampella as humble and self-aware.“He was a very, very humble person. He was very aware of the impact he had on people and he never took it for granted.

Social media users send their condolences

As the news continues to circulate, players and fans on social media have come together to offer their condolences to Vince Zampella’s family and loved ones. Many remember the impact “Call of Duty” had on their lives, sharing memories and paying tribute to the legacy Vince left behind.

Instagram user @richgal.yanna wrote: “OMGGGGGG 🥲🥲 I pray for his family!!! He was a mastermind 🙏 May he rest in peace!

Instagram user @naquincia.aa writes: “TEAR THE WORLD’S GREATEST SNIPER”

While Instagram user @saintsdontexist wrote: “Now COD is about to be extra crap 😔RIP though🙏responsible for many memories »

Instagram user @kentraavions wrote: “I came to GTA today, they are having a Call of Duty funeral there for him 😭😭😭”

Instagram user @suckaafree23 added, “we swiped to control tn in honor of my brother 🤦‍♂️ 🐐 ✊”

While Instagram user @wellknown.nasty wrote: “You need a little reviiiivvveeee 😓 💔 »

Instagram user @milkit_media wrote: “I would have retrieved his ID tag and revived him 💔”

Instagram user @notenrique_20 added: “I get 30 kills as soon as I pass for my brother”

While Instagram user @xavy 2x wrote: “Mannnnn Call of Duty was my childhood… rest in peace 💔🕊️”

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