Vince Zampella, the acclaimed co-creator of the blockbuster video game franchise Call of Duty, has died in a car accident at the age of 55, Electronic Arts confirmed on Monday.
According to NBC4, Zampella was driving his Ferrari on a scenic road north of Los Angeles on Sunday when the vehicle veered off the roadway, struck a concrete barrier, and caught fire. Both Zampella and a passenger, who were ejected from the car, died from their injuries, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported.
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Witnesses shared videos online showing the mangled cherry-red Ferrari engulfed in flames. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Zampella was a pioneering figure in the gaming industry and is widely credited with shaping the first-person military shooter genre. He co-created Call of Duty and later founded Respawn Entertainment, the studio behind Titanfall, Apex Legends, and the Star Wars Jedi games.
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Beginning his career in the 1990s as a game designer, Zampella co-founded Infinity Ward in 2002 and helped launch Call of Duty in 2003, a franchise that continues to attract over 100 million active players monthly. Activision later acquired his studio, cementing his legacy as one of modern gaming’s most influential figures.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
