Vince Zampella, the visionary co-founder of Respawn Entertainment and a driving force behind Electronic Arts’ premier studios, has passed away at the age of 55. According to reports from NBC4 Los Angeles, the esteemed executive was killed in a tragic vehicle collision on Sunday.
The accident reportedly took place in the San Gabriel Mountains, north of Los Angeles. Authorities noted that another individual traveling in the vehicle also succumbed to their injuries after being transported to a nearby hospital.
Electronic Arts issued a formal statement to Polygon, expressing their devastation over the loss of the industry stalwart:
“This is an unfathomable tragedy, and our deepest sympathies go out to Vince’s family, his friends, and the many individuals whose lives he touched through his remarkable work. Vince was a monumental figure in the gaming world—a mentor, a pioneer, and a creative genius. His contributions redefined modern interactive media and served as a beacon of inspiration for players and creators alike. His impact on the art of game development will be felt for generations to come.”
Spanning nearly three decades, Zampella’s illustrious career was defined by high-stakes innovation. In 2002, he co-founded Infinity Ward, the studio that transformed Call of Duty into a global phenomenon. Later, he established Respawn Entertainment, the powerhouse behind Apex Legends, the Titanfall series, and the critically acclaimed Star Wars Jedi franchise. Recognized for his unparalleled expertise in the AAA shooter space, Zampella was tapped to lead the Battlefield franchise in 2021—a move that culminated in the successful launch of Battlefield 6 by DICE and Battlefield Studios.
Before his landmark success with Call of Duty, Zampella honed his craft at 2015 Inc., where he played a pivotal role in developing Medal of Honor: Allied Assault for EA. Alongside Jason West and Grant Collier, he transitioned from that team to form Infinity Ward, debuting with the original Call of Duty in 2003. As the studio’s chief creative officer and producer, Zampella was instrumental in the release of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, a title widely regarded as one of the most influential shooters in history for its shift to contemporary combat.
Following a high-profile legal dispute with Activision regarding unpaid royalties and their subsequent departure from the publisher, Zampella and West founded Respawn Entertainment in 2010. Under his stewardship, the studio produced a string of hits including Titanfall 2 and the massively popular battle royale Apex Legends. Most recently, Zampella had been tasked with revitalizing the Battlefield series, leveraging his veteran experience to steady the franchise following its previous release.
Source: Polygon
