Vince Zampella, the video game developer known for his role in creating some of the industry’s most influential franchises, has died following a fatal car crash in Southern California. The incident was first reported by NBC LA, which confirmed that Zampella was killed Sunday afternoon in a single-vehicle accident on Angeles Crest Highway.
According to NBC4 Investigates, the crash occurred at approximately 12:45 p.m. on the scenic mountain road north of Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Mountains. Authorities stated that a southbound Ferrari veered off the roadway shortly after exiting a tunnel and struck a concrete barrier. The California Highway Patrol reported that a passenger was ejected from the vehicle during the crash.
NBC4 Investigates further reported that Zampella, who was driving the vehicle, became trapped inside the car after it caught fire. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger was transported to a hospital, where they later died from their injuries. Officials told NBC that details regarding the passenger’s identity were not immediately available.
Zampella was widely recognized as a central figure in modern video game development. He served as the head of Respawn Entertainment and was previously the chief executive officer of Infinity Ward, the studio behind the Call of Duty franchise. His career also included leadership roles tied to franchises such as Titanfall, Apex Legends, Star Wars Jedi, and Battlefield, where he most recently guided the series through a major release in 2025.
Following news of his death, tributes began to pour in from across the video game industry. Infinity Ward shared a statement on social media, writing, “Rest in peace Vince. As one of the founders of Infinity Ward and Call of Duty, you will always have a special place in our history. Your legacy of creating iconic, lasting entertainment is immeasurable. Our deepest condolences to Vince’s family and loved ones upon this terrible tragedy.”
The official Battlefield account also issued a lengthy tribute, stating, “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.” The message went on to highlight his leadership across multiple franchises and his approach to guiding teams with long term vision and care for the community.
Treyarch similarly acknowledged the loss, writing, “We’re deeply saddened by Vince Zampella’s tragic passing. His legacy as one of the founders of Call of Duty and a legend of our industry will never be forgotten. Our sincere condolences go out to Vince’s family, friends, and loved ones.”
Zampella’s death marks the sudden loss of a developer whose influence stretched across decades of interactive entertainment. While his work reached millions of players worldwide, the response from fellow studios reflects a more personal reality. Beyond the games themselves, Vince Zampella is being remembered for the teams he led, the ideas he championed, and the lasting impact he left behind.
