Gaming Industry Loss: Vince Zampella, Co-Creator of “Call of Duty”, Passes Away

Web Editor

December 22, 2025

a row of video game cases sitting on a shelf in a store, with the covers pulled back and the covers

Background and Relevance of Vince Zampella

Vince Zampella, a key figure in the gaming industry, tragically passed away on Sunday following a car accident involving his Ferrari near Los Angeles, according to US media reports.

Zampella was renowned for his pivotal role as co-creator of the globally acclaimed video game franchise “Call of Duty” in 2003. His influence extended beyond this successful series, as he also founded Respawn Entertainment, the studio behind popular titles such as “Titanfall“, “Apex Legends“, and the upcoming “Star Wars Jedi” game.

Impact and Legacy of Vince Zampella

Zampella’s contributions to the gaming industry are monumental. His work on “Call of Duty” revolutionized the first-person shooter genre, setting new standards for immersive storytelling and multiplayer experiences. The franchise has sold over half a billion copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling video game series of all time.

In addition to his work on “Call of Duty“, Zampella’s establishment of Respawn Entertainment further solidified his impact on the gaming world. The studio’s games, such as “Titanfall” and “Apex Legends“, have been praised for their innovative gameplay mechanics and engaging narratives. The upcoming “Star Wars Jedi” game, also developed by Respawn Entertainment, is highly anticipated by fans of the franchise.

Key Actions and Ideas

  • Co-creation of “Call of Duty”: Zampella, alongside Martin Martinez, developed the groundbreaking first-person shooter franchise that has sold over 500 million copies.
  • Founding of Respawn Entertainment: Zampella established the studio in 2010, which has since produced successful titles like “Titanfall” and “Apex Legends“. The studio is currently working on the highly anticipated “Star Wars Jedi” game.
  • Industry Influence: Zampella’s work has shaped the first-person shooter genre and inspired countless developers. His innovative ideas and commitment to creating immersive gaming experiences have left a lasting impact on the industry.

Key Questions and Answers

  • Who was Vince Zampella? Vince Zampella was a prominent figure in the gaming industry, best known as the co-creator of the “Call of Duty” franchise and founder of Respawn Entertainment.
  • What was Vince Zampella’s impact on the gaming industry? Zampella revolutionized the first-person shooter genre with “Call of Duty” and inspired innovative gameplay mechanics through his work at Respawn Entertainment, which produced successful titles like “Titanfall” and “Apex Legends“.
  • What is Respawn Entertainment working on? Respawn Entertainment, founded by Vince Zampella, is currently developing the upcoming “Star Wars Jedi” game.