Vince Zampella’s Death Leads To Flood Of Tributes

Yesterday, it was confirmed that Vince Zampella, the head of Respawn also known for his work as a lead developer on Call of Duty and Battlefield , was killed in a car accident on Sunday, December 21. Zampella had a storied career, co-founding Infinity Ward in 2002, which would go on to spend the next two decades creating Call of Duty games. After a messy breakup with Activision, he went on to found Titanfall developer Respawn Entertainment and was eventually made the lead of the Battlefield franchise in 2021. 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. Across a remarkable career, Vince played a foundational role in franchises including Call of Duty,... pic.twitter.com/M2NgyJRWu2 - Battlefield (@Battlefield) December 22, 2025 When you have a career that spans decades and helped launch some of the most influential shooters in the genre, you’re bound to touch the lives of many people in the video game industry. After news of Zampella’s death began to spread, fans and colleagues began flooding social media with tributes. I cannot believe I am writing this. Vince Zampella, a titan of the video game industry, the co-creator of Call of Duty and co-founder of Respawn Entertainment, not to mention a dear friend, died in a car crash yesterday in Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/jW3bT88gsE - Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) December 22, 2025 I can’t believe this. It’s so tragic. I just saw him at TGA’s. I’ve known Vince for years, and traveled the world with him at Activision. He’s truly brilliant and such a nice person. This loss will be felt in our industry for years. pic.twitter.com/77CPKAuCA0 - Tim Willits (@TimWillits) December 22, 2025 Vince was awesome. A real one - chill, but with a strong will and powerful heart. We have been friends for a long time and he and my wife Kristy were very close - confidants and allies. He leaves behind great children and many who love and respect him. When we were respectful... - Randy Pitchford (@DuvalMagic) December 22, 2025 Vince Zampella was not just an amazing game creator. He was also a friend. In absolute shock right now. Rest in peace to an absolute legend and giant of our industry. pic.twitter.com/acqJxlD1u1 - JP Kellams (@synaesthesiajp) December 22, 2025 Sometimes people throw around terms like "industry legend" to describe famous game developers, but Vince Zampella was genuinely legendary. Most people have no idea how influential the man was. Director on Medal of Honor: Allied Assault. Co-creator of Call of Duty. Then he... https://t.co/9UACRlcWre - Ryan K. Rigney (@RKRigney) December 22, 2025 Devastating and beyond heartbroken for the family of Vince Zampella. His path and impact on the industry are how I got my start and I will deeply mourn his loss. https://t.co/p6sKhQyH6E - rebb ford (@rebbford) December 22, 2025 I'm deeply saddened by the loss of Vince Zampella, a friend and a force in our industry. Vince...

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