Vince Zampella, ‘Call of Duty’ Co-Creator, Dies at 55

Vince Zampella, a leading figure in the development of some of the world’s best-selling video games, including the “Call of Duty” franchise, has died at the age of 55, according to an Associated Press report. Electronic Arts (EA) confirmed Zampella’s death on Sunday but did not disclose a cause.

Zampella’s work helped shape the modern interactive entertainment industry over more than two decades. As co-founder of Infinity Ward and later Respawn Entertainment, he played a key role in creating major titles across multiple blockbuster franchises and influencing how games are developed and experienced globally.

Gaming Pioneer With Enduring Legacy

Born in 1970, Zampella began his career in the video game industry in the 1990s. He rose to prominence as a co-founder and executive at Infinity Ward, the studio that launched the Call of Duty franchise in 2003. The first “Call of Duty,” set in World War II, established a new benchmark for first-person shooters and helped the series sell more than 500 million copies worldwide.

In 2010, Zampella and fellow industry veteran Jason West left Infinity Ward and established Respawn Entertainment, which was later acquired by EA. Under his leadership, Respawn developed critically acclaimed titles such as Titanfall, Titanfall 2, Apex Legends and entries in the Star Wars Jedi series, broadening his influence across genres and platforms.

Most recently, Zampella had taken on broader executive responsibilities at EA, including oversight of major franchises beyond Respawn’s core projects. Industry analysts noted his role in shaping strategic directions for multiplayer and narrative-driven games within EA’s portfolio. [Context from broader industry reporting]

Industry and Peer Reactions

In a statement, an EA spokesperson described Zampella as a “friend, colleague, leader and visionary creator” whose work had a “profound and far-reaching” impact on video games and inspired both players and developers around the world.

Video game journalist and producer Geoff Keighley, co-creator of The Game Awards, expressed shock and sorrow at Zampella’s passing, calling him a visionary with a rare ability to nurture talent and creative freedom among teams. [Context from additional reporting]

Tributes also poured in from across the gaming community, with fans and industry professionals highlighting Zampella’s contributions to popular culture and the business of gaming.

Call of Duty’s Evolution and Broader Reach

Since its debut in 2003, the Call of Duty series has expanded beyond its original World War II setting to explore modern and futuristic combat themes. The franchise’s commercial success has led to spin-offs, competitive gaming ecosystems and other media adaptations, including a live-action film in development by Paramount Pictures.

Zampella’s work at Respawn further diversified his legacy. Apex Legends, a free-to-play title that became a major presence in the battle-royale genre, and the Star Wars Jedi series, noted for its narrative depth, cemented his reputation for innovation across gaming formats.

Legacy in Interactive Entertainment

As the industry continues to evolve, Zampella’s influence is reflected in both the commercial benchmarks set by his franchises and the creative approaches adopted by developers worldwide. His career spanned pivotal transitions in gaming — from physical media to digital distribution, from single-player narratives to live services and community-driven experiences.

Zampella is survived by family members, including his children, and leaves behind a profound legacy within the global video game community.