Farewell to an FPS legend: Vince Zampella dies at 55

Vince Zampella was considered one of the most influential developers in modern gaming. As a co-founder of Infinity Ward, he played a key role in creating the Call of Duty series and later went on to establish Respawn Entertainment, where he led the development of successful franchises like Titanfall, Apex Legends and the Star Wars Jedi games. Since 2021, he had guided the strategic direction of Battlefield and was widely respected as a creative visionary.

Vince Zampella tragically died in a traffic accident in California on Sunday, December 22, 2025. He was 55 years old and leaves behind three children. The news was confirmed on Monday by both the Battlefield development team and Electronic Arts in official statements. In a tribute posted on X, the Battlefield team remembered Zampella as a visionary who embraced bold ideas, trusted his teams and always prioritized the player experience. His generosity and character left a lasting impact on the Battlefield franchise.

EA also expressed its shock, describing Zampella’s death as an “unimaginable loss.” The publisher emphasized his significant influence on the gaming industry – not only as a developer, but also as a friend, colleague and leader.

Details of the accident

According to authorities, the accident occurred around 12:45 p.m. on the Angeles Crest Highway and involved a single vehicle, believed to be a Ferrari. On a section known for its steep inclines and tight curves, the car lost control for unknown reasons, left the road and crashed into a concrete barrier. Two people were inside. The passenger, whose identity has not been disclosed, was ejected and later died in hospital. Zampella was trapped in the wreckage and died in the fire that followed, according to officials.

A video posted on Instagram that same day shows the scene shortly after the crash. The footage has triggered mixed reactions online. On Reddit, many users mourned Zampella’s death, calling him an “FPS legend” and paying tribute to his legacy. Others criticized what they believe was reckless driving, pointing to the video as evidence that the vehicle was traveling at a very high speed.