Vince Zampella, a formative force in the evolution of the modern video game landscape and the co-founder of Infinity Ward, has passed away at the age of 55 following a car accident in Southern California on December 21, 2025, NBC4 Los Angeles has confirmed.
Zampella’s storied career touches some of the most iconic franchises in interactive entertainment, resonating across the PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch platforms. Zampella’s impact on the industry began in the late 1990s, first with foundational roles at GameTek, Atari, and Panasonic Interactive Media.
His ascent to prominence started with his contributions as lead designer on 'Medal of Honor: Allied Assault' from 1999 to 2002, placing him at the forefront of first-person shooter innovation. In 2002, Zampella co-founded Infinity Ward alongside Jason West and Grant Collier.
The studio’s inaugural project, 'Call of Duty', rapidly evolved into one of the world’s most influential video game franchises, with 'Call of Duty: Modern Warfare' and its sequels setting benchmarks for storytelling and multiplayer mechanics.
Notably, entries in the Call of Duty series were ported to Nintendo consoles, including the Nintendo Switch, demonstrating the franchise’s broad audience and technological adaptability. After the 2009 release of 'Modern Warfare 2', Zampella and West departed from Activision, following a well-documented dispute that led both to pursue legal action and found Respawn Entertainment under a new partnership with Electronic Arts (EA).
While West exited the company in 2013, Zampella remained at the helm, overseeing Respawn’s development of acclaimed titles such as 'Titanfall', 'Apex Legends', and the 'Star Wars Jedi' series, with these releases spanning major platforms and earning critical and commercial success. Zampella’s portfolio further extended to his leadership roles at DICE’s Los Angeles branch, later rebranded as Ripple Effect Studios, and his guidance of the Battlefield franchise.
His hands-on management and creative acumen have paved the way for groundbreaking innovations in online multiplayer and live-service gaming experiences, which continue to influence titles across the Nintendo eShop and other digital marketplaces. Industry peers and fans are expressing their grief and honoring Zampella’s memory online.
The Game Awards host Geoff Keighley highlighted Zampella’s character, referring to him as an exemplary individual in the field.
Eric Neustadter, former Xbox operations manager, recalled working with Zampella as a privilege and a pleasure. Vince Zampella leaves behind a legacy of transformative game development, shaping entertainment for millions worldwide.
The video game community extends heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.
Zampella’s storied career touches some of the most iconic franchises in interactive entertainment, resonating across the PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch platforms. Zampella’s impact on the industry began in the late 1990s, first with foundational roles at GameTek, Atari, and Panasonic Interactive Media.
His ascent to prominence started with his contributions as lead designer on 'Medal of Honor: Allied Assault' from 1999 to 2002, placing him at the forefront of first-person shooter innovation. In 2002, Zampella co-founded Infinity Ward alongside Jason West and Grant Collier.
The studio’s inaugural project, 'Call of Duty', rapidly evolved into one of the world’s most influential video game franchises, with 'Call of Duty: Modern Warfare' and its sequels setting benchmarks for storytelling and multiplayer mechanics.
Notably, entries in the Call of Duty series were ported to Nintendo consoles, including the Nintendo Switch, demonstrating the franchise’s broad audience and technological adaptability. After the 2009 release of 'Modern Warfare 2', Zampella and West departed from Activision, following a well-documented dispute that led both to pursue legal action and found Respawn Entertainment under a new partnership with Electronic Arts (EA).
While West exited the company in 2013, Zampella remained at the helm, overseeing Respawn’s development of acclaimed titles such as 'Titanfall', 'Apex Legends', and the 'Star Wars Jedi' series, with these releases spanning major platforms and earning critical and commercial success. Zampella’s portfolio further extended to his leadership roles at DICE’s Los Angeles branch, later rebranded as Ripple Effect Studios, and his guidance of the Battlefield franchise.
His hands-on management and creative acumen have paved the way for groundbreaking innovations in online multiplayer and live-service gaming experiences, which continue to influence titles across the Nintendo eShop and other digital marketplaces. Industry peers and fans are expressing their grief and honoring Zampella’s memory online.
The Game Awards host Geoff Keighley highlighted Zampella’s character, referring to him as an exemplary individual in the field.
Eric Neustadter, former Xbox operations manager, recalled working with Zampella as a privilege and a pleasure. Vince Zampella leaves behind a legacy of transformative game development, shaping entertainment for millions worldwide.
The video game community extends heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.
