It is with a heavy heart that we have to report the passing of yet another person who has contributed to the entertainment and enjoyment of millions. Vince Zampella may not be a name you immediately recognize, but you know some of the products that he’s helped to create. Zampella was the co-founder of Infinity Ward and later, Respawn Entertainment. It’s partly because of him we have “Call of Duty,” and more recently, “Apex Legends” and “Star Wars: Jedi” series.
On December 21st, Zampella was driving a 2026 Ferrari 296 GTS that lost control and slammed into a concrete barrier in Los Angeles. He was unfortunately killed. A passenger who was traveling with him was also killed.
While working with Electronic Arts (EA), Zampella was involved with the Medal of Honor franchise, which at the time, was possibly the biggest first-person shooter franchise on the planet, especially in terms of a realistic war setting. Wanting to be independent of EA, Zampella and some other developers started their own studio, Infinity Ward, partnered with Activision, and developed Call of Duty. The rest, as they say, is history. The series would continue to grow into becoming the blockbuster, routinely best-selling franchise that it is today.
After disputes arose between Activision, Zampella, and Infinity Ward co-founder Jason West, the two men left to start another new company, Respawn Entertainment. Their first game “Titanfall” was a Microsoft exclusive title but it’s sequel and other games would become multi-platform affairs that have carried the studio to greater heights. Ironically, Respawn was acquired by Zampella’s old parent company, EA. Under that corporate synergy, Respawn would end up developing Apex Legends, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, and its sequel, “Jedi: Survivor.” Zampella’s career ended up going full circle in that regard, ending with the studio that he first made his name with.
Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones who are no doubt, reeling from this loss, especially in the midst of the holiday season. He was 55 years old.
