Vince Zampella, the visionary behind the Call of Duty franchise and founder of Respawn Entertainment, died at 55, according to Electronic Arts.
## Death and EA Statement
Electronic Arts confirmed Zampella’s death on Sunday. The company did not disclose a cause.
## Career Highlights
– In 2010, Zampella founded Respawn Entertainment, a subsidiary of EA.
– He served as the former chief executive of Infinity Ward, the studio that created Call of Duty.
– Zampella’s crowning achievement was the Call of Duty franchise, which has sold more than half a billion copies worldwide.
– He oversaw the development of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.
## Legacy and Impact
A spokesperson for Electronic Arts said in a statement on Monday that Zampella’s influence on the video game industry was “profound and far-reaching.”
“A friend, colleague, leader and visionary creator, his work helped shape modern interactive entertainment and inspired millions of players and developers around the world,” the statement added.
“His legacy will continue to shape how games are made and how players connect for generations to come.”
The first-person shooter debuted in 2003 as a World War II simulation and has sold over 500 million copies globally. Subsequent versions have explored modern warfare, and a live-action movie based on the game is in production with Paramount Pictures.
## Tributes
Video game journalist Geoff Keighley, co-creator of The Game Awards, said he was shocked to hear of Zampella’s sudden death.
“Vince was an extraordinary person – a gamer at heart, but also a visionary executive with a rare ability to recognize talent and give people the freedom and confidence to create something truly great,” Keighley wrote on social media.
“And while he created some of the most influential games of our time, I always felt he still had his greatest one ahead of him. It’s heartbreaking that we’ll never get to play it.”
## Key Takeaways
– Vince Zampella, 55, passed away, leaving a legacy that shaped modern gaming.
– He founded Respawn Entertainment and led Infinity Ward, creating the globally successful Call of Duty series.
– Industry peers praised his vision, noting his impact will endure for generations.
Vince Zampella’s death marks the loss of a pioneer whose work continues to influence game development and player experience worldwide.
