- Industry veteran Vince Zampella has passed away at the age of 55.
- He was involved in a car accident in Los Angeles on December 21.
- Zampella was best known as the co-creator of the Obligations series and co-founder of Respawn Entertainment
Vince Zampella, an industry legend best known as the co-creator of Obligations and co-founder of Respawn Entertainment, passed away at the age of 55.
According to NBC Los Angeles, Zampella died in a car accident that occurred on December 21. It took place on a highway north of Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Mountains.
“The car heading south went off the road, struck a concrete barrier and a passenger was ejected,” the California Highway Patrol said.
“The driver died at the scene and the passenger died at a hospital, authorities told NBC4 Investigates,” the report reads.
It has now been confirmed that he was the driver of a 2026 Ferrari 296 GTS, but the passenger has not been identified at this time.
Zampella co-created the successful Obligations franchise with Jason West in 2003 at his Infinity Ward studio, a series that shaped the first-person shooter (FPS) genre in gaming.
Infinity Ward has shared its own statement regarding X/Twitter following Zampella’s passing, writing, “rest in peace Vince. As one of the founders of Infinity Ward and ObligationsYou will always have a special place in our history.
“His legacy of creating iconic and enduring entertainment is immeasurable. Our deepest condolences go out to Vince’s family and loved ones over this terrible tragedy.”
The industry veteran left Infinity Ward in 2010 after a legal dispute with Activision. He and West co-founded Respawn the same year, a studio that developed titan fall and Titanfall 2, Apex Legends, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Orderand Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.
We are heartbroken by the passing of our founder and dear friend Vince Zampella. Vince was a titan and legend of this industry, a visionary leader and a force that shaped teams and games like Call of Duty, Titanfall, Apex Legends, the Star Wars Jedi series and Battlefield for our… pic.twitter.com/L51gG9tbRoDecember 22, 2025
“We are heartbroken by the passing of our founder and dear friend Vince Zampella,” Repawn said on X/Twitter. “Vince was a titan and legend of this industry, a visionary leader and a force that shaped teams and games like Obligations, titan fall, Apex Legendshe star wars jedi series and Battlefield for our community in ways that will be felt for generations.
“His impact reached far beyond any game or studio. We will remember Vince for how he showed up every day, trusting his teams, encouraging bold ideas, and believing in Respawn and Battlefield. Most importantly, he stood up for what he believed was right for the people behind those studios and our players because it mattered. We will miss him very much. “Our hearts go out to his family, friends and everyone who loves him.”
Before his passing, Zampella served as executive vice president of EA, overseeing the Battlefield series. EA also provided a statement to Kotaku.
“This is an unimaginable loss, and our hearts go out to Vince’s family, his loved ones, and all those affected by his work. Vince’s influence on the video game industry was deep and far-reaching,” the statement read.
“A friend, colleague, leader and visionary creator, his work helped shape modern interactive entertainment and inspired millions of gamers and developers around the world. His legacy will continue to shape how games are made and how gamers connect for generations to come.”
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