Web Desk (MNN); Renowned video game developer Vince Zampella, one of the co-creators of the globally popular Call of Duty franchise, has died in a car accident in California at the age of 55, Electronic Arts confirmed.
According to the California Highway Patrol, Zampella was travelling in a Ferrari with another individual when the vehicle veered off a highway in Los Angeles on Sunday, crashed into a concrete barrier and burst into flames. Both occupants lost their lives in the incident.
Authorities said one person was thrown from the vehicle while the other remained trapped inside. It has not yet been determined who was driving at the time of the crash.
Electronic Arts termed Zampella’s death an “unimaginable loss” and extended condolences to his family, friends and the global gaming community influenced by his work.
Zampella co-created Call of Duty in 2003 alongside Jason West and Grant Collier. Inspired partly by World War II, the franchise has sold over 500 million copies worldwide, making it one of the most successful video game series in history.
He was also instrumental in developing other major titles, including Medal of Honour, Titanfall and Apex Legends.
Following a dispute with Activision in 2010, which was settled in 2012, Zampella joined Electronic Arts, where he continued his work on major projects, including Battlefield 6.
Tributes poured in from across the gaming industry. Infinity Ward said Zampella would always remain an important part of its legacy, while fellow developers remembered him as a visionary who placed player experience at the centre of game design.
