Vince Zampella, co-creator of Call of Duty and head of Respawn Entertainment, died in a crash on Angeles Crest Highway near Los Angeles. A Ferrari he was in collided with a concrete barrier and caught fire, killing him and a passenger. NBC Los Angeles
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Multiple outlets confirm his death and the location of the crash, showing the impact on the gaming world. CBS News
2. In-Depth Tribute and Legacy Piece
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The Washington Post profile highlights Zampella’s influence on video games, emphasizing his role in shaping modern first-person shooters and describing him as a visionary who changed the medium. The Washington Post
3. Industry Reaction & Tributes
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Respawn, Infinity Ward, EA, and many industry leaders paid tribute to Zampella, calling him a “titan and legend” whose leadership shaped games like Call of Duty, Titanfall, Apex Legends and more. GamesRadar+
4. Additional Coverage & Personal Details
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Entertainment Weekly provided details on his career, major titles, and the broader impact on the gaming community. EW.com
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People.com ran a story focusing on his family — including his ex-wife and three children — and their tributes after his passing. People.com
5. International & Long-Form Articles
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Al Jazeera and other outlets reported the death globally, underscoring how the news spread beyond gaming and tech media. Al Jazeera
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Gamespot and others captured the historical context and significance of his work. GameSpot
🧠Summary of Key Facts
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Who: Vince Zampella — co-founder of Infinity Ward, co-creator of Call of Duty, founder of Respawn Entertainment, and longtime leader in the video game industry.
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What Happened: He died in a fatal car crash in Southern California on December 21, 2025. NBC Los Angeles
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Why It’s Trending: The tragedy has sparked widespread coverage and tributes across games media, mainstream news, and social platforms — especially given his role in some of the most successful video game franchises in history.
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Legacy: His influence stretched across Call of Duty, Titanfall, Apex Legends, and revitalizing the Battlefield franchise, and he was widely regarded as a visionary in the industry.
