„It’s an unimaginable loss.” Gaming industry reacts to the death of Vince Zampella, one of the fathers of modern first-person shooters

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People in the gaming world, along with those who worked with him, are deeply saddened by the death of Vince Zampella, who founded both Infinity Ward and Respawn Entertainment.

News of a tragic car accident yesterday deeply shocked the gaming community and resulted in the loss of a key leader for two Electronic Arts studios, EA DICE and Respawn Entertainment. Vince Zampella, also a co-founder of Infinity Ward and a driving force behind the original Call of Duty games, had a remarkable career. He helped create popular titles like Medal of Honor: Allied Assault, Titanfall, Star Wars Jedi, Apex Legends, and the recently successful Battlefield 6.

It was natural for gamers to share tributes online after the recent passing. Major companies like Electronic Arts, along with their studios Respawn and EA DICE, quickly released statements. The creators of Call of Duty (Infinity Ward and Treyarch), industry figures like John Romero, Rebecca Ford, and Geoff Keighley, Markus “Notch” Persson, and numerous other developers, publishers, and members of the gaming press also shared their respects.

Here are the statements from the Battlefield team…

We’re deeply saddened by the passing of Vince Zampella, a remarkably creative leader who profoundly impacted the gaming world. His work inspired generations of players and helped establish the standards for today’s popular shooting and action games.

Throughout his impressive career, Vince was a key figure in the development of popular franchises like Call of Duty, Titanfall, Apex Legends, and the Star Wars Jedi series. When he led the Battlefield franchise, he always prioritized the community and the long-term health of the game when making decisions.

Vince’s influence extended well beyond individual games or the companies he worked for. We’ll remember him for consistently supporting his teams, fostering creativity, and having unwavering faith in the Battlefield franchise and the people who created it.

We are incredibly thankful for his strong leadership, kindness, and dedication. We will always remember his influence and strive to continue his positive impact.

… Respawn Entertainment, …

We’re heartbroken by the passing of our founder and dear friend Vince Zampella.

Vince was a hugely influential figure in the gaming industry. He was a visionary leader who played a key role in creating popular games like Call of Duty, Titanfall, Apex Legends, the Star Wars Jedi series, and Battlefield. His impact on these games and the gaming community will be felt for many years to come.

Vince’s influence extended well beyond specific games or the companies he worked with. We’ll remember him for consistently supporting his teams, encouraging innovation, and having faith in Respawn and Battlefield. Above all, he always fought for what he believed was best for the people creating those games, and for the players who enjoyed them, because he knew it made a difference.

We will miss him greatly.

Our hearts are with his family, friends, and all who love him.

… and Infinity Ward:

Rest in peace Vince.

Being a founder of both Infinity Ward and the Call of Duty series, you’ve left a lasting mark on our company’s story.

Your legacy of creating iconic, lasting entertainment is immeasurable.

Our deepest condolences to Vince’s family and loved ones upon this terrible tragedy.

Many people, from everyday fans to industry leaders, expressed their sadness and shared fond memories. There’s now a lot of discussion about who will lead the development of Battlefield and other EA games, and what that means for their future. This loss is particularly upsetting because the gaming world has already lost several talented developers this year – not just voice actors. In 2025, we sadly said goodbye to figures like Tomonobu Itagaki, Bill Petras, Jim Curry, Viktor Antonov, Rebecca Heineman, and Tim Letourneau.

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2025-12-23 19:04