Vince Zampella, one of the most influential figures in modern video game development, has sadly passed away at the age of 55 following a car accident, it has been confirmed.

Zampella was best known as a co-founder of Respawn Entertainment, the studio behind Titanfall, Apex Legends, and the critically acclaimed Star Wars Jedi series. Long before Respawn, he played a pivotal role in shaping the first-person shooter genre as a lead developer on Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, a title widely regarded as one of the most important shooters ever made.

His work helped define not only how shooters play, but how they’re presented, paced, and monetized in the modern era. From the cinematic redefinition of Modern Warfare to Respawn’s emphasis on tight mechanics and player-first design, Zampella’s influence can be felt across nearly every major FPS released over the past two decades.

Industry figures, developers, and fans have begun sharing tributes, remembering Zampella not just for his technical contributions, but for his leadership and creative vision. His ability to balance blockbuster ambition with sharp, player-focused design earned him deep respect throughout the industry.

At the time of writing, no further details surrounding the accident have been publicly shared.

Vince Zampella leaves behind a legacy that helped shape an entire generation of games and the industry will feel his absence for years to come.