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How It Works • Video Games

Vince Zampella

Vince Zampella was an American video game designer and producer best known as a co-founder and former studio head of Infinity Ward, the co-founder and head of Respawn Entertainment, and the former CEO of Ripple Effect Studios.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Vince Zampella was an American video game designer and producer. He co-founded Infinity Ward and Respawn Entertainment, leading the creation of major franchises like Call of Duty.

What it is

Vince Zampella (born October 1, 1969 or 1970; died December 21, 2025) was a video game executive known for his leadership at Infinity Ward, Respawn Entertainment, and Ripple Effect Studios. He is closely associated with the Call of Duty, Titanfall, and Star Wars Jedi series.

Why it matters

Zampella helped shape the modern first-person shooter genre. As co-founder and head of Infinity Ward, he oversaw early Call of Duty titles. Later, at Respawn, he launched the Titanfall and Star Wars Jedi franchises, influencing game design and studio culture.

Key details

Sources disagree on his birth year, listing either 1969 or 1970, but both agree on October 1. He died on December 21, 2025. His full name is Vincent Walter Zampella II. He served as CEO of Ripple Effect Studios, an Electronic Arts subsidiary.

In short

  • Co-founded Infinity Ward and Respawn Entertainment.
  • Best known for Call of Duty, Titanfall, and Star Wars Jedi.
  • Born October 1, 1969 or 1970; died December 21, 2025.
  • Sources conflict on his exact birth year.

Quick questions

Who was Vince Zampella?
He was an American video game designer and executive known for leading Infinity Ward, Respawn Entertainment, and Ripple Effect Studios.
What is Vince Zampella best known for?
He is best known for his role in creating and managing major first-person shooter franchises, especially Call of Duty.
When did Vince Zampella die?
Sources list his death as December 21, 2025.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vince_Zampella
    Supports: Full name, death date, American nationality, role as co-founder/studio head of Infinity Ward, head of Respawn Entertainment, former CEO of Ripple Effect Studios
  2. Czech Wikipedia — https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vince_Zampella
    Supports: Alternative birth year listing, death date, roles at Infinity Ward, Respawn Entertainment, and Ripple Effect Studios
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1173574/
    Supports: Role as head of Respawn Entertainment, co-founder of Respawn, leadership of DICE LA/EA studio team
  4. MobyGames — https://www.mobygames.com/person/42909/vince-zampella/
    Supports: Career roles, studio leadership, early work history, producer credits on several games
  5. NBC Los Angeles — https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/video-game-developer-vince-zampella-crash-call-of-duty/3819576/
    Supports: Death report, age at death, Crash context, Respawn and EA studio roles