Vince Zampella, the co-creator of the globally successful video game franchise Call of Duty, has died in a car crash, gaming giant Electronic Arts confirmed on Monday.
Zampella, 55, died on Sunday while driving his Ferrari on a scenic road north of Los Angeles, according to a local broadcaster.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) said the vehicle went off the road for unknown reasons, struck a concrete barrier, and became fully engulfed in flames.
The CHP added that both the driver and a passenger, who was ejected from the vehicle, died from their injuries. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Videos shared by witnesses on social media showed the crushed cherry-red Ferrari engulfed in flames on the mountain road.
Warning: This video shows a serious accident. Viewer discretion is advised.
Zampella was a prominent developer and executive whose studios created some of the world’s best-selling video games. He was widely regarded as an innovator in first-person military shooter games.
Earlier this year, his video game Battlefield 6 set a new sales record for the franchise. At the time, Zampella expressed gratitude for the success, saying the team never took such moments for granted.
The Battlefield franchise has attracted more than 100 million players over the past two decades across its various editions.
Call of Duty continues to exceed that milestone, with more than 100 million active monthly players.
In a 2016 interview with gaming site IGN, Zampella reflected on the franchise’s popularity. He said that while developers dream of success, they are never fully prepared for that level of global impact.
Darwin award winner 😆
May he find the paywall of heaven as we disagreeable as the one in his game.