The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Technology & Internet›Video Games›Vince Zampella
Technology & Internet • 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.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

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. He was closely associated with the creation and growth of major first-person shooter franchises including Call of Duty, Titanfall, and Star Wars Jedi.

Early life and background

Publicly available sources identify his full name as Vincent Walter Zampella II and describe him as an American video game designer. Available sources conflict on whether he was born in 1969 or 1970.

Infinity Ward and Call of Duty

Zampella was a co-founder and studio leader at Infinity Ward, the company behind the original Call of Duty series. He is credited in sources with helping shape major early entries in the franchise.

Respawn Entertainment

He co-founded Respawn Entertainment in 2010 and served as its head. The studio became known for franchises including Titanfall and Star Wars Jedi.

Ripple Effect Studios and later career

Zampella later served as CEO of Ripple Effect Studios, another Electronic Arts studio. Sources note his involvement with broader EA projects in later years.

Key facts

  • Zampella was best known for co-founding Infinity Ward and serving as its studio head.
  • He later co-founded Respawn Entertainment and led the studio as head.
  • He also served as CEO of Ripple Effect Studios.
  • He is widely associated with the development of early Call of Duty titles.
  • Sources disagree on his birth year, with some listing 1969 and others 1970.

Frequently asked 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.
Did Vince Zampella found Respawn Entertainment?
Yes. Sources say he co-founded Respawn Entertainment in 2010 and later served as its head.
What games or series is he associated with?
He is associated with Call of Duty, Titanfall, and Star Wars Jedi, through his leadership roles at Infinity Ward and Respawn.
When was Vince Zampella born?
Sources conflict on the year, listing either 1969 or 1970; both agree on October 1 as the birth date.
When did Vince Zampella die?
Sources list his death as December 21, 2025.

References

  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