Vince Zampella, co-creator of the best-selling video game series, Call Of Duty, has died aged 55.
His death was confirmed by video game maker, Electronic Arts (EA), who did not confirm a cause of death. But it has been reported that the creator had died in a car crash in Southern California.
According to reports shared via NBC Los Angeles, Zampella was involved in a single-vehicle collision with a Ferrari in the San Gabriel Mountains at approximately 12.45pm local time.
Paying tribute to Zampella, an EA spokesperson said that his influence on the video game industry was "profound and far-reaching".
"A friend, colleague, leader and visionary creator, his work helped shape modern interactive entertainment and inspired millions of players and developers around the world," the spokesperson added. "His legacy will continue to shape how games are made and how players connect for generations to come".
Vince Zampella had founded Respawn Entertainment, a subsidiary of EA in 2010. He was also the former chief executive of video game developer Infinity Ward, the studio which is behind the Call Of Duty franchise.
Zampella has been hailed for creating the franchise, selling over more than half a billion games worldwide. Debuting in 2003, the game was a Second World War simulation, with further versions delving into modern warfare. A live action movie was also created, which was based on the game in production with Paramount Pictures.
Zameplla also helped to create action adventure video games for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.
