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Vince Zampella: From Call of Duty Creator to Battlefield Savior

Last Updated: November 13, 2025

Vince Zampella, game developer and head of Battlefield.

In an industry defined by fierce rivalries, few stories are as compelling as Vince Zampella's. The man who co-created the juggernaut *Call of Duty* franchise now helms its biggest competitor, *Battlefield*, a journey that has come full circle. In a candid reflection on this history, Zampella once revealed that the genesis of *Call of Duty* itself was a direct result of "challenging" actions by his future partner, Electronic Arts (EA), offering a rare glimpse into the corporate dynamics that shaped the modern shooter landscape.

Zampella’s journey is a masterclass in navigating the volatile currents of the games industry. From his foundational work at Infinity Ward, to the acrimonious split with Activision, to the creation of powerhouse studio Respawn Entertainment, and now to his role as the architect of *Battlefield's* future, his career is inextricably linked to the two biggest names in military shooters. His unique perspective isn't just historical trivia; it's the living context for the franchise war he now wages from the other side of the trenches.

A Look Back: How an EA Rivalry Sparked Call of Duty

To understand the weight of Zampella's statement, one must rewind to the early 2000s. Zampella was a key developer at 2015, Inc., the studio behind the highly successful EA-published PC shooter *Medal of Honor: Allied Assault*. Following creative and contractual disagreements with EA, Zampella, alongside Jason West and Grant Collier, left to form their own studio in 2002: Infinity Ward.

This new studio, quickly acquired by Activision, set out to build a new World War II shooter. The result was 2003's *Call of Duty*. It distinguished itself from its *Medal of Honor* predecessor with more intense, cinematic set-pieces and a focus on fighting alongside a squad of AI soldiers, making the player feel like part of a larger war effort. The game was a smash hit, but it was 2007's *Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare* that truly revolutionized the genre. By shifting to a contemporary setting and introducing a groundbreaking online multiplayer system with persistent perks and progression, Infinity Ward and Zampella didn't just create a successful game; they created a global phenomenon that would define online gaming for a generation.

The Great Schism: The Split from Activision

The "challenging actions" Zampella alluded to historically were not limited to his early days with EA. Following the monumental success of 2009's *Modern Warfare 2*, the relationship between Zampella, West, and publisher Activision soured dramatically. In 2010, a very public and bitter dispute over unpaid royalties and creative control boiled over, leading to Activision firing both studio heads for alleged insubordination.

The fallout was immediate and seismic. A mass exodus of senior talent followed Zampella and West out the door, gutting the studio that had built *Call of Duty* into a titan. The ensuing months were filled with high-profile lawsuits and countersuits, exposing the immense pressures and financial stakes at the highest level of game development.

A New Chapter with an Old Rival: The Birth of Respawn

In the wake of their departure, Zampella and West, along with dozens of their former Infinity Ward colleagues, did the unexpected: they founded a new studio, Respawn Entertainment, and partnered with the publisher they had originally sought to escape—Electronic Arts.

Respawn's debut title, *Titanfall* (2014), was a breath of fresh air, blending fast-paced pilot parkour with colossal mech combat. Its 2016 sequel, *Titanfall 2*, is still hailed by critics as one of the greatest first-person shooters ever made, thanks to its masterfully designed single-player campaign. But Respawn’s crowning achievement under EA would come in 2019 with the surprise launch of *Apex Legends*, a free-to-play battle royale that became an instant global sensation. The studio further proved its versatility with the critically and commercially successful *Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order* (2019) and its sequel, *Star Wars Jedi: Survivor* (2023).

The Battlefield Challenge: Rebuilding a Titan

Zampella’s success with Respawn did not go unnoticed. In December 2021, following the disastrous launch of *Battlefield 2042*, EA appointed him to a new, expanded role: to take overall command of the entire *Battlefield* franchise. The move was seen as EA bringing in its most proven shooter expert to rescue its flagship series from a crisis of identity and quality.

*Battlefield 2042* was plagued by bugs, a lack of legacy features, and controversial design choices that alienated the core fanbase. Zampella's tenure has since been a long, arduous process of course correction for *2042* while simultaneously laying the groundwork for the franchise's future. This new strategy involves a multi-studio approach, with DICE, Criterion, and Motive Studio all collaborating on a connected *Battlefield* universe.

Now, Zampella is providing the first concrete details of that future. Confirming what fans have long hoped for, he has stated that the next mainline *Battlefield* game will mark a return to a modern military setting, moving away from the near-future backdrop of *2042*. The mission is clear: to recapture the magic of the series' most beloved entries and restore faith in the *Battlefield* name. Zampella's vision is not just about a single game, but about rebuilding an ecosystem and delivering the quality and innovation the series is known for.

The irony is not lost on anyone. The man who co-created *Call of Duty*, arguably out of friction with EA, is now the central figure tasked with making EA's premier shooter a worthy challenger to the throne he helped build. His career encapsulates the intertwined, often dramatic history of the two franchises, and the entire industry is watching to see if the creator of one legend can successfully resurrect its greatest rival.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Vince Zampella?Vince Zampella is a legendary game developer and studio head. He co-founded Infinity Ward (creator of *Call of Duty*), and is the CEO of Respawn Entertainment (*Titanfall*, *Apex Legends*, *Star Wars Jedi* series). As of 2021, he is also the overall head of the *Battlefield* franchise for Electronic Arts.

What was the controversy between Vince Zampella and Activision?In 2010, Zampella and his partner Jason West were fired by Activision from Infinity Ward, the studio they co-founded. The termination stemmed from major disputes over bonus payments and creative control following the success of *Modern Warfare 2*, leading to a cascade of lawsuits and a mass departure of staff.

What major franchises has Vince Zampella influenced?Zampella was a co-creator of the *Call of Duty* franchise. At Respawn, he oversaw the creation of the *Titanfall* universe (which includes *Apex Legends*) and the *Star Wars Jedi* series. He is now guiding the future of the *Battlefield* franchise.

What is Vince Zampella's current role with Battlefield?Vince Zampella was appointed in December 2021 to lead the *Battlefield* franchise. His role involves setting the long-term strategic vision for the series, coordinating multiple studios, and overseeing the development of future games to restore the franchise's prestige.

What is the next Battlefield game going to be?While a title has not been announced, Vince Zampella has confirmed that the development team is focused on the next mainline installment, which will feature a return to a modern warfare setting.