Modern Warfare 4, the latest installment in the long-running shooter franchise, includes a poignant tribute to Vince Zampella, a co-creator of Call of Duty and co-founder of Respawn Entertainment, who passed away in a car accident in December.
His name appears in the game's campaign credits, specifically midway through the end sequence. Zampella's name is listed alongside other individuals who contributed to the Call of Duty series and have since passed away, including Rainer Yang, Matt Canale, and Preetam Raj Bordoloi.
Zampella was a pivotal figure in the establishment of the Call of Duty series. He left EA after leading design on Medal of Honor: Allied Assault to co-found Infinity Ward and develop the original Call of Duty in 2007. He later returned to EA to found Respawn Entertainment, known for developing the Titanfall and Star Wars Jedi series. His work on the early Call of Duty titles, particularly the Modern Warfare sub-series, is widely credited with shaping the first-person shooter genre and revolutionizing online multiplayer experiences.
The tribute comes as Modern Warfare 4 has been met with critical acclaim, with many calling it one of the strongest entries in the series in recent years. The campaign has garnered praise from players, and even Captain Price, a veteran character from the franchise, has publicly thanked fans for their reception of the game.