Vince Zampella, a video game developer known for pioneering iconic franchises including “Call of Duty,” has died at 55, gaming company Electronic Arts said. Zampella died Sunday in a car crash on the Angeles Crest Highway in Los Angeles. 

The crash happened at around 12:45 p.m. near mile marker 62 in an unincorporated area part of the county close to Altadena, according to the California Highway Patrol. Officers were alerted to the crash by an emergency services request from an Apple device via satellite, according to their incident log. 

In a news release, CHP officers said that for unknown reasons, a car “veered off the roadway” and struck a concrete barrier, which caused it to burst into flames. The driver was trapped inside following the impact and was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger in the vehicle was ejected, police said. They died after being taken to a nearby hospital, officers said. 

Zampella founded Respawn Entertainment in 2010 and was the former CEO of Infinity Ward, the studio that develops the “Call of Duty” franchise. 

“As one of the founders of Infinity Ward and Call of Duty, you will always have a special place in our history. Your legacy of creating iconic, lasting entertainment is immeasurable,” a statement from Infinity Ward said.

Electronic Arts, which acquired Respawn Entertainment in 2017, shared a statement with CBS Los Angeles on Zampella’s death. 

“This is an unimaginable loss, and our hearts are with Vince’s family, his loved ones, and all those touched by his work. Vince’s influence on the video game industry was profound and far-reaching,” the statement said. “A friend, colleague, leader and visionary creator, his work helped shape modern interactive entertainment and inspired millions of players and developers around the world.”

Zampella helped develop an extensive list of successful games throughout his career, which began in 2002 with “Medal of Honor: Allied Assault” and continued with the first “Call of Duty” game in 2003. 

In recent years, he helped produce the “Star Wars Jedi” series. His Respawn Entertainment studio has produced games like “Titanfall” and “Titanfall 2,” as well as “Apex Legends.” He was also leading a team at DICE LA, which is an EA studio based in Playa Vista, according to the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. 

Timothée Chalamet’s press tour for Marty Supreme is drawing almost as much attention as the film itself, with fans and industry watchers divided over the actor’s unusually confident tone while promoting the project. 

As the movie prepares for its nationwide release on Christmas Day, Chalamet’s recent interviews have sparked debate about whether his enthusiasm is tipping into arrogance.

Over the past few weeks, the Oscar nominee has leaned into bold promotional choices tied closely to the film’s energy. 

Some moments have been widely praised, including a playful parody of an A24 marketing meeting that led to the now-famous orange Marty Supreme blimp. 

However, his interview comments have fueled a louder conversation online.

One clip that quickly gained traction featured Chalamet calling Marty Supreme his strongest performance to date. 

He said the film marked his best work after years of what he described as consistently high-level acting, adding, “I don’t want people to take it for granted. I don’t want to take it for granted. This is really some top-level shit.” 

The remark split fans, with some applauding his self-belief and others feeling the confidence was overstated.

The conversation intensified after Chalamet appeared on Good Morning America, where he spoke about the film’s future in a way that some interpreted as Oscar talk. 

“I want the movie to succeed. I want everything to win,” he said. 

“The real truth is that Marty Supreme, I feel confident to the degree that by next summer … I’m confident I know what it’s gonna be by next summer.” 

While he didn’t mention awards directly, social media quickly filled in the blanks.

Responding to the criticism, Chalamet later told IndieWire that the press tour’s tone is intentional and rooted in the spirit of the film itself. 

“This is in the spirit of Marty, and I feel like this is ultimately an original film at a time when original movies aren’t really put out,” he said. “It’s a movie about the pursuit of a dream. I’m leaving it on the field.”

Whether fans love it or question it, the strategy appears to be paying off.

As Variety and other outlets report, Marty Supreme opened on just six screens on Dec. 19 and earned $875,000 in its first weekend, delivering the highest per-screen average of the year and setting records for A24. 

With strong early numbers and a wider release ahead, Chalamet’s headline-making press tour has undeniably put the film in the spotlight.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez were spotted spending relaxed family time together just days before Christmas, signaling a supportive dynamic months after finalising their divorce. 

The former couple, who settled their split in January following two years of marriage, reunited in Los Angeles on Dec. 21 for a casual shopping outing with Ben’s youngest son, Samuel Affleck, 13.

As per E! News, the trio was seen visiting several stores at the Brentwood Country Mart before sitting down for lunch at a nearby farmer’s market. 

Dressed for the winter season, Ben, 53, and Samuel, whom he shares with ex-wife Jennifer Garner, coordinated in similar neutral-toned outfits.

Lopez, 56, opted for a cosy but polished look, pairing a thick cardigan with a brown dress and boots. The low-key outing reflected a calm, family-focused moment rather than a public spectacle.

Their reunion comes just two months after the pair appeared together professionally at the New York City premiere of Kiss of the Spider Woman in October. 

The former spouses both served as producers on the musical drama, adapted from the 1992 stage production, and were all smiles on the red carpet. 

Lopez also starred in the film as Ingrid Luna, a role Affleck openly praised.

“Jennifer is incredible in this movie,” Affleck said at the time. 

“She’s fabulous. And it’s an enormously difficult—it’s all these masters, so it’s not edited in such a way where you can make a little mistake here and there in the dance. It’s singing, dancing, acting and also trying to hold together these multiple tones in the movie.” 

Lopez, who shares twins Max and Emme, 17, with Marc Anthony, has also spoken about the project’s deeper meaning for her. 

Appearing on Today in October, she credited Affleck for helping bring the film to life, saying, “If it wasn’t for Ben, the movie wouldn’t have gotten made. And I will always give him that credit.” 

Their recent family outing suggests that, despite the end of their marriage, Affleck and Lopez continue to share mutual respect, and make space for moments that matter most.