Battlefield 6 Director Criticizes EA for Inspiring Creation of Call of Duty

Vince Zampella has been a pivotal figure in the gaming industry, contributing to renowned titles such as Call of Duty, Apex Legends, and most recently, Battlefield 6. His path has not been straightforward, especially due to interactions with Electronic Arts (EA).

Zampella’s Early Career and EA’s Role

Back in the early 2000s, Zampella played a significant role as the lead designer in the success of “Medal of Honor: Allied Assault,” a game published by EA. However, disputes arose, prompting Zampella to leave and co-found Infinity Ward, which later gained creative control over Call of Duty under Activision in 2009.

Call of Duty’s Unexpected Genesis

In a candid interview with GQ, Zampella revealed that the existence of Call of Duty hinged on EA’s earlier actions, suggesting that their conduct indirectly led to the creation of the iconic franchise. Although he didn’t delve into specifics, his remark underscored the role of adversity in shaping one of the most celebrated shooter series.

Fired and Rehired: Respawn’s Journey

Tensions with Activision arose, leading to the firing of Zampella and co-founder Jason West on charges of alleged “insubordination.” Undeterred, they founded Respawn Entertainment, which was later acquired by EA. Zampella subsequently took charge of the Battlefield series.

Battlefield 6: A New Chapter

Despite challenges, Battlefield 6 marked a milestone with its strongest series launch, reaching 747,440 concurrent players on Steam during its premiere weekend. This achievement stands out particularly because many involved in its development were new to the series.

As the gaming world evolves, Zampella’s influence remains undeniable, bridging past grievances into current successes in the industry.