Battlefield Boss Vince Zampella Reveals Call of Duty’s Existence Stems from EA’s Past Actions

Battlefield’s influential figure, Vince Zampella, recently provided insights into the origins of the Call of Duty franchise. Now part of EA, Zampella boldly attributed Call of Duty’s creation to past actions of EA, stating, “The only reason that Call of Duty exists is because EA were difficult.” His career has notably swung between EA and Activision, two major competitors in the gaming industry.
From EA to Activision and Back
Zampella began his career at EA, contributing to the famous Medal of Honor series as the lead designer for Medal of Honor: Allied Assault, from 1999 to 2002. Following this stint, he founded Infinity Ward, cultivating the creation of Call of Duty. Their goal was clear: develop a franchise that could contend with Medal of Honor.
Infinity Ward’s Struggles and Activision’s Support
While planning new projects, EA’s decision to bring Medal of Honor development in-house left Infinity Ward in a tough position. Legal matters caused financial strains, as former Infinity Ward artist Justin Thomas mentioned in a 2013 interview. In response, Activision stepped in to collaborate with Infinity Ward, setting the stage for Call of Duty’s success.
The Rise and Impact of Call of Duty
Call of Duty quickly ascended to a colossal status in gaming, becoming a rival to EA’s offerings. However, after Modern Warfare 2’s release in 2009, Zampella and Activision parted ways amidst a legal conflict regarding unpaid bonuses, a dispute that ultimately concluded with a significant payout for Zampella.
A New Chapter with Respawn and EA
- Post-Activision: Zampella established Respawn Entertainment, known for Titanfall and Apex Legends.
- EA Acquisition: EA initially partnered with and later acquired Respawn, enhancing its gaming portfolio.
- Promotions and Innovations: Zampella rose within EA, eventually leading the reinvigoration of the Battlefield franchise.
Battlefield’s Recent Success
Under Zampella’s leadership, the recently released Battlefield 6 marked a triumph for EA, achieving their highest-ever launch on Steam. This success reflects the strategic directions and innovative focus Zampella has brought to the franchise.
In a notable aside, Zampella shared experiences from the industry’s intersections with Hollywood. Prominent director Ridley Scott once showed potential interest in directing a Call of Duty film, though the project never materialized. Ultimately, the gaming industry’s view on film adaptations has evolved over time.
Battlefield 6 continues to receive positive feedback, with further reviews anticipated in upcoming seasons. For ongoing coverage, visit Emegypt’s dedicated Battlefield section.