Star Wars: Battlefront III Predecessor Becomes Playable on PC 13 Years After Cancellation

### Heartbreaking Death of Vince Zampella in Vehicle Accident

On Sunday, Vince Zampella, a key figure in the gaming sector and executive vice president at EA, was fatally injured in a vehicle accident in Southern California. Zampella, instrumental in the formation of the hit series *Call of Duty*, was involved in a single-car crash on December 21 at around 12:45 PM local time. The event took place on a roadway north of Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Mountains.

According to NBC4 reports, the California Highway Patrol reported that Zampella’s car lost control and struck a concrete barrier. The accident led to a vehicle fire, leaving Zampella trapped inside, where he ultimately perished. A passenger in the car was thrown from the vehicle during the impact and later succumbed to injuries at a local hospital. The exact cause of the crash is still unclear, and it has not been verified if Zampella was behind the wheel at the time.

Vince Zampella, aged 55, was a significant player in the video game realm. After aiding in the triumph of *Call of Duty*, he co-founded Respawn Entertainment in 2010, alongside fellow *CoD* developer Jason West. Respawn’s debut project was the widely praised *Titanfall*, which was succeeded by a sequel and the immensely popular battle royale title *Apex Legends*. The studio also created two successful *Star Wars* action games, *Jedi: Fallen Order* and *Jedi: Survivor*.

In 2017, Respawn was acquired by EA, reinforcing its position as a vital element of the publisher’s studio lineup. Zampella’s influence reached beyond Respawn as he took the helm of the *Battlefield* series in 2021, aiding in its revival with the launch of *Battlefield 2042*, which is now considered one of the major games of 2025.

Zampella’s impact on the gaming industry, especially through franchises like *Call of Duty* and *Battlefield*, has created a lasting legacy. His sudden departure is profoundly felt by colleagues, fans, and the wider gaming community.

This is an ongoing story, and additional information will be provided as investigations into the accident continue.

Sundays are for writing your first ever Sunday Papers. Though your excitement, like mine, may slip a little when you realise you’ve been reading almost anything but gaming articles this week. So, I shall be leaning quite heavily into the “(mostly)” in the column’s mission of rounding up “great writing about (mostly) videogames”.

I hope you’ll be able to find as much joy in writing about bacteria, lighthouses, and life after a nuclear war as I have.

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### Support for Ludovic Mbock: A Community Uniting for a Fighting Game Icon

Ludovic Mbock, a celebrated figure in the fighting game community (FGC), has recently faced unfortunate developments following his reported detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Renowned for his expertise in popular games such as *Street Fighter* and *King of Fighters*, Mbock’s predicament has led to a significant display of support from friends, family, and fans who are coming together to secure his freedom.

#### Fundraising Initiatives for Legal Assistance

In light of Mbock’s detention, a GoFundMe campaign was initiated by organizer David Hazlewood. The goal is to raise $50,000 to address legal expenses related to Mbock’s defense and to offer direct aid during this difficult period. Remarkably, within just one day of its launch, the campaign has collected over $41,000, underscoring the robust support network surrounding Mbock within the FGC and beyond.

Hazlewood highlights the significance of community backing, stating, “Please help Ludovic, who is a wonderful and kind person that makes the world a better place. America is better with him here.” The heartfelt plea resonates with many, motivating contributions to ensure Mbock receives the legal representation he requires.

#### Context Regarding the Detention

Information regarding Ludovic Mbock’s detention remains scarce, including the particular circumstances and timeline of the incident. As per writer Sam Machkovech’s post on Bluesky, Mbock immigrated from Cameroon and has been a long-standing resident of the United States, having graduated from a high school in Maryland in 2006. The fighting game community, including his teammates from The Hiero Group, have expressed considerable concern and urgency about his situation.

#### Community Reaction and Updates

The FGC’s reaction to Mbock’s situation has been prompt. Numerous players and supporters are widely sharing the GoFundMe link across social media, urging for help to collect the essential funds for his legal defense. In a recent update, Hazlewood mentioned that the contributions received have already been put towards initial legal fees, striving to postpone Mbock’s possible transfer to another ICE facility while they work on securing his release.

Mbock’s influence extends beyond the competitive gaming landscape; he is also acknowledged for his contributions to the FGC over the last decade, particularly noted for his impressive performances playing as Chun-Li in *Street Fighter*. His matches have attracted attention, and his skills have motivated many in the community.

#### Conclusion

As the situation evolves, the community’s dedication to supporting Ludovic Mbock remains unwavering. Contributions to the GoFundMe campaign not only provide financial help but also serve as a poignant reminder of the solidarity and empathy within the gaming community. The aspiration is that, with sufficient support, Ludovic will be able to return to his passion: competing and contributing to the dynamic fighting game community that has embraced him.

For those wishing to help Ludovic Mbock, donations can be made through the [GoFundMe campaign](https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-ludovics-legal-defense), where every contribution brings him one step closer to being reunited with his friends, family, and the competitive scene he cherishes.