Ubisoft Co-Founder Claude Guillemot Dies in Plane Crash at 69

Claude Guillemot, one of the five brothers who co-founded Ubisoft and helped build it into one of the world’s largest video game publishers, has died following a plane crash in western France. He was 69.

According to reports from French media outlet Ouest France, Guillemot was one of two people killed when a Cessna 421 aircraft crashed near La Baule airport on June 19. Emergency responders said the plane caught fire upon impact in a field close to the airport, with flames spreading to the surrounding area before firefighters brought the situation under control.

Ubisoft confirmed the news in a statement, expressing condolences to Guillemot’s family and loved ones.

Founded in 1986 by the Guillemot brothers, Ubisoft grew from a small French video game distributor into a global gaming powerhouse behind some of the industry’s most successful franchises, including Assassin's Creed and Far Cry.

While his brother Yves Guillemot remains the company’s chairman and chief executive officer, Claude Guillemot played a key role in the group’s development over several decades. He also served on Ubisoft’s board of directors and was chairman and CEO of Guillemot Corporation, the parent company behind gaming peripheral maker Thrustmaster and DJ equipment brand Hercules.

Guillemot’s death marks the loss of one of the figures who helped shape the modern European gaming industry. Under the leadership of the Guillemot family, Ubisoft expanded into a global publisher with studios and operations across multiple continents, becoming one of the most influential companies in interactive entertainment.

No additional details regarding the cause of the crash have been released. Ubisoft said it would not be making further statements at this time.