Claude Guillemot, co-founder of Ubisoft, died when the small twin-engine aircraft he was traveling in crashed near La Baule in western France.
Guillemot, 69, was killed when the small twin-engine seaplane he was traveling in crashed near the coastal town of La Baule in western France on Friday evening. According to French media reports, the aircraft went down while attempting to land at a nearby airport.
Two other people aboard the plane were also killed in the accident. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the second victim. Witnesses told local media that the aircraft suddenly lost altitude and crashed during its final approach.
Ubisoft confirmed Guillemot’s death in a statement, describing the loss of the company’s co-founder and chairman of the Guillemot Corporation as a tragic moment for the entire organization. The company extended its condolences and prayers to his family and loved ones.
Claude Guillemot co-founded Ubisoft in 1986 alongside his four brothers. He played a leading role in building the company into one of the world’s largest video game publishers, known for globally successful franchises such as Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rayman.
Among Ubisoft’s most successful titles, the Assassin’s Creed series, launched in 2007, has attracted more than 200 million players worldwide.
Tributes have poured in following the news of his death. French Junior Minister for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs Aurore Bergé praised Guillemot as a pioneer of France’s video game industry who helped drive the sector’s growth and international success.
Beyond video games, Ubisoft expanded into film and television production under Guillemot’s leadership in recent years. Many within the gaming industry have described his passing as a major loss for the global video game community.
