Ubisoft Co-Founder Claude Guillemot Dies in Plane Crash in France

The global gaming community is mourning the loss of Claude Guillemot, one of the co-founders of Ubisoft, who died in a light aircraft crash in western France on June 19.

According to reports from French media, the accident occurred near the La Baule-Escoublac Airfield when a Cessna 421 aircraft owned by the 69-year-old businessman crashed shortly after taking off from Rennes.

Guillemot was travelling with a flight instructor from Rennes, whose identity has not yet been officially disclosed. Both men suffered fatal injuries in the crash.

Emergency responders launched a large-scale operation following the incident, deploying dozens of firefighters and specialised rescue vehicles to the scene. Despite their efforts, the two occupants could not be saved.

Reports indicate that Guillemot was on his way to an aviation enthusiasts’ gathering in La Baule-Escoublac, an event expected to attract more than 100 aircraft and aviation hobbyists from across the region.

French aviation authorities have since opened an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.

Claude Guillemot was one of the five Guillemot brothers who founded Ubisoft in 1986, helping to build what would become one of the most influential companies in the global video game industry. Beyond his role in Ubisoft’s early development, he also served as Chief Executive Officer of Guillemot Corporation and sat on Ubisoft’s board of directors.

Under the leadership of the Guillemot family, Ubisoft evolved from a small French gaming company into an international entertainment giant, producing some of the industry’s most successful franchises, including Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege.

For many gamers around the world, Guillemot’s legacy extends far beyond boardrooms and business decisions. His work helped shape decades of interactive entertainment, creating experiences enjoyed by millions of players across generations.

His death marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the history of the video game industry, with tributes expected from colleagues, industry leaders and gaming enthusiasts worldwide as they reflect on his contributions to one of the world’s most recognisable gaming brands.