via TechCrunch
Ubisoft Co-Founder Claude Guillemot Dies in Plane Crash
Claude Guillemot, co-founder of French video game giant Ubisoft, died on Friday at the age of 69 in a plane crash near the coastal resort town of La Baule, France. According to French media reports cited by Bloomberg, Guillemot was one of two people aboard the aircraft; both died in the accident.
Guillemot founded Ubisoft in 1986 alongside his four brothers. Under their leadership, the company grew into a global powerhouse, publishing iconic franchises such as Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, Prince of Persia, and Tom Clancy’s series, among many others. The Guillemot family still holds a controlling stake in the company, with brother Yves Guillemot serving as CEO. As of 2026, Ubisoft continues to adapt to industry shifts, including the rise of cloud gaming and subscription services, while maintaining its legacy IP.
Beyond Ubisoft, Claude Guillemot served as chairman of Guillemot Corp., a firm specializing in gaming peripherals and audio accessories. His contributions to the gaming world spanned four decades.
“Ubisoft was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Claude Guillemot, co-founder of the group and chairman of Guillemot Corp., in an accident,” the company said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. No further statements will be made at this time.”
The crash has sent shockwaves through the gaming community, with industry leaders and fans paying tribute to a visionary who helped shape modern interactive entertainment.