Ubisoft Co-Founder Claude Guillemot Dies in Plane Crash at Age 69
6 verified4 unconfirmed
Claude Guillemot, a co-founder of video game publisher Ubisoft, died Friday evening when the twin-engine Cessna 421 plane he was piloting crashed near La Baule, France. He was 69. A flight instructor was also on board and died in the accident. Guillemot co-founded Ubisoft in 1986 with his four brothers, including current chairman and CEO Yves Guillemot, and the company became known for franchises such as Assassin’s Creed, Rayman, and Far Cry. He also served as chairman of Guillemot Corporation, a gaming accessories company the brothers had founded earlier. Ubisoft released a statement expressing deep sadness over his death.
What’s verified
Claude Guillemot died in a twin-engine Cessna 421 plane crash near La Baule, France, on Friday.
He was 69 years old.
He co-founded Ubisoft with his brothers Michel, Yves, Gérard, and Christian in 1986.
A flight instructor was also on board and died in the crash.
Ubisoft issued a statement expressing sadness over his death.
Guillemot also served as chairman of Guillemot Corporation, a gaming accessories company.
Not yet confirmed
One source reported that Guillemot and the instructor had set off from Rennes for the Fly In La Baule meeting. Another source stated they were in town for an air show.
One source noted that Guillemot handed day-to-day management of Guillemot Corporation to his son Valentin in July 2025 and remained chairman, while also noting he was Deputy CEO at Ubisoft. These details were not confirmed by the other source.
One source mentioned that Ubisoft is preparing for the release of “Black Flag Resynced” on July 9. The other source did not mention this.
One source reported that both victims were licensed, experienced pilots, according to the AP, and that Mayor Franck Louvrier confirmed an investigation is underway. The other source did not include these details.
Key figures
Claude Guillemot (deceased, co-founder of Ubisoft and chairman of Guillemot Corporation), Yves Guillemot (brother, chairman/CEO of Ubisoft), Valentin Guillemot (son, CEO of Guillemot Corporation), Franck Louvrier (Mayor of La Baule-Escoublac)
Sources: deadline.com, thewrap.com
