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

By: Harsh Vardhan

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Updated on: 22-Jun-2026 12:00 PM

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Claude Guillemot, co-founder of Ubisoft, died in a plane crash in France at age 69. The accident occurred on Friday near La Baule, a resort town in western France. Guillemot was one of two people on board a Cessna 421 aircraft, and both died in the crash.

Key Highlights

• Claude Guillemot, Ubisoft co-founder, died in a Cessna 421 crash near La Baule, France at 69.
• Ubisoft confirmed his death and expressed condolences to his family and loved ones.
• Assassin's Creed franchise has over 200 million players and its latest release launched in 2025.

Details of the Plane Crash

The crash happened shortly before 6 p.m. as the plane approached La Baule's airport. The Cessna 421 is a twin-engine propeller plane with eight seats. Witnesses saw the aircraft bank and crash moments before the accident, according to Mayor Franck Louvrier. French news network ICI first reported the incident.

Ubisoft confirmed Guillemot's death in a statement on Saturday. The company expressed condolences to his family and loved ones. Guillemot was also chairman of Guillemot Corporation, which manufactures gaming accessories and audio equipment.

Claude Guillemot's Legacy at Ubisoft

Claude Guillemot co-founded Ubisoft in 1986 with his four brothers. The company began as a small French gaming business and grew into one of the world's largest video game publishers. Ubisoft is known for creating popular franchises such as Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, Prince of Persia, Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six, and Rayman.

The Guillemot family still controls Ubisoft. Yves Guillemot, Claude's brother, continues to serve as the company's CEO. Ubisoft is recognized for producing large open-world games that attract millions of players worldwide.

Assassin's Creed Franchise Impact

Among Ubisoft's franchises, Assassin's Creed stands as the most successful. The series launched in 2007 and follows two secret societies in conflict across different historical periods. Assassin's Creed has attracted over 200 million players globally.

The latest major release, Assassin's Creed Shadows, launched in 2025. The game is set in 16th-century Japan and features battles against powerful enemies and political intrigue. The franchise's popularity has led Ubisoft's film and television division to develop adaptations of both Assassin's Creed and Far Cry.

Other Roles and Contributions

In addition to his work at Ubisoft, Claude Guillemot served as chairman of Guillemot Corporation. This company produces gaming accessories and audio equipment, expanding his influence in the gaming industry beyond software development.