LA BAULE, FRANCE — Claude Guillemot, co-founder of French video game giant Ubisoft Entertainment SA and chairman of Guillemot Corporation, has died at the age of 69 following a plane crash on France’s Atlantic coast.
Ubisoft confirmed Guillemot’s death in a statement on Friday, expressing sorrow over the loss of one of the company’s founding figures.
“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. “Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. No further statements will be made at this time.”
According to reports from French newspaper Ouest-France, Guillemot died on June 19 when a twin-engine Cessna 421 aircraft crashed in La Baule, a popular resort town that was preparing to host an air show this weekend. He was one of two people aboard the aircraft, and both occupants were killed in the crash.
Claude Guillemot co-founded Ubisoft in 1986 alongside his brothers, helping build what would become one of the world’s leading video game publishers. Under the Guillemot family’s leadership, Ubisoft grew into an internationally recognized company responsible for some of gaming’s most iconic franchises, including Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six, and Prince of Persia.
Beyond Ubisoft, Guillemot served as chairman of Guillemot Corporation, a company specializing in entertainment hardware and accessories. The firm is known globally for brands such as Hercules and Thrustmaster, products widely used by gaming enthusiasts and simulation communities.
A graduate of the University of Rennes, where he earned a master’s degree in economic science, Claude Guillemot was regarded as an influential entrepreneur whose vision helped shape both Ubisoft and the broader gaming industry.
He is survived by his family, including his brother, Yves Guillemot, Ubisoft’s longtime chief executive officer.
As tributes emerge from colleagues, gamers, and industry leaders around the world, Claude Guillemot will be remembered as a pioneering businessman whose contributions helped transform video gaming into a global cultural and entertainment phenomenon.