Claude Guillemot, a pivotal figure in the gaming industry and a co-founder of Ubisoft, has tragically died in a plane crash in France. Reports indicate that the accident occurred on Friday evening when the Cessna 421 twin-engine aircraft he was piloting went down near the aerodrome of La Baule, a popular beach resort in Western France where Guillemot owned a vacation home. It is also reported that his flight instructor did not survive the incident.
Ubisoft issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over Guillemot’s passing, acknowledging his significant contributions to the company and conveying condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
On the day of the accident, Guillemot and the instructor had taken off from Rennes, intending to attend the Fly In La Baule gathering, an event that draws aviation enthusiasts with a shared passion for light aircraft.
Claude Guillemot was 69 years old and co-founded Ubisoft in 1986 with his brothers Michel, Yves, Gérard, and Christian in their hometown of Carentoir, Brittany. Starting with games like Zombi and Iron Lord, the company steadily evolved into one of the foremost video game makers globally, best known for critically acclaimed franchises such as Assassin’s Creed, Rayman, Driver, Rabbids, Tom Clancy’s, and Watch Dogs.
In addition to Ubisoft, Guillemot also played a crucial role in the establishment of Guillemot Corporation in 1984, a company specializing in gaming accessories and digital audio technology. This venture further showcased his entrepreneurial spirit and influence in the gaming landscape. Alongside his brothers, he co-founded Gameloft in 2000, which became a leading provider of downloadable games for smartphones.
While he stepped back from daily operations at Guillemot Corporation in July 2025, passing the reins to his son, Valentin Guillemot, he maintained a significant presence as Chairman of the Board of Directors, continuing to guide the company’s overall strategy. At Ubisoft, where his brother Yves serves as CEO, Claude held the position of Deputy Chief Executive Officer and was part of the board but was no longer involved in everyday management.
His untimely death comes at a critical time for Ubisoft, which is preparing for the release of “Black Flag Resynced” on July 9. The company aims to revitalize its fortunes amid recent challenges, including declining popularity for its games and financial struggles. The loss of Claude Guillemot leaves a profound impact on both his family and the gaming industry as a whole, where his legacy will be remembered for years to come.
