Claude Guillemot, Co-Founder of Ubisoft, Passes Away

Claude Guillemot, one of the five co-founders of Ubisoft, died on Friday evening, June 19, 2026, in a plane crash near La Baule in western France. The 69-year-old was reportedly aboard a twin-engine Cessna that crashed under currently unclear circumstances. French authorities have promptly initiated an investigation into the incident. Initial reports suggest that the aircraft encountered difficulties shortly after taking off from La Baule-Escoublac Airport.

Eyewitnesses reported a loud bang, followed by a cloud of smoke rising over the crash site. Guillemot was a central figure in the video game industry and played a crucial role in founding Ubisoft in 1986. Under his leadership, the company developed numerous successful game franchises, including Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Just Dance. The news of his death has caused great sorrow in the gaming community, with many colleagues and fans expressing their condolences on social media.

Ubisoft itself released an official statement honoring Guillemot's contributions to the industry and highlighting his vision for innovative games. Claude Guillemot was known not only for his entrepreneurial skills but also for his commitment to social projects. He advocated for the promotion of education and creativity in the technology sector. His philanthropic activities included scholarships for young developers and support for non-profit organizations. The exact circumstances of the crash are still unclear.

The French aviation authority BEA has announced that it will lead the investigations. Experts will examine the aircraft's black boxes to identify potential technical issues or human error. Guillemot is survived by his wife and two children. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time. The memorial service is expected to take place in the coming weeks, although details have not yet been disclosed.

Ubisoft has announced that it will hold a memorial event for Guillemot in the coming days, which will be accessible to both employees and the public. The company plans to honor his achievements and influence on the gaming industry. Claude Guillemot will be remembered as a visionary who significantly shaped the video game sector. His innovative spirit and commitment to game development are regarded by many as groundbreaking.

According to estimates, Ubisoft generated over 2 billion euros in annual revenue under his leadership. The investigation into the plane crash is expected to take several months. The BEA has already announced that it will provide regular updates on the progress of the investigations. An initial report could be published in the coming weeks.