Gaming Industry Legend Killed In Tragic Plane Crash, Fans Left Stunned
Claude Guillemot, one of the five brothers who founded Ubisoft, died in a plane crash in western France on Friday. He was 69 years old. The company confirmed his death on Saturday and paid tribute to the businessman who helped turn Ubisoft into one of the world’s leading video game companies.
The crash happened near La Baule Airport on France’s Atlantic coast. Authorities said Guillemot was traveling on a twin-engine Cessna 421 that took off from Rennes. The aircraft crashed into a field shortly before it was due to land.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene and found the plane engulfed in flames. The fire also spread to nearby vegetation, making rescue efforts more difficult.
Following the tragedy, Ubisoft released a statement expressing its sadness over Guillemot’s passing.
“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.”
A Pioneer Of Ubisoft And European Gaming
Claude Guillemot founded Ubisoft in 1986, along with his brothers Yves, Michel, Christian, and Gérard Guillemot, in Brittany, France. What began as a small software distribution company eventually grew into one of the world’s biggest video game publishers.
Over the years, Ubisoft created some of gaming’s most popular franchises, including Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six, Rayman, and Just Dance. Guillemot also served as chairman of Guillemot Corp., the family company that owns a major stake in Ubisoft.
Ubisoft co-founder Claude Guillemot passed away yesterday in a plane crash in Le Bale in Western France. pic.twitter.com/evcKrpxqIN
— The Game Awards (@thegameawards) June 20, 2026
According to local reports, Guillemot owned the aircraft involved in the crash. Authorities said a flight instructor from Rennes was also on board, and both men died in the accident.
La Baule mayor Franck Louvrier confirmed details about the flight. Local media reported that Guillemot was traveling to an aviation event that was expected to attract more than 100 aircraft, reflecting his longtime passion for flying.
His death comes at a challenging time for Ubisoft. The company recently reported a record annual loss of nearly €1.5 billion and has begun a major restructuring plan. Ubisoft has canceled several projects, delayed others, and reorganized some of its studios as it works to improve its finances.
Despite those difficulties, Ubisoft continues to invest in its biggest franchises. New releases from Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six remain central to the company’s future plans.
For many people in the gaming world, Claude Guillemot will be remembered as one of the key figures behind Ubisoft’s journey from a small family business to a global entertainment company.
Gaming Industry Legend Killed In Tragic Plane Crash, Fans Left Stunned
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