Ubisoft Co-Founder Claude Guillemot Dies in Plane Crash

Claude Guillemot, co-founder of the celebrated video game publisher Ubisoft, died in a plane crash on Friday in France at the age of 69. Ubisoft is known for popular game series like Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry. Guillemot helped establish the company with his brothers in 1986.

“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,” a Ubisoft spokesperson said on Saturday. “Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.” No further details about the crash or his death were released by the company.

The French news network ICI detailed that a Cessna 421, a twin-engine propeller aircraft with seating for eight, went down shortly before 6 p.m. on Friday in La Baule, a seaside resort in western France. Both occupants of the aircraft were pronounced dead. According to witnesses, the plane “banked and crashed” as it neared the airport of the town, Mayor Franck Louvrier of La Baule confirmed. The identity of the second victim remains unknown.

Ubisoft, founded by Guillemot and his four brothers, quickly became a major player in the gaming industry. Early successes included titles such as Zombi and Rayman. The Assassin’s Creed franchise, launched in 2007, has since drawn 200 million players globally. The 2025 iteration, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, was praised for its detailed portrayal of 16th-century Japan. The New York Times lauded its immersive representation of the era, stating, “Shadows offers more, digging deeper to deliver a fascinating, grounded picture beyond the wild, natural world.”

However, the game faced criticism from some online users for its inclusion of a Black samurai character, Yasuke. Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk called it an example of how “D.E.I. kills art,” referring to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Ubisoft clarified that their games are fictional, although Yasuke was a historical figure.

Ubisoft’s film and television division is currently developing adaptations of both the Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry series.

Aside from Ubisoft, Guillemot was also chairman of the Guillemot Corporation, which specializes in gaming accessories and audio equipment.

Derrick Bryson Taylor reports on cultural and art-related breaking news for the Times.