Ubisoft Co-Founder Claude Guillemot Dies — One of the Creators of a Gaming Empire

Claude Guillemot, the 69-year-old co-founder of Ubisoft and a key figure in the company’s history, died in a plane crash in France. The private twin-engine Cessna 421 he was traveling in crashed while attempting to land at La Baule-Escoublac Airport on the country’s Atlantic coast. A 70-year-old flight instructor also perished in the accident.

Ubisoft confirmed the death of one of its founders, expressing condolences to his family and loved ones. The company was established in 1986 by the five Guillemot brothers, who initially focused on importing and distributing games in France. By 1989, the startup’s revenue reached millions of dollars, and in 1995, Ubisoft released its first globally successful game—the platformer Rayman. This success allowed the company to go public in 1996, raising $80 million and opening studios worldwide.

Under the leadership of the Guillemot brothers, Ubisoft became one of the largest players in the entertainment market, releasing iconic franchises such as Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, Rainbow Six, Ghost Recon, and Watch Dogs. Despite recent financial challenges and cyberattacks, the company remains a major industry player. The Guillemot family, through Guillemot Brothers S.A., retains control of 12.27% of Ubisoft’s shares, while Claude’s brother, Yves Guillemot, continues to serve as CEO.

Claude Guillemot also headed Guillemot Corporation, which manages brands in audio technology (Hercules), DJ equipment (Djuced), and gaming accessories (Thrustmaster). An experienced pilot, he was en route to an airshow when the tragedy occurred. The investigation into the crash has been assigned to France’s BEA, the equivalent of the U.S. NTSB, and may take several years to complete.