Ubisoft Co-Founder Claude Guillemot Dies in Plane Crash
Claude Guillemot, a pivotal figure in the global video game industry and co-founder of Ubisoft, has died at the age of 69. He passed away on Friday following a fatal plane crash in the French resort town of La Baule.
According to reports from French media and confirmed by Bloomberg, Guillemot was one of two individuals on board the aircraft at the time of the accident. Authorities confirmed that both occupants perished in the crash.
Legacy in the Gaming Industry
Guillemot helped establish Ubisoft in 1986 alongside his four brothers. Under their guidance, the company evolved into a titan of the gaming sector, responsible for several of the world’s most recognizable entertainment franchises:
- Assassin’s Creed
- Far Cry
- Prince of Persia
- Tom Clancy series
The Guillemot family has maintained consistent control over the company since its inception, with Claude’s brother, Yves Guillemot, currently serving as the firm’s CEO. Beyond his work at Ubisoft, Claude Guillemot held the position of chairman at Guillemot Corp., a company specializing in the development of gaming and audio peripheral hardware.
Official Response
Ubisoft issued a brief formal statement regarding the tragedy, expressing the company’s collective grief. “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 stated. “Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. No further statements will be made at this time.”