Ubisoft co-founder Claude Guillemot dies in plane crash in western France, game company confirms
Claude Guillemot, one of the founding minds of electronic games giant Ubisoft, died in a tragic plane crash on the night of last Friday, June 20, 2026, in western France. The news was confirmed by the company itself this Saturday, lamenting the loss of one of its pillars.
The businessman, who also presided over the Guillemot Foundation, was on board a Cessna aircraft that crashed in a field. The incident occurred moments before the plane landed at La Baule Airport, located on the country’s Atlantic coast.
The tragedy of the plane crash that killed the businessman
The small single-engine plane, which was carrying Guillemot and a second person, crashed on Friday night (20). Details about the dynamics of the accident are still being determined by local authorities, who have started investigations to clarify the causes.
The regional press reported that both occupants of the aircraft succumbed to their injuries and died at the scene. An airport employee, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed the incident and fatalities.
Claude Guillemot’s trajectory and the creation of Ubisoft
In 1986, Claude Guillemot, alongside his four brothers, was instrumental in establishing Ubisoft, a company that would revolutionize the digital entertainment market. The group’s vision and joint effort have transformed the company into one of the most respected and influential names in the global video game industry.
The developer is the creative mind behind globally acclaimed franchises that have shaped generations of gamers and set standards in creating immersive worlds. Among its best-known titles are the “Assassin’s Creed” saga, the popular “Just Dance”, and the “Rayman” and “Tom Clancy” series, which continue to be pillars in the company’s catalog.
The legacy of the Guillemot family in the gaming universe
The founding of Ubisoft did not just mark the beginning of a company, but the establishment of a family empire in the gaming sector, whose influence spans decades. The Guillemot brothers have maintained a significant presence in the management and strategic development of the company over the years, consolidating their legacy and ensuring continued innovation.
The death of Claude Guillemot represents the loss of a pioneer whose contribution was essential to the growth and globalization of electronic games. He leaves an indelible mark not only on Ubisoft, but across pop culture, with his role as president of the Guillemot Foundation also highlighting his commitment to initiatives other than game development.
















