Ubisoft Cofounder Claude Guillemot Dies at 69 in Plane Crash

Claude Guillemot, one of the 5 brothers who founded Ubisoft and a central figure in the company’s hardware and operational businesses, has died at age 69 following a plane crash in western France. The accident occurred on June 19, 2026 near La Baule Escoublac Airport. According to initial reporting from Ouest France and later coverage from Bloomberg, Guillemot was aboard a twin engine Cessna 421 with one other person. Both people on the aircraft died.

French authorities have opened an investigation into the cause of the crash. No final explanation for the accident has been released.

Ubisoft confirmed Guillemot’s death in a statement and asked that his family be given privacy.

"Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time."
— Ubisoft spokesperson.

Claude Guillemot cofounded Ubisoft in 1986 alongside his brothers Christian, Gérard, Michel, and Yves. What began as a family technology and software business in Brittany eventually grew into one of the largest video game publishers in the world.

Ubisoft’s early history included software distribution and original releases such as Zombi before the company established internationally recognized franchises. Rayman arrived in 1995 and became one of Ubisoft’s earliest defining properties, followed by major series including Prince of Persia, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six, Splinter Cell, Far Cry, Just Dance, and Assassin’s Creed.

The first Assassin’s Creed launched in 2007 and helped transform Ubisoft into one of the industry’s most influential publishers. The franchise later became one of the company’s central global properties across games, books, films, and other entertainment projects.

While Yves Guillemot became Ubisoft’s most visible executive as Chairman and CEO, Claude played an important role in operations and corporate development. Ubisoft’s corporate biography identified him as a member of the Board and the executive responsible for operations. He also served as Chairman and CEO of Guillemot Corporation, the family’s hardware business behind brands including Thrustmaster and Hercules. Under his leadership, the company expanded its gaming accessories, audio products, research operations, logistics network, and international presence across more than 150 countries.

His work connected Ubisoft’s software heritage with the family’s wider gaming hardware activities. Thrustmaster became known for racing wheels, flight controls, gamepads, and simulation equipment, while Hercules developed audio and computer products for consumer markets.

Claude Guillemot often worked away from the public attention surrounding Ubisoft’s largest game announcements, but his operational experience and understanding of gaming technology remained part of the group’s leadership structure for decades.

Claude Guillemot’s legacy is closely tied to that transformation. He helped establish the company during the early years of the European video game industry and remained involved as Ubisoft expanded across development, publishing, hardware, and global operations.

His passing represents a major loss for the Guillemot family, Ubisoft, Guillemot Corporation, and the wider French gaming industry.

Which Ubisoft game or franchise has had the greatest impact on your experience as a player?