Claude Guillemot, a co-founder of Ubisoft, died in a plane crash in western France, authorities said Saturday. The Claude Guillemot plane crash happened Friday evening near La Baule-Escoublac Airport on France’s Atlantic coast.
Claude Guillemot Plane Crash Under Investigation
The aircraft was a twin-motor Cessna 421, according to the Associated Press. It crashed in a field shortly before landing near La Baule airport.
La Baule Mayor Franck Louvrier said Guillemot and a flight instructor were on board. Both were licensed and experienced pilots, according to the mayor. The instructor also died in the crash.
Officials have not released a cause. An investigation is underway.
Ubisoft confirmed Guillemot’s death but did not provide further details. The company said it would make no further statements at this time.
A Founding Figure at Ubisoft
Guillemot co-founded Ubisoft in 1986 with his four brothers. The French video game company grew into one of the industry’s major publishers.
Ubisoft is known for global franchises including Assassin’s Creed, Just Dance, Rayman and the Tom Clancy games. The company remains led by Yves Guillemot, one of the founding brothers.
Claude Guillemot also held leadership roles tied to gaming hardware and accessories. Ubisoft’s company biography identified him as chairman and chief executive officer of Guillemot Corporation, which is connected to the Hercules and Thrustmaster brands.
The company said he brought international experience and gaming technology knowledge to Ubisoft’s leadership.
Impact on the Gaming Industry
Guillemot’s death comes after four decades of influence in video games. Ubisoft helped shape major console and PC gaming trends, especially through open-world and action-adventure titles.
The company’s games have reached players worldwide. Its franchises also expanded into film, television, books, music and virtual reality projects.
For many players, Ubisoft’s titles became part of modern gaming culture. Assassin’s Creed, in particular, became one of the company’s most recognized brands.
The crash also drew attention because of Guillemot’s role beyond Ubisoft. Guillemot Corporation has marketed gaming accessories in more than 140 countries, according to Ubisoft’s biography.
What Officials Have Confirmed
Authorities have confirmed that the crash happened Friday evening, June 19, near La Baule on the Atlantic coast. The plane crashed before landing at La Baule-Escoublac Airport.
Two people were killed. Officials identified one victim as Claude Guillemot. The second victim was described as a flight instructor.
No additional passengers were reported by authorities in the AP account. Investigators have not announced a timeline for findings.
The confirmed facts remain limited. Officials have not said whether weather, mechanical issues or pilot actions played a role.
Guillemot’s death marks a major loss for France’s video game industry. His work helped build a company known across the world, while the investigation now turns to what caused the fatal crash.