Ubisoft Co-Founder Claude Guillemot Dies in Plane Crash

June 21, 2026 - 22:51

Ubisoft has confirmed that Claude Guillemot, one of the five brothers who founded the French video game giant, has died in a plane accident. The company released a brief statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss, calling Claude a visionary who helped shape the company from a small family business into a global entertainment powerhouse.

Claude Guillemot, along with his brothers Yves, Michel, Gerard, and Christian, launched Ubisoft in 1986 in Brittany, France. The family-run operation started as a local video game distributor before moving into game development. Over the decades, the Guillemot brothers built Ubisoft into one of the largest game publishers in the world, known for franchises like Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six.

Details of the accident remain limited. Ubisoft has not disclosed where or when the crash occurred, nor has it named any other possible victims. The company asked for privacy for the Guillemot family during this difficult time.

Claude was less visible in the public eye compared to his brother Yves, who serves as Ubisoft's CEO. However, those who worked closely with him described him as a steady hand behind the scenes, involved in strategic decisions and the company's expansion into new markets.

The news has sent ripples through the gaming industry, with developers and executives expressing condolences. Ubisoft's stock saw a slight dip in early trading following the announcement, though analysts say the long-term impact on the company's leadership remains unclear.

The Guillemot family has not issued a separate statement. Ubisoft said it will honor Claude's memory internally and continue to focus on its upcoming game releases.