Ubisoft co-founder Claude Guillemot dies in plane crash

Saturday 20 June 2026 - 17:00

Claude Guillemot, co-founder of the French video game company Ubisoft, has died in a plane crash, the company confirmed on Saturday. He was widely recognized as one of the key figures behind the creation and early development of one of the world’s leading video game publishers.

Guillemot co-founded Ubisoft in 1986 alongside his brothers, helping to build what would become a major global player in the gaming industry. Over the decades, the company expanded internationally, producing some of the most popular video game franchises in the world.

The news of his death was announced in an official statement by Ubisoft, which expressed deep sadness over the loss. The company also noted that Guillemot served as chairman of Guillemot Corp and remained an influential figure in the broader French technology and gaming sector.

“Ubisoft was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Claude Guillemot, co-founder of the group… in an accident,” the statement said, adding that the company’s thoughts were with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. No further details were released regarding the circumstances of the crash.

Tributes from the video game industry are expected to follow, as Guillemot’s role in shaping Ubisoft’s early success is widely acknowledged. His work contributed to the rise of France as an important hub in the global gaming industry.

The company confirmed that no additional statements would be made for the moment, as it focuses on supporting the family and internal teams affected by the loss.