Ubisoft co-founder Claude Guillemot dies in Cessna crash near La Baule
Claude Guillemot, the co-founder of Ubisoft, died on Friday when the Cessna he was piloting crashed near La Baule, France, the company confirmed on Saturday. The 69-year-old was at the controls of the twin-engine aircraft, which went down in a field near the La Baule aerodrome late Friday afternoon, killing both occupants. Ubisoft issued a statement on Saturday morning confirming Guillemot’s death, identifying the second victim as the flight instructor on board.
French aviation authorities have opened an investigation into the cause of the crash, which occurred as the aircraft departed from Rennes and approached La Baule, a coastal resort town in Loire-Atlantique. Local reports described the plane as a small, privately owned Cessna that appeared to have suffered a loss of control before impact. The wreckage was scattered across a rural area, and emergency services were dispatched shortly after the incident was reported at approximately 18:30 local time.
Guillemot, one of five brothers who co-founded Ubisoft in 1986, was instrumental in shaping the company into one of the world’s leading video game publishers. Under his leadership, Ubisoft developed landmark franchises including *Assassin’s Creed* and *Far Cry*, which have sold hundreds of millions of copies worldwide. Colleagues and industry figures have begun paying tribute to Guillemot, whose vision helped establish Ubisoft as a global force in interactive entertainment.
Ubisoft’s current management expressed shock and grief in a statement released on Saturday. “Claude was not only a visionary leader but a mentor to generations of developers,” the company said. “His legacy is woven into every game we create.” The gaming community has reacted swiftly, with tributes pouring in from developers, publishers, and players across Europe and North America. Industry analysts note that Guillemot’s death marks the end of an era for Ubisoft, which has already begun internal reviews to assess the impact on ongoing projects and leadership transitions.
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to offer official condolences in the coming hours, according to a spokesperson for the Élysée Palace. The investigation by the Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses (BEA), France’s air accident investigation agency, is expected to take several weeks, with preliminary findings anticipated by mid-July. Authorities have cautioned against speculation about the cause, which may include mechanical failure, pilot error, or environmental factors.
Guillemot is survived by his wife and four children. A private memorial service is being planned by the family, with details to be announced in the coming days. The global gaming community, meanwhile, has begun a wave of remembrance, with Ubisoft announcing plans to honor his legacy in future releases and company initiatives.
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