Ubisoft Co-Founder Claude Guillemot Killed in French Plane Crash

A Cessna 421 twin-engine plane crashed while approaching La Baule-Le Pouliguen airport in western France shortly before 6 p.m. on Friday, killing Claude Guillemot, 69, co-founder of Ubisoft, and a flight instructor. Witnesses reported the aircraft banked sharply before impact.

New York Times

Claude Guillemot co-founded Ubisoft Entertainment in 1986 with his brothers. The studio grew from early titles such as Zombi and Rayman to global franchises Assassin’s Creed—with 200 million players—and Far Cry. In 2025 it released Assassin’s Creed Shadows, set in 16th-century Japan, and is developing film and TV adaptations of its IP. The company also operates a film and television division developing adaptations of its game IP, and the Guillemot Corporation, separate from Ubisoft, produces gaming accessories and audio equipment. The division is currently producing adaptations of the Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry franchises.

New York Times

The deceased were Claude Guillemot, Ubisoft co-founder and Guillemot Corp. chairman, and an unnamed flight instructor. Mayor Franck Louvrier of La Baule provided official information. Ubisoft’s spokesperson issued the company’s response. Elon Musk commented on the recent game release.

New York Times

Guillemot’s passing removes a founding member who helped build Ubisoft’s early releases and its later worldwide franchises.

New York Times

The aircraft was a Cessna 421, an eight-seat twin-engine propeller plane. Both occupants died.

New York Times

Ubisoft’s spokesperson said the company was deeply saddened by Guillemot’s death and extended thoughts to his family. Mayor Louvrier confirmed the crash, identified the two occupants, and noted the plane was on final approach when it went down. No cause has been released. The statement did not include further details about the accident.

New York Times

The Shadows launch drew criticism online for featuring a Black samurai, with some users labeling the game “woke.” Elon Musk called it an example of “D.E.I. kills art.” Ubisoft replied that its titles are fictional, noting Yasuke’s real-world existence. Ubisoft reiterated that its games are fictional narratives, even though Yasuke was a real historical figure.

New York Times

Ubisoft provided no details on the crash’s cause, while the mayor’s remarks did not name the flight instructor. No official investigation findings have been published, leaving the exact circumstances of the accident unclear.

New York Times

• “Ubisoft was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Claude Guillemot, co-founder of the group and chairman of Guillemot Corp., in an accident,” — Ubisoft spokesperson

New York Times

• “banked and crashed.” — Witnesses

New York Times

• “D.E.I. kills art,” — Elon Musk, tech entrepreneur

New York Times

• “stunningly realized depiction” — *New York Times* review

New York Times

• “Shadows offers more, digging deeper to deliver a fascinating, grounded picture beyond the wild, natural world.” — *New York Times* review

New York Times